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How Bollywood films are confronting real issues through hard-hitting stories

Sonal Khandelwal
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Apr 25, 2025, 16:00 IST
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1/5

Mental health matters

Bollywood is tackling emotional well-being head-on. Dear Zindagi normalised therapy for a new generation, encouraging open dialogue around anxiety, depression, and life’s emotional chaos. With a light yet honest tone, it made mental health approachable without diluting the seriousness of the subject.

2/5

Silence breakers rise

Taboo topics are finally finding a voice on screen. Pink stood out as a game-changer, tackling consent and victim-blaming with unflinching honesty. Its courtroom drama didn't just entertain—it challenged deep-rooted biases and ignited widespread conversations around women’s rights and safety.

3/5

Rural realities unveiled

India’s hinterlands are getting a voice in cinema. Newton, set against the backdrop of a Naxal-affected region, critiques electoral integrity and bureaucratic apathy with dark humour and poignancy. It revealed the complex layers of democracy beyond urban narratives, sparking deeper awareness.

4/5

Stories meet struggles

Bollywood is increasingly spotlighting social struggles through cinema. Article 15 leads the charge, boldly confronting caste-based discrimination. The film sparked debate and awareness, proving that socially relevant stories can also be gripping, cinematic experiences that inspire viewers to reflect on India's layered realities.

5/5

Heroines take charge

Strong female leads are reshaping narratives. Thappad is a powerful example, questioning the normalisation of domestic violence in Indian households. With a restrained yet stirring performance by Taapsee Pannu, the film redefined what respect and self-worth mean for women in modern relationships.

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Copyright © May 27, 2026, 06.07AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service