Portraits of dementia in Indian cinema raise important conversations about the condition

Soumitra Chatterjee and Swatilekha Sengupta star in the film 'Belashuru.' (Windows Production)

Movies can be effective media for spreading health information. Indian cinema, encompassing various regional film industries, holds sway over public perceptions and societal norms.

Movie reviewers and caregiving advocates also note the influence of films on the perception of dementia. Health researchers have also explored dementia in Indian cinema, and highlighted how these films can be a medium to understand cultural issues related to dementia.