Sexual abuse, child sexual abuse issues are rarely depicted. Highway was one. Few others have sub-plots, such as the Monsoon Wedding. But rare.
Mental health or disability issues are rarely a topic of mainstream hindi cinema. Sridevi's Sadma, Anil Kapoor's Eeshwar were some good ones long time ago. However, not many in recent times. There is Kyonki, where Salman is traumatized because of a horrific life event, same with Ghajani. But nothing addressing mental illness or the stigma that comes with it sensitively.
Mainstream full length hindi cinema is yet to address LGBT issues/theme sensitively. It comes in the form of crass humor, such as Dostana. And short films such as Bombay Talkies, KJo's and Zoya's movie about a child discovering his sexuality, are a handful of quality cinema addressing the issue sensitively, but no full length movie on it so far. The content and drama potential is high, but I guess the Indian audience is not ready for it.
Divorce and society's acceptance of it, in urban or middle class society, female or male point of view, is rare. DDD addressed the urban society's perspective to an extent. But it could have been explored more.
Everyday sexism, gender bias, perception of women in society, hasn't really been a focus of any mainstream hindi cinema. DDD again addressed it, making men advocate for feminism, which was applause worthy. But again, it was just a brush.
Lots more really, but these are what I could think about. In all honesty, mainstream Bollywood still has a lot of sensitive issues to explore if they have the guts to do so. But with "slice of life" movies working at the box office, young directors/writers and a palette of good actors in the newer generation willing to take the risk on smaller, sensitive, issue based scripts, I remain hopeful! @RanveerOfficial, #ranveersingh hope he is listening.
Interesting topic, btw.
Kumkum Bhagya
Hollywood
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