In a country like India, where the adolescent and youth population is at its peak and will remain so until 2030, addressing challenges related to accessible health services, adolescent pregnancy, and sex education is crucial. Alongside grassroots initiatives and government campaigns, storytelling in cinema and television has played a significant role in normalizing conversations about taboo subjects like sexual and reproductive health.
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In the film “OMG 2,” directed by Amit Rai and available on Netflix, the character Kanti Sharan Mudgal (played by Pankaj Tripathi) finds himself embroiled in a scandal when his son is accused of an obscene act due to a lack of sex education. Mudgal takes legal action against the school, advocating for the inclusion of sex education in academic syllabi. The film, starring Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, and Aarush Varma, sheds light on societal prejudices and knowledge gaps affecting the youth.
Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon:
This edutainment series, created by the Population Foundation of India in collaboration with the National Adolescent Health program and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aired on Doordarshan and reached a massive viewership of 150 million individuals. It fearlessly explores topics like family planning methods, domestic violence, child marriage, and unplanned pregnancies, making it a catalyst for positive change across rural India. Directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, the show stars Vaibhavi Hankare, Meinal Vaishnav, and Dadhey Pandey and is available on YouTube.
Made In China:
Directed by Mikhil Musale, “Made In China” may seem like a quirky comedy, but it addresses the importance of sex education without stigma. The protagonist, Raghuveer Mehta (played by Rajkummar Rao), transitions from failure to success by opening sexual health-related clinics, emphasizing that sex education is essential for all age groups. Alongside Rajkummar Rao, the film stars Mouni Roy and Boman Irani and can be watched on Jio Cinema.
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Janhit Main Jaari:
Directed by Jai Basantu Singh and available on ZEE5, “Janhit Main Jaari” challenges societal norms by depicting the journey of Manokamna Tripathi (played by Nushrratt Bharuccha), a small-town girl working at a condom-making company. The film addresses issues like bodily agency, safe sex, and abortion, highlighting the struggles of women in navigating societal expectations. Starring Vijay Raaz, Tinnu Anand, and Ishan Mishra, the film presents serious topics with straightforward simplicity.
These narratives not only entertain but also educate and empower audiences, contributing to a more informed and open-minded society regarding sexual and reproductive health.
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