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Not too long ago, family dramas in Hindi cinema famously portrayed picture-perfect relationships complete with song and dance. Theatre on the other hand has habitually explored intergenerational conflicts with far more realism. In recent times, cinema and small-screen content have also caught up with the times, to depict family units that are no stranger to acrimony and generational issues. Here are a few such stories that you can savour on the small screen.
Kapoor and Sons
Shakun Batra’s family saga is not saccharine sweet but realistic in its portrayal of hidden resentments, bitterness, unsavoury truths and anger that remain unaddressed in many families. The Kapoor clan bickers constantly though the patriarch Amarjeet Kapoor is a jolly old man, eager to click a happy family picture because he knows time is fleeting. When his two adult grandsons arrive, a hidden affair is revealed and a massive tragedy follows. To find out how this family puts its pieces back together, watch the film starring Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Rajat Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra.
Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan
After 50+ shows across India, Ila Arun and KK Raina’s acclaimed play ‘Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan’ now arrives on the small screen. This Zee Theatre teleplay is an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play ‘Ghosts’ and narrates the story of intergenerational trauma caused by stifling patriarchy, family dysfunctio,n and toxic secrets. The story set in Rajasthan, sheds light on the interpersonal dynamics of a feudal clan where Ila Arun plays Yashodhara Baisaheb, a widow battling to protect the family name. KK Raina who directed the play for stage, plays a purohi,t and television star Param Singh essays the young scion, Yuvraj. The teleplay helmed by filming director Saurabh Shrivastava also stars Priyamvada Kant and Vijay Kashyap and can be watched on Airtel Theatre, Dish TV Rangmanch Active and D2H Rangmanch Active on 1st September.
Gulmohar
Much like the generational drama ‘This is Us,’ this film showcases the dilemmas of an adopted son and the impact of his backstory on every member of his family. As the family prepares to leave their 34-year-old ancestral villa, a tussle ensues between the matriarch and her adult children. Many unknown facts from their shared past tumble out. What follows is a bitter-sweet conclusion with each member of the family deciding to follow their chosen path towards fulfilment and peace. Directed by Rahul V. Chittella, the Disney + Hotstar film stars Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee and Simran.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
This family saga directed by Karan Johar is about how two culturally different families find a middle ground thanks to the efforts of a young couple. Determined to bridge all divides, the two decide to live with their prospective in-laws in order to win them over. In the process, they confront issues like patriarchy, gender questions and even bring an unfinished love story between two separated lovers to a conclusion. The clash between three generations however threatens to tear them apart. How a golden-hearted Punjabi and a firebrand journalist find their way back to each other, makes for compelling viewing. The film (Available on Amazon Prime Video) stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Tota Roy Chowdhury and Jaya Bachchan.
Badhaai Ho
This heart-warming film directed by Amit Sharma is a far cry from melodramatic family dramas, and creates an unusual conflict within a close-knit family unit when the mother of two grown-up sons announces her pregnancy. The elder son who is in a serious relationship goes through many stages of shock, anger and shame before accepting the reality. The arrival of a baby girl brings the two generations together to celebrate a new beginning with mutual respect and acceptance. The film (available on Netflix) stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Gajraj Rao and Neena Gupta in an award-winning performance.
