Bala, Uppena, Ek Mini Katha & More Films Normalising Conversation Around Issues Related To Men

From the start of the time, theatre and art have been a mirror of the society, helping us understand a deep-rooted problems that prevail in the society. In a country like ours, Bollywood has time and again started off conversations, enlightened masses by bringing about awareness around crucial issues related to sex, gender and sexuality.

The art form not just inspired millions but also addressed issues considered taboo on a huge platform, in way that helped change the nation's outlook towards them. Most of the times, when depicting these issues relating to men, Bollywood often tries to take a fun route to make the stories more relatable and hit a sweet spot with the audience. The blend of social issues with emotion and laughter is clunky.

Here's a list of some of the films which are normalizing conversations around issues of men, and made their way into mainstream cinema:

Bala

Bala showcases the problem of premature balding which is one of the lesser talked about issues in India. The issue is faced by a majority of people, especially by younger people. The film showed us how Ayushmann is in a desperate need to grow his hair back, resorts to various internet hacks which prove to be futile. Various studies have reported on how balding is a pressing issue especially amongst people in their 20s.

Ek Mini Katha

Amazon Prime Video on Thursday announced that Telugu film Ek Mini Katha, featuring Santosh Sobhan and Kavya Thapar in the lead roles, will release on May 27. Ek Mini Katha sheds light upon a problem faced by most men but is a cause of embarrassment and which is never discussed openly. It tackles a poignant issue of 'size' in the most humorous and light-hearted way. Yet again, bringing a novel concept to the fore.

Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhaan

Homosexuality too is one such topic. The film doesn't take up the serious aspect of the issue which involves bullying and harassment of homosexuals. It takes up the broader aspect of the issue: the society's or rather family's unwillingness to accept it as natural. It is a sensitive issue considering the massive burden of taboos our society carries within.

ALSO READ: Ayushmann Khurrana And Mumbai Police's Public Service Banter Wins Hearts On Social Media

Shubh Mangal Saavdhaan

With 'Shubh Mangal Savdhan', makers managed to reach the other end of the spectrum with this one. Discussing the concept of erectile dysfunction, the film managed to be a hit in an industry which glorifies toxic masculinity and received worldwide critical acclaim.

Vicky Donor

Ayushmann Khurrana's debut film, 'Vicky Donor', which was released in 2012 dealt with the issues of male infertility and sperm donation which had never been picked up before. However, the makers' leap of faith paid off and the movie became a box office hit as well as a benchmark for socially relevant Bollywood movies. Talking about sex is still a cultural taboo in conservative India, but the film hopes to usher in change with a light-hearted take on infertility and sperm donation.

ALSO READ: Sonu Sood Expresses Grief On Losing People He Was Trying To Save From The Pandemic, Says 'Feel Helpless'

Super Deluxe

Super Deluxe embraces the idea of sexual fantasies. The film gives us four stories and the protagonists in each of these stories are tested in their beliefs in the strangest ways. It gives us four stories and the protagonists in each of these stories are tested in their beliefs in the strangest ways.

Uppena

Uppena is the story of two characters, Aasi and Sangeetha, who are chasing a distant dream, where the horizon itself feels real. The film scales the issues of patriarchy and casteism is a light-hearted way, making us all introspect, from where are such issues stemmed from.