In a emotional ruling, the Supreme Court has permitted passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, comatose in Haryana since 2013, honoring his family’s long fight. This verdict on withdrawing life support revives spotlight on passive euthanasia ethics across India.
Over decades, Indian filmmakers have confronted this heavy theme head-on, crafting stories that illuminate the human cost of prolonged suffering, the sanctity of choice, and clashes between law and humanity. Post-Rana, searches for these movies have surged.
The trailblazer ‘Shायद’ arrived in 1979, Madan Bhavaria’s bold venture into euthanasia territory. Centered on a dying woman’s plea against forced existence amid agony, it features Nita Mehta, backed by powerhouses like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Vijayendra Ghatge, and Simi Garewal. Iftekhar’s prosecutor and Achyut Potdar’s judge anchor the legal showdown, sparking nationwide introspection that echoes today.
2010’s ‘Guzaarish,’ Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, stars Hrithik Roshan as the wheelchair-bound Ethan Mascarenhas, whose accident-induced paralysis leads to a courtroom crusade for euthanasia. Aishwarya Rai’s nuanced portrayal of his caregiver, alongside Aditya Roy Kapur, captures the essence of dignity in despair. It’s a visual and emotional feast on life’s value.
Rooted in reality, ‘Salaam Venky’ (2022) by Revathi stars Vishal Jethwa as ALS-afflicted Venky, with Kajol as his fierce mother navigating legal hurdles for his euthanasia wish. It masterfully blends heartbreak with hope, spotlighting family resilience and the urgent call for euthanasia awareness.
On the factual front, ‘Passive Euthanasia – Kahani Karuna Ki’ (2014) by Chetan Shah chronicles Aruna Shanbaug’s case, the 2011 catalyst for legalizing passive euthanasia. The doc pleads for living wills, framing euthanasia as an act of ultimate kindness.
From silver screen to courtroom, these works bridge art and advocacy, compelling viewers to ponder: when does life become a burden, and who decides?