These films remind us that mental health struggles are real and deserve attention, empathy, and care
“Even now, people think having a problem with the brain is something to be ashamed of. Physical illnesses are considered normal you can tell everyone, ‘Hey guys, I’m in the hospital, I have kidney failure, a lung infection, or jaundice.’ But if there is a problem with the brain, the whole family goes completely silent, as if the brain isn’t a part of the body.”
This hindi dialogue from Shahrukh Khan’s 2016 film Dear Zindagi by Doctor Jahangir beautifully captures the deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental health.
It highlights how many individuals battling mental health issues are either unaware of their condition or choose to suffer in silence. The result is that, without the understanding and support of those around them, these struggles can spiral out of control. Despite the lack of physical symptoms, the emotional turmoil can be just as real and devastating, yet often goes unnoticed, leading to serious consequences.
The overwhelming sense of isolation, helplessness, loneliness, and guilt that comes with battling mental health issues in silence can be incredibly suffocating.
This emotional turmoil, fuelled by unawareness and the relentless deterioration of the mind, is powerfully portrayed in certain Indian films. The depiction can be so haunting and intense that it sends shivers down the viewer’s spine, forcing them to confront the raw, often invisible struggles faced by those grappling with psychological distress.
Here are five Indian films that powerfully depict the challenges faced by individuals dealing with psychological distress.
Kartik Calling Kartik: Schizophrenia
Released in 2010, this Farhan Akhtar starrer initially appears to be the story of an ordinary, introverted man who is constantly ridiculed by his boss and burdened by setbacks, including the trauma of his brother’s death. Pushed to his breaking point, he finds an unlikely mentor in the form of a mysterious voice on the telephone, which guides him toward personal and professional growth. Seems like a happy ending, right? Not quite.
After struggling in his life, when he confesses to speaking to someone at night, a shocking twist is revealed. Kartik has been suffering from schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder since a young age, and he used to talk to his alter ego at 05:00 every morning.
While the film includes a surprising twist, it does not treat Kartik’s mental health issues as something scary. Instead, it shows how a lack of understanding from society can make things worse. Kartik’s lonely life, shown through his dull home, his silence at work, and his refusal to stand up for himself, reflects how much he has given up on himself.
At the same time, the film sends a hopeful message. It shows that with patience, support, and care, a person can start to heal. Even a little kindness and understanding can encourage someone to seek help and slowly rebuild their life.
But despite its cult following and critics praising the film due to its airtight plot accompanied by a stellar soundtrack made by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, the film was a flop at the box office, earning only INR 220 million.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa: Dissociative Personality Disorder
Bhool Bhulaiyaa, starring Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja and Vidya Balan, is a cult horror-comedy set against the backdrop of a grand ancestral palace. The story revolves around the mysterious spirit of Manjulika, said to have been locked away in the palace for over 200 years, creating a perfect blend of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and humour.
Released in 2007, this film follows the story of an NRI and his wife who choose to stay in the former’s ancestral home, ignoring warnings about it being haunted. Soon, strange and unexplained events begin to unfold, raising the question, are these just coincidences or is there a ghost behind the growing tension? These are the questions the whole film deals which are accompanied by sharp comedic timing.
At first glance, the film appears to be a classic horror tale of Manjulika, a vengeful spirit who ends her life to escape a forced marriage to the king. But just when you think you have figured it out, a shocking twist flips the entire narrative. The real source of the eerie occurrences isn’t a ghost at all, it is Vidya Balan’s character, who is revealed to be suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Haunted by childhood trauma, being torn away from her beloved grandmother, she unconsciously identifies with Manjulika’s pain. This deep emotional connection causes her to assume Manjulika’s identity, leading her to plan the murder of Shiny Ahuja’s character before Durgashtami, believing she is fulfilling the spirit’s revenge.
Like Kartik Calling Kartik, Bhool Bhulaiyaa does not show Vidya Balan’s character as someone mad or possessed. Instead, Akshay Kumar’s character, a psychiatrist, accompanied by Shiney Ahuja’s love for his wife, helps her overcome her mental illness by finding the root cause of her trauma. This is beautifully shown in the iconic Ami Je Tomar dance scene.
The film subtly challenges the stigma around mental health, emphasising that those suffering are not possessed or dangerous, they need understanding and proper psychiatric help, not superstition or fear.
