Published Paper Details:

With the rise of digital streaming platforms, the contemporary cinema has transformed, providing the filmmakers with the narrative freedom to explore complex, psychological, and social themes. In this study, it has exploration of the portrayal of Trauma in some Hindi OTT films released between 2019 and 2022. Chhichhore (2019), Chhapaak (2020), The Girl on the Train (2021), Qala (2022), A Thursday (2022), and Darlings (2022) are the selected films which are used to investigate this issue. In the context of this study, Trauma refers to the conceptualization of deeply distressing experiences that causes the disruption of emotional stability and shape identity while encompassing academic pressure, abuse, loss, violence, and relational conflict. By making the use of qualitative content and thematic analysis, this research aims to investigate the causes, psychological symptoms, behavioural responses, narrative, representation, social reactions, and diagnosis/resolution of Trauma experienced by the protagonist in the film. The findings of the study reveal that Trauma is a central narrative driver, which influences character development, decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics. The selected films make use of diverse cinematic strategies, including flashbacks, symbolic imagery, fragmented timelines, and silence to convey subjective experiences and internalised distress of the character. The responses from the family, society and institution are also mentioned to either mitigate or exacerbate suffering, whereas the narrative outcomes are meant to range from partial recovery and resilience to unresolved or tragic consequences. This study demonstrates that Trauma is foregrounded within the contemporary Hindi OTT cinema as both a psychological and socio-cultural phenomenon which is offering nuanced insights into vulnerability, endurance, and identity formation. These films contribute to a deeper understanding of mental health, empathy, and resilience in Indian society by highlighting the interpersonal and societal factors which positions OTT platforms as a critical space for complex storytelling in the exploration of Trauma.