Guna to Kumbalangi Nights: Indian Movies That Talked About Mental Health

Earlier, actors were typecast in roles that showcased only joy and success, often portraying picture-perfect lives. Modern cinema recently had a transition as they began embracing characters that delve into mental health challenges. Indian movies have shifted form stereotypical and exaggerated to portrayals of mental health illness to realistic and sensitive depiction of characters. Now, Indian cinema addresses issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, and learning disabilities, helping raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote open conversations.

· Hindi:

1: A death in the Gunj (2016)

A Death in the Gunj portrays the quiet psychological breakdown of a sensitive young man, Shutu, who feels isolated and misunderstood. The film highlights how emotional neglect, bullying, and unaddressed grief can severely impact mental health, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. It’s a haunting study of silent suffering.

2: Highway (2014)

Highway explores the emotional healing of a young woman, Veera, after years of suppressed trauma from childhood abuse. Through her journey of escape and self-discovery, the film sheds light on how unresolved trauma affects mental health. It emphasizes the importance of freedom, self-expression, and confronting the past for inner peace.

· Kannada:

1: Manasa Sarovara (1982)

Manasa Sarovara is a Kannada film that deeply explores mental illness and emotional vulnerability. It tells the story of a psychiatrist who tries to treat a mentally disturbed young woman but gradually becomes emotionally unstable himself. The film highlights how untreated trauma, emotional entanglement, and obsession can affect mental health, showing that even caregivers are not immune to psychological breakdowns. It was ahead of its time in portraying mental illness with nuance and sensitivity.

2: Binna (2019)

Bhinna (2019), directed by Adarsh Eshwarappa, is a Kannada psychological thriller that delves into the mental unraveling of Kaveri, an aspiring actress. As she immerses herself in a film script mirroring her own life, the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, leading to hallucinations and a descent into schizophrenia. While the film ambitiously tackles mental health themes, it has faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes and lacking sensitivity in its portrayal of psychiatric treatment.

· Telugu:

1: Swathi Mutyam (2022)

Swathi Muthyam (2022) is a Telugu romantic comedy that subtly addresses social perceptions and misunderstandings surrounding surrogacy. The film follows Bala Murali Krishna, a naive and kind-hearted government employee, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a past sperm donation leads to a child being brought into his life on his wedding day. This unforeseen event causes societal judgment and familial misunderstandings, challenging Bala’s emotional resilience and personal growth. While the movie primarily focuses on situational humor and family dynamics, it touches upon themes of societal stigma and the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of unconventional circumstances.

2:Chi La Sow (2018)

Chi La Sow (2018), directed by Rahul Ravindran, is a Telugu romantic drama that thoughtfully addresses mental health through the character of Anjali’s mother, who suffers from bipolar disorder. The film portrays the challenges faced by Anjali, the family’s sole breadwinner, as she navigates societal pressures and personal responsibilities. By depicting mental illness with sensitivity and avoiding melodrama, Chi La Sow contributes to a more nuanced understanding of mental health in Indian cinema.

· Tamil:

1: Guna (1991)

The film’s depiction of Guna’s mental state is nuanced, showcasing the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues. Kamal Haasan’s performance is widely acclaimed for its depth and sensitivity, bringing attention to the complexities of mental illness. Guna has been recognized for its bold approach to portraying mental health, a topic rarely explored in Tamil cinema at the time.

2: Super Deluxe (2019)

Super Deluxe (2019) explores mental health through diverse stories, including a transgender woman facing rejection, a couple dealing with betrayal, and teens grappling with guilt. The film highlights how societal judgment, identity struggles, and emotional trauma impact mental well-being, showing the importance of acceptance and empathy for healing.

· Malayalam:

1: Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Kumbalangi Nights (2019) portrays mental health through the lens of family dynamics, trauma, and healing. It shows how unresolved emotional pain, addiction, and toxic masculinity affect the brothers’ mental well-being. The film emphasizes the power of love, support, and communication in overcoming mental health struggles and breaking harmful cycles.

2: Trance (2020)

Trance portrays mental health by focusing on the protagonist Viju Prasad’s struggle with depression, trauma, and addiction. It shows how his unresolved pain and loss lead to psychological distress, affecting his identity and actions. However, while it realistically depicts emotional turmoil, it controversially portrays psychiatric medication, which has sparked debate about stigma and misinformation in mental health treatment.