Films have always been a powerful medium for addressing societal issues and raising awareness. There are certain films which unapologetically shine a spotlight on the harsh realities faced by survivors of sexual violence. These films not only depict the personal trauma of survivors but also challenge societal norms, talk about legal shortcomings, and spark vital conversations about consent and justice.
In this article, we will discuss a few such films that have played an important role in shaping public discourse and fighting for change in society over the years.
1. Damini (1993): This film became iconic for portraying a woman’s fight for justice after witnessing the heinous act of her house help. The film highlights the societal pressures and legal challenges faced by women who stand up against rape. Being ahead of its time, the film was critically acclaimed and is seen as one of the most powerful films in Hindi Cinema.
2. Provoked (2006): This film is based on the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who killed her abusive husband after enduring years of domestic violence. The film sheds light on the challenges faced by women trapped in abusive marriages and the legal system’s response to their plight. This film marks a significant milestone in the film industry as it talks about marital rape, a subject that is still considered taboo in our society.
3. Mardaani: The film’s first part came out in 2014 whose story revolved around how a female police officer takes on the case of child trafficking and prostitution racket and fights through all the challenges she faces being a female officer. After the success of the first, the second part was released in 2019. It continued the story of the officer and this time she goes on the hunt for a psychopathic serial rapist and killer. This film series highlights the sad reality of sexual violence against women and children. Recently, producer Yash Raj also announced the 3rd installment of the franchise.
4. Pink (2016): The film deals with the issue of consent and the societal prejudice faced by women who are victims of sexual harassment. The courtroom drama emphasizes that “no means no,” regardless of the woman’s circumstances. The film highlights the hardships and challenges women who choose to live free and independent lives in our society face.
5. Section 375 (2019): This film explores the complexities of rape cases, focusing on the legal and moral aspects of it. It raises questions about consent, the legal system, and the impact of rape allegations on both the victim and the accused.
6. A Thursday (2022): This thriller revolves around a preschool teacher who takes 16 children hostage to bring attention to the issue of sexual violence. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that she is a rape survivor seeking justice and punishment for her offenders. The film highlights the systemic failures in addressing sexual violence and the desperate measures taken by survivors to seek justice.
