Home / Arts and Entertainment / Marital Rape: India's Darkest Silence Exposed
Marital Rape: India's Darkest Silence Exposed
20 Mar
Summary
- Series tackles marital rape and patriarchal norms in North India.
- Story unfolds in a joint family in Lucknow, focusing on abuse.
- Performances by Divya Dutta and Prasanna Bisht elevate the drama.
The streaming series 'Chiraiya' unflinchingly examines societal norms and legal issues concerning women, particularly addressing the sensitive topic of marital rape. Directed by Shashant Shah and available on JioHotstar since March 20, 2026, the show stars Divya Dutta and Sanjay Mishra among others.
Set in a joint family in Lucknow, the narrative centers on Kamlesh (Divya Dutta) and her daughter-in-law Pooja (Prasanna Bisht). Pooja endures forced intimacy from her husband Arun (Siddharth Shaw) on their wedding night and beyond, despite her ill health. Kamlesh, initially unaware, gradually realizes Pooja's suffering and intervenes.
The series is praised for its restrained writing and grounded setting, questioning systemic issues rather than individual blame. The women characters, particularly Kamlesh and Pooja, are depicted with strength and clarity, showcasing Kamlesh's evolving beliefs and Pooja's fight for justice.
Divya Dutta and Prasanna Bisht deliver standout performances. Dutta portrays Kamlesh's internal shift effectively, while Bisht captures Pooja's vulnerability and resilience. Sanjay Mishra provides solid support as the patriarch with hidden regressive views. Though the series stumbles with exaggerated or forced scenes in its final moments, it successfully conveys its powerful message about the silence surrounding abuse within marriage.