Unlike the more niche appeal of Kartik Calling Kartik, Bhool Bhulaiyaa struck a perfect balance of horror and humour, becoming the eighth-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2007, thanks to Kumar’s comic timing, Balan’s brilliant performance and Pritam’s unforgettable soundtrack.
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U Me & Hum: Alzheimer
U Me and Hum a romantic movie directed by actor Ajay Devgn was released in 2008. Starring Devgn and Kajol, this film tells the story of Dr Ajay Mehra, who falls in love with and marries Piya.
Their life seems picture-perfect until Piya becomes pregnant and is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As her condition worsens, causing her to forget even the most precious moments of their life together, Ajay institutionalises her, but with encouragement from friends, he brings her back home, choosing love and care over convenience.
Unlike the other two films that take on a darker, more serious tone, this film takes a lighter, more heartfelt approach, much like Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates. At its core is the bittersweet story of a man who, for years, lovingly stays by the side of a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The film gently explores how living with someone facing psychological distress requires immense patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication, qualities that are often as challenging as they are admirable.
With its touching theme of love and commitment, the film struck a chord with audiences. Made on a modest budget of USD 2.6 million, it went on to earn USD 4.7 million worldwide, making it a quiet yet meaningful success.
Dear Zindagi: Depression
At a time when mental health was still largely overlooked in Indian cinema, director Gauri Shinde brought it to the forefront with Dear Zindagi, a refreshing coming-of-age film. Released in 2016, the film follows the journey of Kaira, a young cinematographer played by Alia Bhatt, as she navigates the complexities of her emotional world.
Kaira struggles with anxiety, sadness, and unresolved conflicts from her past, which slowly begin to affect her relationships and sense of self. Though the film never explicitly labels her condition as depression, it subtly and effectively portrays the weight of emotional distress and its impact on everyday life.
Unlike films where psychological issues often serve as dramatic twists, Dear Zindagi places mental health at the heart of its narrative. Kaira’s struggles with anxiety and depression, triggered by unresolved childhood trauma, are not just fleeting plot devices. They are woven into the fabric of the film, visible in everyday moments like her insomnia at 03:00 or her unexpected emotional outbursts, such as reacting angrily to a jar of pasta sauce.
Her journey of healing with Jahangir Khan, played with calm wisdom by Shah Rukh Khan, forms the emotional core of the story. As their sessions unfold, the film explores deeper questions about emotional baggage, family dynamics, and the way we navigate choices and relationships in life.
What sets Dear Zindagi apart is its refreshing, honest portrayal of therapy, not as a last resort, but as a tool for growth and self-understanding. It breaks away from the usual narrative of a “saviour” stepping in to fix everything.
Instead, it shows Kaira gradually learning to face her emotions and take control of her healing, suggesting that, at times, the most important help comes from within. The film gently challenges the stigma around mental health, encouraging empathy, introspection, and the courage to seek help.
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Heroine: Bipolar disorder
Rounding off the list is Heroine, a gripping portrayal of the dark side of fame and the fragility that often hides behind the glamour. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, the film follows Mahi Arora, played by Kareena Kapoor, a top Bollywood actress whose life begins to spiral when her personal and professional worlds collide.
As Mahi grapples with a turbulent relationship and the pressures of staying relevant in a cutthroat industry, her undiagnosed bipolar disorder begins to surface. The film, though not centred entirely on her mental health condition, offers a stark glimpse into how mood disorders can deeply affect one’s judgment, relationships, and career choices. Her episodes of intense highs followed by crushing lows reflect the emotional volatility typical of bipolar disorder, ultimately pushing her to make choices she later regrets.
Heroine serves as a cautionary tale, subtly reminding viewers of the importance of early intervention and mental health support. It underscores how untreated psychological conditions can not only sabotage personal well-being but also derail even the most successful careers.
Thanks to its realistic storyline and a memorable soundtrack, this Kareena Kapoor starrer film managed to earn INR 5.4 million at the box office, surpassing its budget of INR 4.1 million.
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These films remind us that mental health struggles are real and deserve attention, empathy, and care. By portraying psychological conditions with depth and sensitivity, they help break the silence and challenge the stigma that often surrounds mental illness. Through their stories, we learn that healing begins with understanding, both from others and within ourselves. And sometimes, the first step is simply knowing it is okay to ask for help.