Cinema has the power to shape people’s perceptions and behaviors on various topics, including mental health. From science fiction to magic realism, and from depicting real-life struggles to issues, cinema can profoundly impact an individual if the film is well-researched and written. Below is a list of movies that revolve around mental health, portraying these issues in a sensitive yet engaging manner.
1. Dear Zindagi (2016)
Directed by Gauri Shinde, *Dear Zindagi* is a commendable step toward breaking the stigma around mental health and seeking therapy. The film portrays Kaira, the main lead, who seeks therapy from a psychologist, Jehangir Khan. Kaira struggles with relationship issues, and through therapy, she gains insights into the root causes of her struggles.
A therapist's job isn’t to give advice but to help the client understand themselves better, both intellectually and emotionally, and to gain insights into their conflicts and problems. The film accurately portrays the therapeutic alliance, showcasing the therapist as empathetic, with unconditional positive regard and understanding for his client. However, the boundaries between therapist and client are blurred in the film. Scenes set on the beach and during cycling may be misleading, as therapy typically takes place indoors and is highly professional. Additionally, therapists do not usually share their personal lives.
Aside from these inaccuracies, the film does well in challenging the common belief that childhood experiences are irrelevant. In fact, childhood experiences are crucial and leave a lasting impression on an individual, influencing their personality traits and behavior. The therapy style shown in the film is fairly accurate. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is depicted, focusing on the idea that psychological distress is caused by irrational thoughts and beliefs. The film precisely portrays CBT’s approach, which involves modifying behavior by eradicating dysfunctional automatic thoughts that are often exaggerated and distorted. Overall, *Dear Zindagi* effectively portrays mental health and therapy in a positive light.
2. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Directed by Aamir Khan and written by Amole Gupte, *Taare Zameen Par* portrays neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly specific learning disorders. These symptoms often appear before or during the early stages of schooling. An individual with a specific learning disorder experiences difficulty perceiving or processing information efficiently and accurately. This is evident in the film’s main character, Ishaan, an 8-year-old boy who struggles with reading, writing, and performing at an average level for his age.
Neurodevelopmental disorders can go undetected by parents and educators, as seen with Ishaan. He begins acting out, resigning from academics, and avoiding schoolwork—common signs of a child suffering from a specific learning disability. Although Ishaan does not perform well in school, he is exceptionally talented in artistic endeavors. His art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, recognizes his talent and understands his academic struggles. With patience and effort, Ishaan improves in his studies, demonstrating that individuals with specific learning disorders can reach acceptable performance levels with additional support.
Ishaan’s parents struggle to recognize his difficulties due to a lack of knowledge. It is common for teachers to report children with learning disabilities as inattentive or disruptive, leading parents to believe their child is uninterested in academics. The film raises awareness about specific learning disorders and challenges the belief that an individual’s performance in school tests is the sole measure of intelligence and aptitude.
3. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)
*Karthik Calling Karthik* portrays Karthik, who struggles with schizophrenia—a group of psychotic disorders characterized by deteriorating social and occupational functioning due to disturbed thought processes, strange perceptions, unusual emotional states, and motor abnormalities. The film effectively depicts both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Karthik is extremely isolated, displaying a flat affect and non-assertiveness. He experiences visual hallucinations, including vague perceptions of color and distinct visions of people or objects. He believes himself guilty of killing his brother, Kumar, who his therapist later reveals was only part of his hallucination—Karthik never had a brother.
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that significantly affects an individual and their relationships. Despite its severity, a lack of awareness often prevents people from recognizing the disorder, as seen with Karthik’s parents, who were unable to provide him with help or understanding. The film draws attention to the complexities and struggles of schizophrenia while maintaining the thriller element common in cinema. Shonali, Karthik’s romantic partner, does not abandon him but supports him through his struggles, highlighting the importance of support and understanding from loved ones in addition to financial resources when seeking therapy.
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