Framing The Mind: A Content Analysis Of Mental Health Representation In Balu Mahendra’s Cinema

This research delves into the portrayal of mental health in the works of renowned Indian film
director Balu Mahendra. Intending to discern how psychological states are represented on screen, the study
applies qualitative content analysis on a group of his films that highly reflect mental and emotional
challenges. By methodical analysis of narrative patterns, characterizations, and filmic elements like lighting,
framing, and sound, the research discovers common themes such as emotional suffering, social alienation,
trauma, and modes of coping. The analysis picks out the complex means by which Balu Mahendra expresses
inner psychological states, frequently combining realism and visual poetry to create empathy and
contemplation. The research adds to the general body of film studies and mental illness representation
discourse by providing knowledge on how films can shape cultural representations of psychological
wellness and combat societal stigma against mental illness.