Indian cinema functions both as a reflective medium and an active agent in shaping social attitudes, cultural narratives, and public perceptions. Over time, the portrayal of mental health in Indian films has undergone a significant transformation from earlier depictions characterised by exaggeration, caricature and stigmatisation to more nuanced, empathetic and psychologically informed representations in contemporary cinema. Recent cinematic trends show a shift from using mental illness as a narrative device for humour or melodrama to more realistic and sensitive storytelling, which helps raise awareness and reduce stigma. This study uses a qualitative and interpretive research design. It combines content analysis of selected Hindi films with a thematic review of secondary sources like scholarly literature, media discourse, and policy documents. The sample includes films from Khamoshi (1969) to Dear Zindagi (2016) and Chhichhore (2019), covering multiple decades. The analysis uses interdisciplinary frameworks such as media representation theory, social constructionism, and psychological realism. This approach helps explore how films both construct and reflect society's views on mental health. The findings show that Hindi cinema has long reinforced stereotypes about mental illness. However, it is now becoming a key platform for mental health awareness and advocacy. Recent films portray mental health more accurately, encourage people to seek help, and challenge stigma. These changes improve mental health literacy and support emotional well-being in contemporary India.
Singh et al. (Mon,) studied this question.