A new web series that confronts marital rape in India has put the spotlight on this grim topic in a country that has stubbornly refused to criminalize it.
Chiraiya - the Hindi word for small birds - aired on JioHotstar in March. It has already drawn an audience of millions, making it one of the network's most popular Hindi shows in months.
Praised by media critics for tackling a subject that is largely regarded as taboo, it has sparked conversations on social media about consent and misogyny. However, some commentators have described it as 'anti-men' and 'an attempt to undermine the sanctity of marriage.'
Divy Nidhi Sharma, the show's scriptwriter, notes that the series follows two women, Kamlesh and Pooja.
Kamlesh, played by Divya Dutta, is a middle-aged homemaker who believes 'women should be interested in cooking and housework.' Pooja, played by Prasanna Bish, is educated, socially conscious, and advocates for gender equality and dignity.
Their worlds collide when Pooja marries Arun – Kamlesh's brother-in-law, whom she reared as her own son. He is seen as the perfect match for Pooja, but her dreams of a happily ever after are shattered when he rapes her on their wedding night.
When Pooja confronts him, Arun tells her he has 'just taken what's mine.' He adds that marital rape is not recognized in India and there is no law to address it.
Dutta states that the show addresses consent, particularly within marriage, which is often considered a very special bond. 'Marital rape is very difficult to talk about. Every woman who goes through it thinks it's just her story. She believes that if she speaks up, there will be social stigma and family harmony will be disrupted,' she shares.
The narrative showcases how the characters navigate their beliefs around consent and patriarchal norms.
Despite a strong negative reaction from a section of society regarding the portrayal of men, the creators hope to use the platform to initiate necessary discussions about a frequently stigmatized subject. As they pave the way for future dialogues, they emphasize their aim to raise awareness, not to criticize laws or the government.
Ultimately, 'Chiraiya' aims to demonstrate the significance of starting conversations at home, marking the first step towards change.
