T
he power
of cinema
not only
influence
s our
knowledg
e and
beliefs of different
quarters of the society. It
paints a picture, for our
perceptive and
understanding through
acquired knowledge on the
silver screen. For example,
the urban life style
portrayed in Yash Raj
Films or understanding
the struggles of everyday
life’s of the poor through
films by Mr Satyajit Ray
and Mr Shyam Benegal.
And more controversially
entertaining but clichéd
south Indian portrayal in
films such as Chennai
Express.
Health and healthcare and
its understanding have
similarly been shaped in
many instances through
Cinema. By influencing
our lifestyle choices that
effect our over all health
and wellbeing. The
portrayal of disease
conditions by certain well
made films for instance,
‘Black’ by Mr Sanjay Leela
Bhansali, dwelled on a
rarely discussed health
condition of ‘Alzheimer’s’
in geriatric patients. And
put it, in the fore front of
mainstream discussion
and thought process of it’s
audience.
This essential power of
cinema, lies in making one
think and absorb instances
at a personal level. This
goes in the favour of better
health communication
through films. It will be no
exaggeration to state, no
research publication has
been able to achieve the
impact, ‘Taare Zameen
Par’ has had on
understanding dyslexia
and holistically
empowering patients, care
givers, parents, teachers
and the society at large. To
deal with situations where
children need special
attention. The sensitivity
to address and approach
this health condition at the
“
Certain light
hearted films on
health such as
‘Vicky Donor’ and
‘Munna Bhai MBBS’
have well executed
the concept of
edutainment. The
former having
successfully
eliminated stigma
attached to sperm
donation and
eliminated the
taboo around the
issue”
mass level, has been a
special achievement of the
film.
Udta Punjab is another
such example, of a
mainstream feature film
with popular stars.
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