Consider a scenario where a falling water bottle triggers thoughts of your best friend tripping over it and potentially getting hurt. Or imagine brushing against someone you are attracted to, only to feel an overwhelming wave of panic instead of excitement. While such responses may not reflect typical behavior, they resonate with many individuals grappling with mental distress and anxiety on a daily basis.
This World Mental Health Day, Sony Liv has launched a fresh anthology series featuring six standalone stories that delve into various mental health challenges, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This series stands apart from conventional adaptations that approach real-life topics; it opts for an authentic representation of how these issues impact daily life, avoiding excessive dramatization and information overload. The characters and situations feel familiar, creating a relatable backdrop for the audience.
The episodes explore diverse narratives around mental health, showcasing a corporate employee obsessed with calorie counting, a teenage boy facing bullying in his village, and a man withdrawing from friends after a difficult breakup. While certain stories dive straight into the symptoms, others provide a gentler introduction to the complexities involved.
Shivani Raghuvanshi portrays an individual battling obsessive-compulsive disorder in Malika Kumar’s The Daily Puppet Show (Episode 6)
The anthology emphasizes the prevalence of mental health issues, urging viewers to recognize their significance rather than dismissing the statistics. The narratives span various socioeconomic backgrounds, including stories from financially struggling households as well as those from more affluent settings. Although the series does not delve deeply into the specifics of each disorder, the half-hour episodes offer compelling glimpses into the realities faced by those living with these conditions.
One of the standout episodes, Sahaan Hattangadi’s Purple Duniya, features exceptional writing and performances. The episode opens with a whimsical scene: a purple rubber duck floating in a water-filled apartment, dancing to vibrant rave music, immediately capturing attention.
We are introduced to the main character, Raag (Tanmay Dhanania), a 30-year-old who has recently been laid off and experienced a breakup. Despite these substantial setbacks, Raag navigates life with surprising joviality and energy, perceiving everything around him through a vibrant lens of purple hues as he rides his bike at exhilarating speeds.
Tanmay Dhanania’s portrayal in Purple Duniya (Episode 2) offers a captivating perspective on mental health issues today
As the episode unfolded, I found myself researching to better understand the mental health theme it presented. The gripping narrative held my attention and culminated in an unexpected twist, leaving me eager to avoid spoilers.
Another notable tale is Caged, featuring Sumeet Vyas, directed by Danny Mamik and Hattangadi. This story follows the uncommon friendship between Vyas, the affluent returnee of his village, and a shy teenager, Mohammad Samad Tumbbad, who navigates bullying and feelings of isolation. Torn between his desire to study literature and parental expectations pushing him toward medicine, Samad’s character resonates with many viewers.
Mohammad Samad delivers one of the standout performances throughout the series
The two characters, bound by their individual struggles, discover solace in each other’s company. The episode impressively captures their emotional dynamics, with Samad’s performance standing out for its depth and authenticity.
In another episode, Swagatam, Shreyas Talpade portrays a character living with schizophrenia. He battles unemployment, relies on his wife’s support, and constantly deals with paranoia. While not overwhelmed by hallucinations, he cannot be left unattended and spends his days at a support group.
Written by Sukriti Tyagi, this episode offers a careful and humane portrayal of those living with schizophrenia, enhanced by visual tricks that create a distinct atmosphere. Talpade’s scenes are tinted in dull yellow, contrasting with the vibrant backdrop he encounters off-screen. This device creatively illustrates the toll on families of individuals experiencing such conditions, although the pacing can feel inconsistent.
Shweta Basu Prasad delivers a compelling portrayal of a PTSD patient in Aditya Sarpotdar’s Bhanwar (Episode 3)
Shweta Basu Prasad and Priya Bapat’s performances stand out in the anthology as they depict women suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Their visceral reactions to intimacy—marked by tears, shivers, and breathlessness—form one of the most poignant representations I have encountered in contemporary narratives. I wish their episode, Bhanwar, provided more substantial material to showcase their talents.
While Zindaginama approaches its themes with sincerity, it struggles to maintain consistent momentum throughout the series. Some stories deeply resonate, while others feel less engaging and appear incomplete, presenting merely a slice of life. The challenge for productions addressing sensitive issues lies in striking a balance between informative content and entertainment to avoid coming across as didactic. Viewers may switch off if they find themselves bored, undermining the goal of raising awareness about mental health.
The varying tones across the six episodes further complicate the viewing experience. While certain narratives are highly recommendable, others might not capture attention as effectively. Nonetheless, Zindaginama represents a commendable endeavor to normalize discussions surrounding mental health and humanize those affected, deserving recognition for its intent.
Overall Rating: 6/10
Episodic Ratings:
Purple Duniya: 3.5/5
Caged: 3/5
Swagatam: 2.5/5
Bhanwar: 2.5/5
Puppet Show: 2/5
One Plus One: 2/5
