Emotional abuse, sexual violence, and threats all fall under the umbrella of domestic violence. Violence against women has been a part of our society for a long time. It still is present around many corners of our country. The cinematic world is upgrading its themes, plots, and ideas daily. And thus, we can see a lot of Bollywood films based on real social issues.
Over the past years, Bollywood has come up with many decent movies. There are some movies that deal with the concepts of domestic violence and patriarchal oppression. From Darlings to Thappad, here is a list of the top 10 Bollywood movies that fight off the notions of domestic abuse.
1. Darlings
‘Darlings‘ is a satirical portrayal of love and abuse. This Netflix original starring Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, and Vijay Varma amazingly portrays the reality of domestic violence. It focuses on the naturalization of oppression over women by men once they get married to one another. And how patriarchy is often fed by women as well. But the way Badru fights off Hamsa for her respect is beyond praiseworthy.
2. Hamari Adhuri Kahani
Hamari Adhuri Kahani stars marvelous actors like Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi, and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles. This film is a remembrance of how women can walk away from an abusive husband and abusive marriage. Thereby finding love again in her life.
3. Parched
Written and directed by Leena Yadav, Parched in a 2015 Indian drama film. Parched is a film that captures the true evil realities of a woman’s life. The evils like marital rape, child marriage, dowry, domestic abuse, and whatnot. The journey of four Rajasthani women fighting off those evils and for their rights is inspirational to witness.
4. 7 Khoon Maaf
7 Khoon Maaf is another film showcasing a wife’s domestic violence. This film is based on Ruskin Bond’s book, Susanna’s Seven Husbands. Priyanka Chopra portrays the role of Susanna, who marries several times. Additionally, Irfan Khan portrays the part of one of her husbands, who sexually abuses her.
5. Thappad
‘Thappad’ is another master that sketches the violence that is inflicted on women by their husbands. This flick stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role, who beautifully portrays her role as a woman who stood against her husband’s abuse. How one slap can change a loving wife into a woman who fights for her respect is very powerful and riveting.
6. Provoked
Starring brilliant actress Aishwarya Rai, Provoked is a 2006 released film. This film is based on the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia. She marries off to a guy named Deepak and settles in London. However, things go downhill when this affectionate man turns into an evil, torturing husband.
7. Akaash Vani
Women often marry abusive men due to societal pressure, and this movie deals with the same truth. Akaash Vaani portrays the plight of a woman that has to go through marital rape. Marital rape is another very naturalized thing in our society. However, every woman should fight against it.
8. Mehndi
Directed by Hamid Ali Khan, Mehndi is a film that portrays the evils of societal practices like dowry. In addition, this film is based on how after marrying, the woman has to suffer the ill-treatments that are inflicted upon her by her husband and in-laws.
9. Agni Sakshi
Agni Sakshi is a film that belongs to the 90s. It very well portrays the behavior of an over-possessive lover. It shows how the lover’s affection fades and eventually turns into abuse. Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff and Nana Patekar star in the lead roles.
10. Khoon Bhari Maang
Khoon Bhari Maang is a 1988 film that stars veteran actress Rekha. Her character Aarti is revered highly as she seeks revenge for her deserved rights as a woman. Besides, she helps many women to get out of the evils of marriage.
These are the Bollywood movies that very well portrays the social realities of abuse that many women go through in their everyday life. Therefore, these movies must be taken as a motivation towards getting progressive and better.
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