Celine Song’s latest film Materialists sparked unexpected controversy, with critics accusing it of promoting so-called “broke man propaganda.” Many viewers were puzzled by Dakota Johnson’s character choosing a struggling, aimless actor (Chris Evans) over a wealthy and stable millionaire (Pedro Pascal). To them, the film seemed to undermine ambition by romanticizing emotional connection over financial security.
This reaction reveals a shifting mindset—where younger audiences increasingly view relationships through a pragmatic lens. Sentimental tales of self-sacrifice and passion are being replaced by narratives that prioritize tangible benefits and future stability. In their eyes, romance without economic value lacks substance.
The debate raises important questions: Are heartfelt connections losing ground to material expectations? Would timeless love stories like La La Land or Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa still resonate today?
Pyaasa (1957), considered one of India’s greatest classics, may well have been the original “broke man” film. Guru Dutt, who directed, co-wrote, and starred in it, offered a deeply personal portrayal of a penniless poet, Vijay. Ignored by publishers and rejected by a former lover who chose wealth over love, Vijay’s journey is one of longing, rejection, and emotional resilience. Dutt’s portrayal wasn’t just storytelling—it was introspection on screen.
Today, a film like Pyaasa might not find the same empathy. The culture of romantic idealism is giving way to one of calculated choices, where love alone may no longer suffice.