Indian cinema has always been a powerful medium for storytelling, entertaining, and educating the masses. In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards creating films that address social issues and raise awareness about important topics. One such critical issue that Indian cinema has started to tackle is the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Indian filmmakers have taken on the challenge of bringing to light the disturbing and uncomfortable aspects of child sexual abuse and exploitation, while also highlighting the grey side of humanity through their thought-provoking narratives.

Narratives around sexual assault are no stranger to the audience, they depict the ugliness of human greed and selfishness. However, there are films that continue to haunt you even after you finish watching them. Many films have portrayed the horrific tragedies which not only give shivers but also open floodgates to discussions and debates. These films paint a realistic picture of the justice process. Although loaded with repulsive scenes, they act as a powerful tool for social change providing relief to the victims and their families.

The POCSO Act

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, commonly known as the POCSO Act, was enacted in India in 2012 with the primary aim of providing legal protection to children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This comprehensive legislation defines various forms of child sexual abuse, sets stringent penalties for offenders, and establishes special courts for speedy trials. Despite these legal safeguards, child sexual abuse remains a significant concern in India. Indian filmmakers have recognized the importance of addressing this issue through cinema to create awareness and foster societal change.

Let’s delve into some of these films that bring attention to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) act and stand out for their unapologetic storytelling:

1. ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ (Zee5)

Inspired by true events, ‘Ek Bandaa Kafi Hai’ is a courtroom drama directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, starring Manoj Bajpayee in and as lawyer P.C Solanki. It is the story of an ordinary man - a high court lawyer who single-handedly fought an extraordinary case against the country’s biggest godman and successfully ended up prosecuting him for the rape of a minor under the POCSO act. The film educates the audience about the POCSO [Protection Of Children from Sexual Offenses] act while the trial for justice continues in the courtroom. Through Nu’s case of sexual assault, it highlights the key features of the act and the legal framework. 'Bandaa' will surely make you aware of a few facts that were not known to you.

2. ‘Sembi’ (Disney Hotstar)

Sembi the film provides justice to the child victim, thereby spreading the needed awareness in the society about POCSO Act.The second half turns interesting when stressing more about the POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) ACT. It also emphasizes that sometimes people think it takes a long time to win over a case and feel there is no point in continuing their legal battle. It is common people’s ignorance that this awareness is still missing is the point mentioned here. This act is different. The sole testimony of the victim can be taken into consideration while providing the judgement. The example of the Bihar case in 2021, where the judgment was provided within one day, was cited here. It is considered to be the fastest verdict by any POCSO court in the country.

3. ‘Am I Next’ (Zee5)

‘Am I Next’ is a heart-wrenching tale of a 14-year-old teenage rape survivor Honey Kohli’s court battle for justice and the right to abortion. It has layers such as media sensationalism, a dishonest defence lawyer and the rapist Aman’s father trying to brush off the matter. The story raises ethical questions about why the survivor must pay the price and is a momentous expression of hope for society. The film explores the legalities of a minor rape victim’s right to abortion and the POCSO Act.

4. ‘Story 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 Inderjit 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 navigate the legal system and fight for justice, highlighting the gray side of humanity while at the same time highlighting the harsh realities faced by innocent children. Are. The film goes deep into the POCSO Act through Vidya’s journey.

5. ‘Mardaani ' (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, who takes on 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.