Some bollywood movies have shown them in a remarkable way and helped initiate conversations regarding the same helping in destigmatizing the concepts.
For anyone curious about how Bollywood has addressed psychological disorders, here’s a look at five remarkable movies that have portrayed mental health with nuance and sensitivity.
1. Bhool Bhulaiya 1
Bhool Bhulaiya is a 2007 psychological comedy thriller film and revolves around the story of Manjulika, a court dancer whose ghost roams around the ancestral palace and haunts the family living there.
The movie's climax reveals that there was no ghost but one of the characters in the movie who was suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder and had taken by the personality of Manjulika after hearing tales about her. Her condition was the result of some trauma she experienced when she was a child.
The film through its haunting and comic environment addresses a serious psychological disorder, dissociative identity disorder.
The American Psychological Association defines the disorder as the presence in one individual of two or more distinct identities or personality states that each recurrently take control of the individual’s behavior
The movie does an amazing job showcasing the symptoms and explanation of the disorder and also the stigma related to mental disorder in the society.
2. Dear Zindagi
Another movie that brilliantly depicts mental health issues is the 2016 film Dear Zindagi. The movie revolves around Kaira, a girl who seeks out the help of a therapist after her life seems to take a turn for the worse and she experiences insomnia.
The therapy session reveals a story of abandonment by Kaira’s parents in childhood and how that experience has led to her fearing desertion because of which she isn't able to form proper relationships as she leaves people before they leave her.
The movie showcases important themes like how past experiences can influence a person's adult life and relationships and how parents usually ignore or undermine their children's mental health and just label them as acting weird or being antisocial instead of actually listening to them and working on giving them a secure environment.
The therapeutic relationship between Kaira and her therapist Dr. Jehangir Khan highlights how a therapeutic relationship should be full of trust, confidentiality, professional and non judgemental. Dr. Khan's role highlights that therapy can be a safe space to explore emotions and cultivate inner strength.
3. Atrangi Re
Atrangi Re also touches on themes of mental health, trauma, and healing, which are woven subtly through the narrative. It shed light on the importance of acknowledging trauma and understanding the ways it can shape a person’s perception of reality.
It revolves around the story of Rinku Suryavanshi, a rebellious girl who is deeply in love with a mysterious figure named Sajjad Ali Khan. However, her family disapproves of her relationship and decides to marry her off to Vishu.
Rinku and Vishu find themselves caught in an arranged marriage against their will, and what unfolds is a series of chaotic, heartwarming, and humorous moments as they navigate the complications of forced matrimony.
It is later revealed that Rinku’s obsession with Sajjad is not just a simple romantic fixation but is tied to deeper issues from her past. Sajjad is Rinku’s father who was arrested and Rinku and her mother were forcefully brought back to the village.
The separation from her father deeply scarred Rinku and she started imagining Sajjad as her lover who she deeply loved and used to run away with.
The movie highlights how deep separation from one's parents can scar a child and how support from family and friends can help a person overcome these situations just like Vishu supported and helped Rinku.
4. Tamasha
Tamasha is another Bollywood film that goes beyond a typical romantic drama to explore the complexities of self-identity and mental health. Through Ved's journey, Tamasha explores how suppression of one’s true self can have profound effects on mental health.
Growing up with a fascination for stories and mythologies, Ved’s true passion lies in creative expression. But, yielding to social norms, he takes up a stable job in engineering, hiding his true self.
The movie highlights the effects of societal pressure on mental health, especially within cultures that place high value on traditional roles and stability and how it led to Ved developing Borderline Personality Disorder.
The disorder is characterized by widespread, prolonged patterns of severe emotional responses, a warped sense of self, and substantial interpersonal relationship instability.
The film contributes to a larger conversation on mental health, urging viewers to find their own paths and live lives that resonate with their deepest selves.
5. Barfi
Lastly on the list we have Barfi which is based on the story of Barfi, a hearing and speech-impaired young man, and his relationships with two women, Shruti and Jhilmil, who has autism.
The movie provides a positive outlook on disabilities and mental health disorders. Jhilmil’s character helps destigmatize autism, portraying it not as a disability but as a different way of experiencing the world. Barfi’s character challenges the stereotypical perception that those with disabilities are helpless or limited.
Shruti represents the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires. The movie does a phenomenal job showing the lives and struggles of people with disabilities and mental disorders and destigmatizing them.
Final Thoughts
Mental health has been quite a stigma driven concept in India but now that is slowly starting to change. Conversations regarding psychological issues are coming up and individuals are becoming more aware and understanding of them.
Movies like Bhool Bhulaiya, Dear Zindagi, Atrangi Re, Tamasha, and Barfi help in normalizing mental health issues and concepts as they go beyond entertainment, tackling complex psychological issues and breaking down societal stigmas around mental health.
Through nuanced storytelling and layered characters, these movies explore the impacts of trauma, societal pressure, and self-identity struggles, highlighting the importance of acceptance, compassion, and understanding for individuals dealing with psychological challenges encouraging audiences to embrace empathy and support.
Written by Suhaanei
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