We are all familiar with the dazzling world of Bollywood, a world where heroes defeat bad guys and earn happy endings. But this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month (June 2024), let’s delve into a different kind of heroism – the courage to confront inner battles. We decided to recommend you all watch some powerful Bollywood films on OTT platforms that break the silence surrounding men’s mental health.
A Death in the Gunj
Streaming Platform: Prime Video
Vikrant Massey gave a star-making performance as Shutu in Konkona Sen Sharma’s A Death in the Gunj (2016). Shutu starts displaying signs of depression after his father’s death and academic struggles. His relatives constantly bully and make fun of him for not living up to their image of a “tough” man. It is heartbreaking to see how Shutu’s struggles go unnoticed by his family. The film’s jaw-dropping climax sparks a conversation about men’s mental health. It encourages viewers to recognize the signs of depression and the importance of open communication.
Masaan
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Prime Video
Masaan does not directly address the issue of mental health among men. However, it explores themes that can be relevant to men’s mental health struggles. We see Vicky Kaushal’s Deepak (a lower-cast boy) falling in love with Shweta Tripathi’s Shaalu (an upper-cast girl). This little beauty from Neeraj Ghaywan masterfully shows how the duo navigates the intricacies of caste, love, and social inequalities and highlights the fleeting nature of love. The film cleverly uses the process of cremation as a metaphor to peel back the layers of Deepak’s personality, revealing his vulnerabilities.
Tamasha
Streaming Platform: Netflix, ZEE5
Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha isn’t a perfect film. However, its music, cinematography, production values, and acting performances are outstanding enough to overshadow its flaws. The movie showcases one of Ranbir Kapoor’s best performances as Ved, the protagonist. Ved exhibits signs of what could be interpreted as borderline personality disorder. He struggles with a sense of self, feeling lost and unfulfilled despite his corporate success. This highlights the mental health consequences of ignoring one’s true desires.
Karthik Calling Karthik
Streaming Platform: Netflix, Prime Video
Karthik Calling Karthik tackles the complicated issue of schizophrenia, a mental illness that can significantly impact a person’s sense of reality and social interactions. It portrays the protagonist’s mental condition as he deals with the fear of disclosing his conflict. This sheds light on the emotional toll and isolation endured by men, who often hesitate to reach out or seek aid due to societal stigma.