5 Must-Watch Bollywood Films That Deal with Mental Health Issues

Subjects like mental health issues are barely talked about in Indian households and are often overlooked. In last 2-3 decades Bollywood films have taken a step forward in portraying mental health issues through their build-up or real-life stories. The films have out forward the message in a very sensitive way to make people aware of the problems emotion one goes through when they have poor mental health.

Here are 5 Bollywood movies that you must watch because they depict various mental health conditions and illnesses in subtle, well-researched ways.

1. Tamasha

Tamasha, another masterpiece by Imtiaz Ali deals with the complexities of a person’s relationships when they have a personality disorder and pays credit to the traits displayed by those who have the condition.

In Tamasha the main lead Vir played by Ranbir Kapoor suffers from a borderline personality disorder. The film begins by portraying Vir as a very jolly and fun-loving person but with time we notice that how his personality is not constant but rather changes from time to time. The film further explores his early years and family to explain his sickness.

2. Tare Zameen Par

Tare Zameen Par, a film that portrayed something which was never brought up in mainstream Bollywood films, Amir khan’s self-produced film was one of the first movies to address the disorder dyslexia.

In the film, Darsheel Safary plays a little kid who struggles with the taunts he receives for acting in a way that seems entirely normal to him. We got to see firsthand the psychological pressure and mistreatment that individuals with dyslexia experience from peers, instructors, and occasionally even their own families.

3. Dear Zindagi

This movie is a total healer package, the storyline of the film completely revolves around mental health issues. In the film, the main lead Kaira (Alia Bhatt) is a cinematographer who battles childhood abandonment and deep-seated psychological disorders.

But she soon seeks help from a therapist Jug (Shahrukh Khan) which further leads to self-development and healing. The film normalizes the idea of realization and seeking help for any kind of mental health issue.

4. Chhichore

The film discussed test stress, pressure, and suicide. The story illustrated what one experiences under intense strain. The cut-throat competition, pressure, and stress for success in the examination have become quite common in our society and are often overlooked, the film Chhichore.

The character of a teen’s father was played by Sushant Singh Rajput. After learning that he did not pass the IIT, his son attempts suicide. Sushant Singh also tells the story of his college life passing the message that no one is a loser and that we can always choose to do the best in what we have got in our life rather than giving up.

5. 15 Park Avenue

The film “15 Park Avenue” by Aparna Sen is a work of art. The story focuses on Meethi, a Schizophrenic played by Konkona Sen Sharma. It illustrates the impact of schizophrenia on the sufferer, her relatives, and her relationships in a wonderful way. It will stick in your head for days because it is so realistic and moving.

People with schizophrenia, a serious mental illness, have altered perceptions of reality and they require lifelong treatment.

Films and their positive impact on the society

These films have successfully put forward a very positive impact on society, even though we just have a handful of films that deal with mental health issues and are in need of more but films like the ones mentioned above have helped bring about change among people. There are instances when the movie does credit to the issue and makes us think about the people who have to deal with poor mental health.