Though women-led plays that question patriarchy have long been a feature of theater, there has been a growing trend of these stories being shown on small and large screens as well. Here is a carefully selected list of a handful of these teleplays, movies, and television programs that have altered the gender perspective from which we view entertainment. 

Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan
 
‘Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan’, a new teleplay by Zee Theatre, featuring Ila Arun and KK Raina, provides a perceptive critique of the harm that patriarchy causes to both men and women. The teleplay, which is based in Rajasthan and is evocatively adapted by Ila Arun from Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “Ghosts,” centers on a dysfunctional feudal family in which the matriarch is fighting a solitary battle to keep a poisonous family secret. But as soon as the demons of the past return to torment her and her son, everything starts to spiral out of her control. The teleplay challenges viewers to consider whether traditions and practices cause trauma that may persist for generations to come. Yashodhara Baisaheb, the matriarch, is portrayed by Ila Arun, while KK Raina, who also directed the stage production plays the role of the family Purohit.

Filmed by Saurabh Shrivastav, the teleplay also stars Param Singh, Priyamvada Kant & Vijay Kashyap in vital roles.

Watch the show on Tata Play Theatre.
 
Purush
 
The dramatic and well-received play ‘Purush’ by Marathi playwright Jaywant Dalvi, who is well-known for tackling contemporary societal concerns in his writing, addresses the problem of gender abuse. The critically acclaimed Zee Theatre teleplay is about a courageous rape survivor’s struggle for justice and dignity in a patriarchal culture. During this process, Ambika, the main character, has to face not just the dishonest politician who sexually assaulted her but also the flaws in her own family. She continues to pursue justice despite the lack of support and the passing of her mother, and she also becomes an inspiration to other oppressed people.

Directed by Sourabh Shrivastava, the teleplay stars Ashutosh Rana, Gulki Joshi, Paromita Chatterjee, and Deepak Qazir. 

Watch it on  ZEE5.
 
Darlings
 
In her debut production, Alia Bhatt sensitively and darkly humorously addresses the problem of domestic abuse, showing how patriarchy, social conditioning, and the normalization of male aggression keep women from advocating for themselves until things go out of control. When a troubled wife decides to take matters into her own hands in an attempt to teach her violent husband a lesson, the movie takes an intriguing turn. Alia Bhatt’s powerful portrayal gives life to the brutalized wife Badru.

The 2022 Netflix film co-written and directed by Jasmeet K. Reen also stars Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, and Roshan Mathew.  
 
Laapataa Ladies

Kiran Rao’s second film, which is gentle, humorous, and full of incisive observations about gender inequality, solidifies her position as a feminist voice that is different. An unexpected turn of events occurs when two brides are switched at a railway station in this rural setting drama. While one bride chooses not to go back to her husband, the other ends up abandoned on a train platform with strangers around her. The straightforward Manju Mai (played by Chhaya Kadam), who runs her tea stall with kindness and authority while imparting life lessons about empowerment, provides the film’s central wisdom. In the end, the movie emphasizes that women can only become free from patriarchy by using their agency and boldly standing by their decisions.

The film also stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Ravi Kishan.

It can be watched on Netflix.
 
Dahaad

It is rare to see intersectional feminism in popular entertainment, but in this show by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, it is evident in every word spoken by Dalit sub-inspector Anjali Bhaati as she looks into the death trail left by a serial killer. When a village elder declines to allow her into his home, she has to deal with not only the mockery of a higher officer but also the caste prejudice of the elder himself. In addition to matching brains with a cold-blooded monster, she has to deal with the prevalent patriarchy in a Rajasthani community. Sonakshi Sinha portrays a strong police officer who is driven to achieve her goals.

Directed by  Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, the series also stars  Vijay Varma and Gulshan Devaiah.

Watch Dahaad on Amazon Prime.

Priyanka Dutta