Bollywood has slowly moved from melodrama to mindful storytelling, giving space to films that explore mental health and emotional well-being. Therapy and identity crises, phobias and trauma, these films are freely discussing topics that were not discussed before and with impressive acting and insightful direction.
Dear Zindagi (2016)
This film, directed by Gauri Shinde, is a fast-tracked story of a talented cinematographer Kaira (portrayed by Alia Bhatt) who experiences insomnia, self-doubt, and relationship stress and enrolls in therapy with Jehangir “Jug” Khan (portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan). The film makes attending a therapist acceptable and discusses the fact that emotional problems are as valid as physical problems. It demonstrates the daily worry, overanalyzing, family stress and the notion that you can heal with a conversation about how you feel.
Tamasha (2015)
Directed by Imtiaz Ali, this movie narrates the life of Ved (Ranbir Kapoor) who appears to be happy, but over time he comes to realise that he leads another life. He takes a trip of self-discovery, loss of identity and emotional breakdown. It discusses psychological problems such as identity crisis, burnout and the need to fit in, all in a love story.
Phobia (2016)
Pavan Kirpalani directed this psychological thriller and stars Radhika Apte as Mehak, an artist who develops extreme agoraphobia after trauma. She is afraid to go out into the open and find life difficult. It brings us into a mind full of fear and it demonstrates how trauma can alter the world of a person.
Udaan (2010)
This is a coming-of-age movie directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, which involves Rohan, who is a teenager and whose abusive father imposes a life that Rohan does not desire. He handles silence, anger, dreams and burden of expectations. It displays the impact of emotional trauma, family pressure and unrealized dreams on the mental health of a young individual.
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
Directed by Reema Kagti, the movie features Aamir Khan in a film that blends grief, guilt and investigation. The film uses supernatural elements to highlight unresolved emotional pain following loss. It indirectly explores the way in which the loss and guilt manifest in the psyche and impact behaviour and relations.
Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
Directed by Vijay Lalwani, this psychological drama features Farhan Akhtar as a depressed man with mysterious phone calls from himself. He turn outs to have a mental health issue (schizophrenia/ multiple-personality) and must come to terms with his trauma. The movie deals with mental-health issues such as dissociation, childhood trauma, and the challenges of seeking help.
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