Hindi movies that showed us the importance of mental well-being

Mental well-being is a subject often ignored by humans but should not be. With Aamir Khan bringing Sitaare Zameen Par, the spiritual sequel to his film on dyslexia, Taare Zameen Par, and Logout actor Babil Khan feeling vulnerable enough to express his opinions, the topic of mental well-being is something that should be discussed more often. Hindi movies have touched upon the topic in their own ways. Here's looking at a few that showed us how important mental well-being really is...

Bollywood movies that reflect the importance of mental health

Tamasha

Ranbir Kapoor's Ved never felt like himself. He was stuck doing a job he was not happy with, which altered his personality. Outside work, Ved was a happy and free man but at his job and in life, this man felt drastically different. It took Tara (Deepika Padukone) pointing the same out for him to face reality (after an episode of Borderline Personality Disorder) and know that he belongs in a better place, one where he thrives. Imtiaz Ali beautifully brings the challenges faced by Ved (which many relate to but never speak of) through this underrated gem of a movie.

Judgementall Hai Kya

Judgementall Hai Kya speaks about the effects of trauma faced as a child. And Bobby (Kangana Ranaut) is faced with one of the biggest traumas any child could possibly experience. The makers explain her zany personality through the flashbacks and it leaves a lasting impression. The fine line between psychotic and psychopathic is treaded and sensitively, which is not an easy feat. Unable to have a happy childhood, Bobby starts creating personalities who lived a happier life than her. Where women are often seen as problematic or dismissed as ‘funny,’ Judgementall Hai Kya brought a fresh perspective and deserves your time.

Vodka Diaries

ACP Ashwini Dixit (Kay Kay Menon) goes through immense stress and trauma when his wife goes missing in the middle of a murder case. This leaves him hallucinating that his wife is with him and helping him solve the case, while she is in fact missing. The vulnerability a man feels when losing something very dear (in this case, his wife) is brilliantly portrayed by Kay Kay Menon.

Tere Naam

Radhe from Tere Naam (Salman Khan) faced schizophrenia. It is a condition that occurs owing to extreme stress and anxiety disorder. The most common signs include social problems like long-term unemployment, poverty and homelessness. One of the biggest red flags in this condition is the patient’s love for isolation and substance abuse. Radhe, who lost the love of his life, experienced the condition after her wedding.

Shabd

Shabd, too, saw underlines of schizophrenia, even if the movie did not handle the matter as sensitively. The film was focused on the concept of infidelity, which triggered emotions like depression and schizophrenia. Despite its clumsy depiction of mental illness, Shabd is a movie that you can visit once, especially if you are a fan of Sanjay Dutt.