Imagine you’re at a family gathering, and someone mentions a relative who’s been “acting strangely” — perhaps hearing voices, withdrawing from loved ones, or believing things that don’t seem real. The conversation quickly changes, the room falls silent, and the topic is quickly brushed aside. It’s an all-too-familiar scene in India, where schizophrenia is still deeply misunderstood and wrapped in stigma.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (USA), schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Despite affecting over 3 million people in India, awareness remains low, and stigma runs deep.

Cinema, with its power to build empathy, can help change that. Stories told on screen don’t just entertain — they make us feel, reflect, and often see the world through someone else’s eyes. Over the years, some Indian films have portrayed schizophrenia with honesty and care. Here are five that stand out for their sensitive and nuanced storytelling.

1. Devrai (2004)

The story
Shesh Desai, a once-promising science student, becomes increasingly withdrawn and obsessed with a sacred grove (‘Devrai’) near his village. As his mental health deteriorates, he experiences hallucinations and delusions, leading to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The film follows Shesh’s journey and the impact of his illness on his sister Seena........

© The Better India