When a man falls in love with a woman who has schizophrenia – something different happens. And that’s what the latest movie ‘Atrangi Re’ tried to depict. While Aanand L Rai tries to show us what a love story of a person suffering from mental illness looks like, unfortunately handling of the topic in the movie is extremely bad and problematic.
‘Atrangi Re’ starring Sara Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Dhanush, deals with the delicate topic of mental illness and trauma. In the movie, Sara plays the role of Rinku, who has symptoms of schizophrenia. Throughout the movie Rinku’s ailment is referred to as “paagalpan” or “madness”, and she is mocked time and again. Vishu (Dhanush) and his friend, who are medical students, not even once think about seeking proper medical help for her. Instead, the movie tries to build up a comic atmosphere, where they try to give her medicines claiming it’s for a virus from China, named ‘David.’
Here’s a list of things about the movie that we found disturbing:
1. Medical students making fun of someone displaying symptoms of mental disorder
Vishu (Dhanush) and his friend, who are medical students, not even once think about seeking proper medical help for Rinku. Instead, the movie tries to build up a comic atmosphere, where they try to give her medicines claiming it’s for a virus from China, named ‘David.’
2. Glorifying toxic love in the name of romance
The movie tries to make Rinku’s childhood trauma aspiring and romantic. While Rinku herself becomes a victim of domestic abuse, the movie tries to glorify it by making her say that real love can’t be labelled true until and unless “Jab take chappal na pade, Ek do katal na ho Mohalle mein..”.
3. Shaming people who display symptoms of mental health disorders
The movie makes a completely pathetic attempt to de-stigmatize Rinku’s mental disorder. Even Dr. Madhusudan, a psychiatrist, uses phrases like she should be “kept in a museum” and makes comments like she shouldn’t be roaming freely. He tries to convince Vishu that she’s a problematic person to fall in love with.
4. Problematic take on self-harm and domestic violence
While watching the movie you develop empathy for Rinku and her messed-up childhood. But there is little that she is seen doing to protect herself. Instead, she is showing doing self-harm and claiming her love is true. All because she accepts her own family’s terrible behavior and violence.
Quite a lot of fans who watched the movie, identified how problematic the treatment of mental health disorders is in the movie.
Do let us know what you think? You can watch the movie here.