The truest reflection of the Indian masses probably resides within the walls of a cinema hall. When this writer had the misfortune of visiting one such hall to watch the newly-released Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal last week, most scenes in the film that were labelled problematic and toxic by experts on social media, were met with roaring cheers, applause and an occasional whistle by the audience. Amidst this enduring frenzy, one act brought them to deafening silence. A neglected and overlooked son finally confronts his father, and in a rare moment, the father simply sits and listens. In a previously recorded interview that resurfaced recently, Kapoor shares his personal experiences while growing up in a troubled household, concluding with words that underline the issue’s supposed universal relatability — “Everyone goes through it.”

Psychologists and gender sociologists explore why the problem runs so deep in Indian households and how one can attempt to revive and foster better relationships as the upcoming festive season brings families under one roof.