A Bold Film

Though they show excessive violence and sex, Hindi films hardly dare to challenge social taboos. Usually they endorse even outdated social norms to ensure acceptance among large audience. But 'Kya Kehna' by Kundan Shah is a bold attempt in which an unmarried girl gives birth to a child. In this she has the support of her parents. The film rightly justifies the girl's rejection of the idea that she should have an abortion because she does not possess a marriage certificate. Yes she has to face social boycott but later on society accepts her. Unmarried mothers are quite common in the west, but here we still need to change the mindset of the people. In India, we have some unmarried mothers, but they belong to the elite class who is detached from the mainstream and can afford to ignore or even offend social norms.

The fact that this film has box office success indicates the changing times. But the real success will come when abortions because of the fear of social disapproval will stop. We also need social liberalisation with economic liberalisation.