Updated on: 25 September, 2024 04:21 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
In India, discussing contraception has often been considered a taboo subject, with societal stigma preventing open dialogues around family planning and safe sex practices. Despite the governments efforts to promote contraceptive use as a means of controlling the population and improving public health, a lack of awareness and misinformation still persists in many parts of the country.
This gap in conversation is especially crucial, given the country's high birth rate and the health implications of unintended pregnancies. However, popular culture, especially Bollywood, has recently begun to tackle this sensitive issue, helping bring it to the mainstream through humour, drama, and relatable narratives.
These movies emphasise the importance of breaking societal barriers while fostering awareness about contraceptive methods in a way that is entertaining yet impactful. As we observe World Contraception Day on September 26, these films remind us of the need for continuous efforts to educate people about contraception and reproductive rights.
1. Chhatriwali (2023)
Chhatriwali, released in 2023, centres around the character of a young woman named Sanya who works at a condom manufacturing company but is initially ashamed of her job. The movie cleverly uses humour and relatable storytelling to tackle the stigma surrounding contraceptives in smaller towns and rural parts of India. Throughout the film, Sanya undergoes a transformation as she learns to embrace her role, realising that promoting safe sex is not only essential but empowering for women.By normalising the conversation around contraception, the film also touches on important themes like women's reproductive rights, health awareness, and family planning. Chhatriwali emphasises that women, too, have a vital role to play in these discussions, making the subject less taboo and more accessible.
2. Helmet (2021)
Released in 2021, Helmet takes a comedic approach to the issue of contraception. The film is set in a small town where the protagonist and his friends resort to stealing a truck, only to discover it is filled with condoms. The film focuses on the deep-seated discomfort men feel about purchasing condoms in public, as the act often invites judgement and embarrassment.By exploring the humorous side of this discomfort, Helmet not only entertains but also underscores the absurdity of the stigma around contraceptives. The film raises important questions about why society associates shame with a product designed to promote safe sex and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Helmet uses comedy to break down barriers, encouraging viewers, especially men, to think about contraception as a normal and necessary part of adult life.
3. Janhit Mein Jaari (2022)
Janhit Mein Jaari (2022) takes a bold and satirical approach to discussing contraception. The film follows the journey of a young woman who unexpectedly lands a job as a condom saleswoman in a small town. Her journey is marked by resistance from her family and society, who view her job as inappropriate or dishonourable for a woman.As she faces these challenges, the film highlights the cultural barriers that prevent open discussions about contraceptives, especially when women are involved. Like Chhatriwali, this movie showcases the societal stigma women face when discussing or promoting contraceptive use. In doing so, Janhit Mein Jaari delivers a strong message about the importance of women's agency in matters of reproductive health and family planning, urging society to look beyond shame and tradition to embrace progressive thinking.
