Paper Contents
Abstract
This study examines in depth the portrayal of womens mental health issues in Balu Mahendras films, focusing on narrative strategies, thematic elements and sociocultural influences He is known for his humanism sensitive and nuanced portraits of emotions, Balu Mahendra often bases his stories on women facing pressing psychological challenges How to explore the causes and examine the broader social implications.The study aims to identify specific mental health issues portrayed in Balu Mahendras films, explore the cinematic mechanisms through which these issues are expressed, and understand the impact of these portrayals on social perceptions of womens mental health under The connecting quantitative component includes a Likert-scale questionnaire designed to measure audience perceptions and attitudes, while the qualitative analysis focuses on the themes and narratives of the filmsThe findings suggest that Balu Mahendra's films significantly influence viewersknowledge and empathy towards women's mental health. Quantitative data show that 75% reported an increase in their knowledge and 60% reported a decrease in stigma after viewing these films. The qualitative analysis reveals recurring themes such as isolation, social pressure, emotional trauma, etc., through Mahendras use of close-ups, natural lighting and minimal dialogue function separately These techniques effectively convey the turmoil of the characters, developing deeper emotional connections and the audience.The discussion section explores the social and cultural implications of these images, emphasizing the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of mental illness. Balu Mahendra's films challenge social norms by presenting strong and relatable female characters and encouraging open discussions about mental health. The study also addresses limitations, including the specific cultures of the films, and identifies areas for further research such as comparative studies with other filmmakers
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