5 stories that bravely challenge patriarchy and obsolete social norms

‘Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan’, ‘Purush’, ‘Darlings’, ‘Laapataa Ladies’, and ‘Dahaad’ offer a sensitive discourse about gender.

The theatre has always offered radical perspectives on gender issues, but women-led stories challenging patriarchy have also started to appear on the small and big screen with increasing frequency. Here is a curated list of teleplays, films, and shows that have successfully changed the gender lens through which we consume entertainment.

‘Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan’

Headlined by film and theatre stalwarts Ila Arun and KK Raina, Zee Theatre’s new teleplay ‘Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan’ offers an insightful commentary on the damage patriarchy inflicts upon women and men. Adapted evocatively by Ila Arun from Henrik Ibsen’s classic play ‘Ghosts’, the teleplay is set in Rajasthan. It revolves around a dysfunctional feudal family where a matriarch fights a lone battle to protect a toxic family secret. However, soon, things spiral out of her control as the ghosts from the past haunt her and her son. The teleplay encourages audiences to question traditions and customs that can create lasting trauma for future generations. Ila Arun plays the matriarch Yashodhara Baisaheb, while KK Raina, who also directed the stage version of the play, plays the family Purohit. Filmed by Saurabh Shrivastav, the teleplay also stars Param Singh, Priyamvada Kant & Vijay Kashyap. Watch it on Tata Play Theatre on 25th August.

‘Purush’

Marathi playwright Jaywant Dalvi, known for addressing relevant social issues in his writing, raises the issue of gender violence in the powerful and widely celebrated play, ‘Purush’. The acclaimed Zee Theatre teleplay focuses on the valiant fight of a rape survivor for dignity and justice in a patriarchal society.  In this process, the protagonist Ambika not only has to confront the corrupt politician who has raped her but also the faultiness within her own family unit. Undeterred by the lack of support and her mother’s death, she powers on in her quest for justice and also becomes a source of strength for other victims of oppression.  Directed by Sourabh Shrivastava, the teleplay stars Ashutosh Rana, Gulki Joshi, Paromita Chatterjee, and Deepak Qazir.  Watch it on  ZEE 5.

‘Darlings’

Alia Bhatt’s debut production tackles the issue of domestic abuse with sensitivity and dollops of dark humor. It depicts how the normalization of male violence, social conditioning, and patriarchy prevents women from standing up for themselves till things go beyond a certain limit. The film takes an interesting turn when a tormented wife decides to take things into her own hands to teach a lesson to her abusive husband. Alia Bhatt brings the brutalized wife Badru to life with her compelling performance. The 2022 Netflix film, co-written and directed by Jasmeet K. Reen, also stars Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, and Roshan Mathew.

‘Laapataa Ladies’

Gentle and witty but full of sharp observations about gender disparities, Kiran Rao’s second film firmly establishes her as a feminist voice with a difference. The story, set in a rural milieu, takes many unexpected turns when two brides get swapped at a railway station. One bride decides not to return to her husband, while the other one finds herself stranded on a railway platform amid strangers. The film’s core of wisdom comes from the straight-talking Manju Mai (played by Chhaya Kadam), who delivers life lessons about empowerment while running her tea stall with kindness and authority. In the end, the film underlines that freedom from patriarchy can be achieved only when women exercise their agency and fearlessly stand by their choices.  The film also stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan. It can be watched on Netflix.

‘Dahaad’

Intersectional feminism is difficult to find in mainstream entertainment, but in this Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar show, it is articulated in every word that Dalit sub-inspector Anjali Bhaati says while investigating the trail of death left behind by a serial killer. She not only has to face the mockery of a senior officer but also the caste prejudice of a village elder when he refuses to let her in his house. As she matches her wits with a cold-blooded psychopath, she also finds herself grappling with rampant patriarchy in a Rajasthani village. Sonakshi Sinha delivers a powerful performance as a policewoman determined to get her way. Directed by  Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, the series also stars  Vijay Varma and  Gulshan Devaiah. It is available on Amazon Prime.