Carry on Munnabhai, say psychiatrists

Carry on Munnabhai, say psychiatrists
Tuesday, October 17, 2006 16:21 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Munnabhai did get delusions but he isn't nutty, psychiatrists of a research institute on schizophrenia have diagnosed.

Lage Raho Munnabhai, this year's super-hit film starring Sanjay Dutt as goon Munnabhai who takes up Gandhian ideals, was screened at the International Film Festival on Mental Health in Chennai.

Psychiatrists of the Schizophrenia Research Foundation, which organised the festival, gave excellent reviews for the film and praised it for portraying mental health sensitively.

In the movie, Munnabhai is able to see and communicate with Mahatma Gandhi. Psychiatrists loved the film because of the way it shows Munnabhai's hallucinations. "The striking feature of the movie is that it depicts psychiatric symptoms in a very positive manner," says Dr R Mangala, consultant psychiatrist at the foundation.

"Hallucination cannot be termed formally as mental illness. However, it is a mental state caused due to sleeplessness, heightened experience or extreme tension," says Dr Dinesh Bhugra, Dean, Royal College of Psychiatry, London.

Munnabhai, too, is stressed and doesn't sleep for days so that he can read up on the Mahatma. That's the reason for his "delusionary state", Bhugra says.

According to him, hallucination is a common mental problem and more than half in a sample population of 100 are sure to have undergone such spells at some point of time.

"A typical example of hallucination is when people are in love. They always imagine the voice of the person they are in love with," says Dr R Thara, director of the foundation.

"The movie deals with the issue of mental health very sensitively, which is evident from the scene where a psychiatrist scientifically explains plausible reasons for Munnabhai's hallucination, says Mangala.

Munnabhai MBBS, a prequel of the movie, was a hit too and appreciated for its light-hearted portrayal of a medical college.
'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from Vikrant Massey's 'The Sabarmati Report' Captures the Pain of Heartbreak!

The soulful song 'Tere Mere Darmiyan' from the upcoming film 'The Sabarmati Report' starring Vikrant Massey was released on Wednesday. Featuring Vikrant Massey and

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Vicky Kaushal to Portray 'Eternal Warrior of Dharma' Chiranjeevi Parashurama in 'Mahavatar'!

Bollywood sensation Vicky Kaushal is set to take on one of the most iconic roles of his career as Chiranjeevi Parashurama in the upcoming mythological epic "Mahavatar," directed by

Thursday, November 14, 2024
'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' Season 2 Trailer Unveiled: A Thrilling Ride of Kidnapping, Betrayal, and Revenge!

The much-anticipated trailer for the second season of Netflix's hit streaming series 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' was released on Wednesday, offering fans a glimpse into the

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Ananya Panday Turns Up the Heat in Sizzling Bikini Photos from Dubai Vacation!

Ananya Panday recently took to social media to share glimpses from her Dubai vacation, captivating her fans with stunning beach photos. The Bollywood actress posted a

Thursday, November 14, 2024
Shraddha Kapoor Shares Her Views on Success, Failure, and Everything in Between in Filmfare's November 2024 Edition!

Shraddha Kapoor, a powerhouse performer known for her charm and versatility, continues to dominate Hindi Cinema, a journey that has rightfully landed her on the cover

Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT