Hindi films like Dahaad, Kathal, and The Kerala Story have recently addressed the issue of missing women and girls in India. Each film approaches the subject differently, but they all emphasize the emotional vulnerability of girls who become victims of such crimes.
Vipul Shah’s production, The Kerala Story, focuses on forced religious conversions as the primary cause of missing girls. The film exclusively explores religion and highlights the responsibility of families in raising well-informed women.
Dahaad, starring Sonakshi Sinha, follows an investigation into missing girls targeted by a serial killer. The film also sheds light on the role of society in making girls vulnerable to such crimes.
In Kathal, directed by Yashowardhan Mishra and featuring Sanya Malhotra, missing girls are briefly mentioned. However, the film showcases how the socio-political system prioritizes the case of two missing jackfruits over that of a missing girl, avoiding a deep dive into gender politics.
Writer and co-creator of Dahaad, Zoya Akhtar, highlights society’s role in making women vulnerable, explaining that girls often feel like a burden if they don’t conform to societal expectations of marriage. The lack of emotional support within families contributes to their vulnerability.
According to the NCRB Report 2021, 33,743 girls between the ages of 16 and 18 went missing in 2021 alone. Adult women accounted for 205,937 missing persons, with only 144,458 being traced.
Experts point out that women are often treated as second-grade citizens, leading to chronic stress and making them more vulnerable. Societal expectations of marriage and children also impact women’s choices in education, career, and social circles.
Sociologists emphasize that women face challenges in both public and personal spaces, especially those from marginalized segments of society. Empowering women involves not only education and financial independence but also instilling self-confidence and a sense of entitlement to fundamental human rights.
While cinema cannot solely transform society, it can reflect and highlight the need for change. Women with a strong sense of self are better equipped to deal with manipulative situations based on emotions.
These films contribute to the ongoing discussion on women’s empowerment and the need to address the emotional vulnerability of girls and women in society.
