Aarohanam (2012 film)

Aarohanam is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Lakshmy Ramakrishnan. The film stars Viji Chandrasekhar, Rajie Vijay Sarathy, Jayaprakash, and Uma Padmanabhan. It revolves around a middle-class mother, Lakshmi (Viji Chandrasekhar), who suffers from bipolar disorder, and the impact of her condition on her teenage children.

The film explores themes of mental illness, family dynamics, societal stigma, and the challenges faced by caregivers. Lakshmi’s sudden disappearances and erratic behavior disrupt her family's life, forcing her children to navigate the difficulties of understanding and coping with her condition while simultaneously concealing it from their community due to the fear of judgment.

Aarohanam received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of mental illness and the performances of its cast, particularly Viji Chandrasekhar. The film was also praised for its realistic depiction of the struggles faced by families dealing with mental health issues in India and for raising awareness about bipolar disorder.