5 Bollywood films that will make you challenge norms and reframe your perspective

As a passionate cinephile who has spent countless hours engrossed in the captivating world of Bollywood, I can confidently say that these films have not only provided me with endless entertainment but also enlightened and transformed my perspective on various social issues. Each film on this list is a testament to the power of cinema as a tool for change, breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms in ways that resonate deeply within our hearts and minds.

Pagglait, for instance, has made me question the narrow-minded views society has imposed upon widows for centuries. Sandhya’s character has shown me that women can live life on their own terms, beyond societal expectations and labels.

Dear Zindagi was a breath of fresh air in its portrayal of mental health issues, normalizing the conversation around seeking help and making audiences feel more comfortable discussing mental health concerns.

Bulbbul’s mystical world gave me an eye-opening glimpse into women’s strength and resilience amidst oppressive power dynamics within families. The film serves as a reminder that we must question and challenge the status quo when it comes to gender equality.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha opened my eyes to the importance of sanitation, particularly in rural areas where women face immense hardships due to open defecation. The film’s emphasis on women’s rights to dignity and safety made a lasting impact on me.

Finally, Pad Man showcased the stigma surrounding menstruation and the challenges faced by women in accessing menstrual hygiene products. The film’s hero, Akshay Kumar, has become an inspiration for me, embodying the spirit of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, these films have significantly shaped my understanding of various social issues and have inspired me to be more mindful and proactive in promoting change within my own community. And as a joke, I’d like to add that if Akshay Kumar can make sanitary pads cool, then maybe one day, we’ll all start talking about climate change over dinner parties!

Movies are often seen as reflecting society, and Bollywood producers have embraced this responsibility. While their main goal is to entertain, they’ve also tackled societal norms and broadened audience perspectives on numerous social matters.

Revisiting the concept of ‘the norm,’ numerous Bollywood films have sparked significant discussions within our community. Movies like Pagglait, which challenged traditional views on widowhood, and Dear Zindagi, normalizing talks about mental health, have left a profound impact on Indian society. If you’re interested in watching these thought-provoking movies that inspire, we can help guide your selection!

Top 5 Bollywood films that broke stereotypes in society

1. Pagglait (Widowhood)

Director: Umesh Bist
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Shruti Sharma, Ashlesha Thakur
Genre: Black comedy drama
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Run time: 1hr 55 min

For centuries, societal norms have imposed stringent regulations on how widows should live their lives. However, in the film Pagglait, Sanya Malhotra’s character, Sandhya, offers a refreshing perspective. Despite being a young widow, she exhibits indifference towards her husband and his family’s affairs, choosing instead to prioritize living life on her own terms. Her experiences challenge us to broaden our understanding of women beyond the label of ‘widow.’

2. Dear Zindagi (Mental health)

Director: Gauri Shinde
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan, Ali Zafar, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi
Genre: coming of age comedy drama
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Run time: 2 hr 31 min

Mental health has traditionally been met with skepticism and disapproval within society. However, the movie Dear Zindagi brought a welcome change in portraying Kaira’s (Alia Bhatt) tale. Her emotional battles, their origins, and her subsequent therapy sessions with Dr. Jehangir (Shah Rukh Khan) offer a transparent perspective on mental health issues to viewers. Furthermore, it promoted the idea of seeking help, ultimately making audiences more accepting of conversations about mental well-being.

3. Bulbbul

Director: Anvita Dutt Guptan
Cast: Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary Paoli Dam, Ipsita Bhattacharjee
Genre: Period-horror
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Run time: 1 hr 34 min

Historically, women have often been seen as less powerful than men in society. However, the captivating tale of Bulbul, who transforms from a young bride in a wealthy family to a victim of abuse at their hands, serves as an enlightening piece of folklore. This story vividly portrays female resilience and the unfortunate mistreatment women face in society, prompting us to reconsider the balance of power within families.

4. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha

Director: Shree Narayan Singh
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Anupam Kher, Sudhir Pandey Sana Khan Divyenndu
Genre: comedy-drama
IMDb rating: 7.2/10
Run time: 2 hr 35 min

For a long time, the problem of open defecation was a sensitive topic seldom addressed in Indian communities due to the social stigma surrounding it. However, this situation disproportionately impacted women more than men. The film “Toilet: Love Story” tackled this issue head-on as its primary focus, with the character Keshav (played by Akshay Kumar) challenging societal norms to construct a toilet at home for his wife, advocating for women’s right to safety and dignity.

The movie sparked discussions on topics like sanitation, societal taboos related to it, and women’s rights, encouraging further dialogue.

5. Pad Man

Director: R.Balki
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, Sonam Kapoor, Riva Babbar
Genre: social comedy drama
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Run time: 2 hr 20 min

A less frequently acknowledged yet crucial societal concern is maintaining proper menstrual health. However, the open discussion about this topic by popular figure Akshay Kumar was surprising and enlightening to many.

The movie centers around the true tale of Arunachalam Muruganantham, often referred to as ‘Pad Man’ (portrayed by Kumar), who embarked on a quest to create budget-friendly sanitary products for rural females due to his wife’s needs. It sheds light on the profound shame surrounding menstruation and the obstacles women encounter in this regard.

2024-12-29 12:08