Web series Chiraiya confronts marital rape in India, sparking national conversation

Chiraiya, a Hindi web series that premiered on JioHotstar in March, has drawn millions of viewers and ignited intense debate about marital rape in India. The show follows two women: Kamlesh, a traditional homemaker played by Divya Dutta, and Pooja, an educated bride portrayed by Prasanna Bisht. Pooja's marriage to Arun, Kamlesh's brother-in-law, turns traumatic when he rapes her on their wedding night, claiming his marital right. Kamlesh initially upholds patriarchal norms but gradually becomes Pooja's ally. Director Shashant Shah aimed to create relatable characters, avoiding villainous caricatures of men while exposing entrenched misogyny. Scriptwriter Divy Nidhi Sharma sought to address the lack of legal recourse, as India remains among three dozen countries where marital rape is not criminalized. Government data indicates 6.1% of married Indian women experience sexual violence. Despite petitions to the Supreme Court, opposition from religious groups and men's rights activists has stalled legal change. The series, adapted from the Bengali show Sampoorna, has received overwhelming positive feedback, including messages from veteran actors, though some critics label it anti-men. Divya Dutta believes such stories can drive societal change by starting conversations at home.