5 films emphasizing on POCSO act highlights the gray side of humanity

New Delhi: The narratives surrounding sexual assault are no strangers to audiences, they reflect the ugliness of human greed and selfishness. However, there are movies that continue to haunt you long after you’ve watched them. Movies like Sirf Ek Banda Kofi Hai or Kahaani 2 portray horrific tragedies that not only send shivers but also open floodgates for discussions and debates. These films present a realistic picture of the judicial process. Although filled with repulsive scenes, they serve as a powerful tool for social change providing relief to the victims and their families. While the POCSO Act protects the interests of minors, such films justify the provisions of the Act creating awareness about under-reported crimes and abuses.

Let’s take a look at such films which brought the POCSO Act to the fore and held the top spot due to their impeccable storyline:

1. Only One Man Is Enough (ZEE5)
Inspired by true events, Sirf Ek Banda Kafii Hai is a courtroom drama directed by Apoorva Singh Karki, starring Manoj Bajpayee as advocate PC Solanki. This is the story of an ordinary man – a High Court lawyer who single-handedly fought an extraordinary case against the country’s tallest religious leader and successfully prosecuted him for raping a minor under the POCSO Act. The film educates the audience about the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act while the hearing continues in the courtroom for justice. Through the sexual harassment case of Nu, it throws light on the salient features and legal framework of the Act. Mere Ek Banda Kofi Hai will definitely make you aware of some facts that you were not aware of.

2. Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh (ZEE5)
The story 2 revolves around a woman named Vidya Sinha and her daughter Mini. Vidya works as a school librarian in a small town and leads a simple life. However, their lives take a dark turn when Mini goes missing. As the investigation unfolds, it is revealed that Mini has been kidnapped and is being held captive. Vidya, determined to find her daughter, teams up with Inderjeet Singh, a police officer. As they delve deeper into the matter, they discover a shocking truth – Mini has been sexually assaulted. They face various challenges and obstacles as they fight for justice, exposing the gray side of humanity while also highlighting the harsh realities faced by innocent children. The film goes deep into the POCSO Act through Vidya’s journey.

3. Mi Next (ZEE5)
Mi Next is the heart-wrenching story of 14-year-old teenage rape survivor Honey Kohli’s court battle for justice and abortion rights. It has layers like media sensationalism, an unscrupulous defense lawyer and rapist Aman’s father trying to hush up the case. The story raises the moral question of why the survivor should pay the price and is an important expression of hope for society. The film explores the right of a minor rape victim to have an abortion and the validity of the POCSO Act.

4. Mardaani 2 (Amazon Prime Video)
Mardaani 2 is set in Kota, Rajasthan where a series of brutal rapes and murders rock the city. It revolves around Superintendent of Police Shivani Shivaji Roy handling the challenging case of finding a serial rapist who targets young girls. The film deals with the issue of brutal crimes against women as Shivani is determined to catch the culprit and bring him to justice. He has to face various obstacles in his quest including social indifference and the challenging nature of the case. The film urges the society to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children from sexual offenses by highlighting the provisions under the POCSO Act.

5. Highway (Disney+ Hotstar)
The film centers around the kidnapper (played by Randeep Hooda) and his hostage (played by Alia Bhatt) as they bond over similar histories of child abuse – sexual and physical – at the hands of close family figures. The film leads to a moving denouement where the female protagonist confronts her abuser. It scores in showing how trauma operates in subtle, long-lasting ways, and how emotional support can provide strength to survivors and help them cope with both the abuser and their trauma. Could The film is based on the sexual assault of a minor and the emotional damage it causes to them.

Check out these compelling stories all set to give you goosebumps!