Darlings To Thappad: Hindi Films Lauded For Treatment Of Domestic Abuse

Larger-than-life movies, happily-ever-after romances, and unfamiliar road trips and cruises are all common in Bollywood. The fact remains, nevertheless, that films in some way or another reflect society's reality, and the real-world details are subtly incorporated into the narrative in ways that make them simple to swallow. Filmmakers have made an effort to pick up on topics that either directly or indirectly affect us, from instances of patriarchal egos to inequity between men and women.

Bollywood has very rarely been able to produce movies that come near to reality, despite the fact that they are thought of as the mirror of society. Even when they make an effort to highlight a societal issue, a single unfavourable aspect of the film might ruin the entire work.

Darlings, starring Alia Bhatt, provided proof to the contrary. It made us aware of the realities of abusive marriages, the effects they have on people, and the dangers that can occasionally exist for women in the house and in their circle of trust. Here are other films that similarly brought the truth forward:

Hindi films on domestic violence

Darlings

Darlings, directed by first-time director Jasmeet K Reen and starring Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, and Roshan Matthew, tackles the dreadful issue of domestic violence. Domestic violence affects Badrunissa (Alia Bhatt) and Shamshunissa (Shefali Shah), a mother-daughter duo from a poor middle-class family. Badru is a superstitious, devoted, and forgiving wife who thinks Hamza would change as a result of their love and a kid. Badru is married to Hamza (Vijay Varma), who portrays an alcoholic, violent, and manipulative husband.

Shamshu urges Badru to leave him and stay with her, but the latter is certain that the violence would end as soon as he gives up alcohol. The movie contains a number of really upsetting incidents. Hamza is shown in one clip eating dinner while biting into some stones. As soon as Badru extends her hand, he spits on her palm; the horror in her eyes tells of their relationship.

Darlings provides us with information about an abusive union. It does not target men but rather emphasises how sexism has become normalised in our culture and how silence against the ongoing patriarchy is, to be honest, laughably real.

Thappad

Vikram Sabharwal and Amrita Sandhu had a happy marriage. Amrita (Taapsee Pannu) is a beautiful housewife who is seen spending her days taking care of Vikram (Pavail Gulati) and the home. To commemorate Vikram's promotion, which would send them to London, they throw a party at their house. Vikram learns at the party that his promotion contract has been violated in favour of a younger employee who lacks expertise and is a close relative of his employer. He fights with Rajhans, his superior, accusing him of two-timing him out of anger.

Vikram smacks Amrita in front of everyone when she tries to stop the argument. She is shaken by the occurrence; she begins to recognise all the minor injustices she had previously overlooked, and she comes to the realisation that Vikram slapping her isn't what a respectable husband would do. Vikram further rejects responsibility for his conduct, claiming that he was agitated, she got in the way, and that such things occur occasionally and are common.

The movie plays on slap and makes a point that a husband does not have to beat his wife to death to be called abusive or disrespectful. The way abuse of women in marriage is normalised, we often tend to ask "how bad" while we should find even the existence of it. Thappad, directed by Anubhav Sinha and starring Taapsee Pannu, is another movie that does a good job of speaking out against violence. It's a movie that tells you that women and spouses are people with lives that cannot revolve around their partners; they are not things.

Lipstick Under My Burkha

The movie by Alankrita Srivastava highlights how some women are unable to leave abusive marriages due to external factors. Shireen Aslam, a homemaker and mother of three boys, is portrayed by Konkona Sen. She performs covert door-to-door sales activities. Rahim, her husband (Sushant Singh), abuses her sexually and opposes using birth control. Shireen is forced to use birth control pills as a result. She even has multiple abortions while putting her life in danger. Shireen longs for his love, but Rahim merely exploits her to gratify his sexual needs. The shocking tale illustrates the daily humiliation and torment that many women experience.

Mehndi

When her father is unable to provide them with money, the protagonist in Hamid Ali Khan's Mehndi (1998), starring Rani Mukherji, is abused by her husband and his family. She doesn't confide in anyone and continues to live with them. The "dutiful wife," who is also a lawyer, sacrifices everything to protect her husband as the plot of the movie develops and he is accused of murder. This includes sleeping with another guy. She is only able to stand up after an incident that would break anyone after she clears his reputation and abuse starts all over again.

Suggested Reading: Listen To Her: Nandita Das’ Short Film On Domestic Violence Is A Must Watch