Engaging Intergenerational Dramas That Explore Family Dynamics

Family dramas in Hindi cinema once depicted ideal relationships with song and dance. Theatre, however, has long explored intergenerational conflicts with more realism. Recently, both cinema and TV content have started portraying family units with their inherent conflicts and generational issues. Here are a few such stories available on the small screen.

Shakun Batra's 'Kapoor and Sons' offers a realistic portrayal of hidden resentments, bitterness, unsavoury truths, and anger within families. The Kapoor family constantly bickers despite the patriarch Amarjeet Kapoor's efforts to capture a happy family picture. When his two grandsons arrive, a hidden affair is revealed, followed by a tragedy. Watch how this family attempts to rebuild itself in this film starring Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Rajat Kapoor, and Sidharth Malhotra.

After over 50 shows across India, Ila Arun and KK Raina's play 'Peechha Karti Parchhaiyaan' is now available on the small screen. This Zee Theatre teleplay adapts Henrik Ibsen's 'Ghosts' to narrate the story of intergenerational trauma caused by patriarchy, family dysfunction, and toxic secrets. Set in Rajasthan, it explores the dynamics of a feudal clan where Ila Arun plays Yashodhara Baisaheb, a widow protecting her family's name. KK Raina directs and stars as a purohit while Param Singh plays Yuvraj. The teleplay also features Priyamvada Kant and Vijay Kashyap and can be watched on Airtel Theatre, Dish TV Rangmanch Active, and D2H Rangmanch Active from 1st September.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' tells the story of two culturally different families finding common ground through a young couple's efforts. They decide to live with their prospective in-laws to win them over while confronting issues like patriarchy and gender questions. They even resolve an unfinished love story between two separated lovers. Despite generational clashes threatening to tear them apart, the couple finds their way back to each other. The film stars Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Tota Roy Chowdhury, and Jaya Bachchan and is available on Amazon Prime Video.

Gulmohar

'Gulmohar,' directed by Rahul V. Chittella, mirrors the generational drama seen in 'This is Us.' It delves into the dilemmas of an adopted son and how his past affects his family as they prepare to leave their ancestral home of 34 years. A tussle ensues between the matriarch and her adult children as unknown facts emerge from their shared past. The film concludes with each family member choosing their path towards fulfilment and peace. Starring Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee, and Simran, it is available on Disney+ Hotstar.

Badhaai Ho

Amit Sharma's 'Badhaai Ho' presents an unusual conflict within a close-knit family when the mother of two grown-up sons announces her pregnancy. The elder son experiences shock, anger, and shame before accepting reality. The arrival of a baby girl eventually brings the generations together to celebrate mutual respect and acceptance. This heart-warming film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Gajraj Rao, and Neena Gupta in an award-winning performance; it is available on Netflix.

The evolution of Hindi cinema has brought more realistic portrayals of familial relationships to audiences. These stories reflect contemporary issues faced by families today.