India Express
India has a pretty complicated relationship with surrogacy. On the one hand, surrogacy is accepted as a selfless act that offers the possibility of an infertile couple having a child of their own. On the other hand, there is a lot of exploitation associated with it, thanks to wealthy international couples who use poor local women for their surrogate needs.
The truth is that there are so many couples around the world who, unfortunately, are unable to give birth. With the help of surrogacy, they have a glimmer of hope. Minus the exploitation, surrogacy can be a wonderful pathway to parenthood, something which people wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise. Even though surrogacy can be a good thing, there is a sense of unacceptance and stigma associated with it. Not many people are comfortable talking about it, and if they do come across a couple who have had a surrogate pregnancy, they are quick to judge them. It is so important to spread awareness about the good side of surrogacy, and one way to go about this is through movies.
Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon’s most recent release, Mimi, is an excellent example of an off-beat movie covering surrogacy. The story revolves around Mimi (Kriti Sanon), who agrees to be a surrogate mother for an American couple, John and Summer. Things take a turn for the worse when the couple changes their mind about wanting the unborn child due to possible health complications. They then decide to abandon the pregnant Mimi and her unborn child without even paying her for being their surrogate (see what we mean when we say exploitation?).
If you haven’t already watched the movie, Mimi, go do that right away! If you watched it, loved it, and are looking for more, here’s a list of a few other Indian movies that talk about surrogacy:
Doosri Dulhan
Image: Twitter
We’re proud of the fact that even in the ’80s, Bollywood cinema highlighted surrogacy through this classic movie, Doosri Dulhan. It is a simple storyline about a couple who loses their only son in a car accident. They try to have a child again, but the wife cannot conceive due to complications that probably stemmed from the accident. They then decide to take the leap and try their hand at surrogacy. Soon enough, they come across a prostitute who is willing to be their surrogate. The movie shows the many emotions that one goes through, both from the perspective of the surrogate and the parents.
Vicky Donor
Image: India Today
Vicky Donor is another off-beat movie that talks about alternative means of conceiving a child. The story is about Vicky, a sperm donor. Although this isn’t directly in line with surrogacy, it does portray a strong message about how we should stop negating alternate means of reproduction. There are so many childless couples who desire nothing more than to have a child to call their own, and it’s time for us to drop the judgments! Even though the movie is a comedy-drama, it subtly talks about the hard reality of people’s mindsets regarding infertility, surrogacy, IVF, and sperm donation.
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke
Image: Twitter
One of Bollywood’s biggest commercial blockbusters, this one starred some big names such as Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji. The couple, Raj and Priya, played by Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji, decide to pay Madhu (Preity Zinta) to be their surrogate. The story emphasized the emotional turmoil couples go through when they try to have a child but can’t do so. It speaks at length about the choice of surrogacy and the life of a surrogate mother. It also talks about the insecurities and troubles that women face when they are at different stages of motherhood. The movie was way ahead of its time. It also went on to talk about how society looks down on people who are unable to conceive, as well as on surrogacy.
Filhaal
Image: Indian Express
If you’re looking for a movie that can send you on an emotional rollercoaster, then this has to be it. The story addresses two important topics — friendship and surrogacy. It is about two friends, one who is unable to conceive and the other who agrees to be her surrogate. Although things are great initially, a lot of conflicts arise during the pregnancy. Surrogacy, even if entwined with friendship, isn’t exactly a bed of roses, and the tender, realistic way the film shows this, makes it a must-watch.
Hopefully, with the help of these incredible movies, a lot more awareness can be gained about surrogacy. It is essential to know the side of surrogate mothers and the couple for whom the surrogate is having the baby. These movies can help us understand this. Have you watched any of these films? What is your take on it? Let us know in the comments below!
