Dhurandhar's popularity isn't accidental; it exposes India's mental distress

When a harsh espionage drama turns into the country’s popular topic of discussion, it often reveals more about the audience, than the movie itself.

'Dhurandhar', which has dominated theatres and timelines this week, is not just another action-packed release. The film’s triumph lies in the feelings it evokes, a subtle acknowledgement that the hidden wounds, cracks and concealed pains motivating its characters are not alien.

It is true that the movie’s brutal "realism" unsettled us, but deep down it also struck a chord. It is this chord which provides an insight into India’s emotional terrain at a time when discussions about mental health are widespread, but true openness remains largely elusive.

THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND WATCHING PAIN

Psychologists have long tried to explain why, especially