The Use of Metaphors and Symbolism to Depict Mental Health Issues in Indian Cinema

Michelle McNally, played by Rani Mukerji, represents the inner turmoil and emotional struggles of the protagonist, Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan). She is a figment of Debraj's imagination, created as a coping mechanism to deal with his loneliness and isolation.

Ishaan Awasthi, played by Darsheel Safary, symbolizes the struggles faced by children with dyslexia. The film explores his difficulties with reading and writing, his sense of isolation, and his eventual triumph over these challenges.

Jug, played by Shah Rukh Khan, represents the protagonist Kaira's (Alia Bhatt) journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. He is a mentor and guide who helps Kaira navigate her emotional struggles and find her own path in life.

Akash, played by Ranbir Kapoor, represents the protagonist Kiara's (Priyanka Chopra) inner turmoil and emotional struggles. He is a troubled individual who is dealing with his own personal demons and finds solace in Kiara's company.

Charlie, played by Shahid Kapoor, symbolizes the protagonist Guddu's (also played by Shahid Kapoor) split personality. He represents Guddu's darker and more impulsive side, which is in constant conflict with his rational and responsible side.

Rahul, played by Rahul Bhat, represents the protagonist Bose's (Ronit Roy) inner darkness and moral decay. He is a corrupt police officer who is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goals, even if it means sacrificing his own principles.

Devi, played by Richa Chadda, represents the protagonist Deepak's (Vicky Kaushal) inner strength and resilience. She is a young woman who is dealing with the loss of her lover and the stigma associated with premarital sex, but she refuses to give up on her dreams and aspirations.

Amitabh Bachchan's character, Deepak Sehgal, represents the protagonist Minal Arora's (Taapsee Pannu) inner strength and resilience. He is a retired lawyer who takes on the case of three young women who have been accused of assault and helps them fight for justice.

Mahavir Singh Phogat, played by Aamir Khan, represents the protagonist's (Geeta and Babita Phogat) relationship with their father. He is a strict and demanding coach who pushes his daughters to achieve their full potential in wrestling, but he also loves and supports them unconditionally.

Akash, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, represents the protagonist Akash's (Ayushmann Khurrana) inner turmoil and emotional struggles. He is a blind pianist who is dealing with the loss of his sight and the challenges of navigating a world that is no longer accessible to him.

Murad, played by Ranveer Singh, represents the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and self-expression. He is a young man from the slums of Mumbai who dreams of becoming a rapper and uses his music to express his struggles and aspirations.

Ayan Ranjan, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, represents the protagonist IPS Officer Ayan Ranjan's (Ayushmann Khurrana) relationship with his family. He is a young police officer who is assigned to investigate a case of caste-based violence and must navigate the complex dynamics of his own family's involvement in the incident.

Amrita, played by Taapsee Pannu, represents the protagonist's inner strength and resilience. She is a young woman who is dealing with the aftermath of being slapped by her husband and must find the courage to stand up for herself and rebuild her life.

Vidya Vincent, played by Vidya Balan, represents the protagonist's inner strength and determination. She is a forest officer who is tasked with tracking down a man-eating tigress and must navigate the challenges of a patriarchal society and a corrupt bureaucracy.

Vijay Barse, played by Amitabh Bachchan, represents the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and redemption. He is a retired sports teacher who starts a football team for slum children and helps them find purpose and direction in their lives.