Popular web series challenges silence around marital rape in India

The web series ‘Chiraiya’ has drawn widespread attention following its release, using its storyline to confront the issue of marital rape in India, where the act remains legal. Since airing on JioHotstar* in March, the show has attracted millions of viewers and sparked national debate on consent, gender dynamics and legal reform.

Written by Divy Sharma, the series follows two women navigating contrasting worldviews within a patriarchal setting. Sharma says: “This injustice is happening within our homes, in our neighbourhoods.”

He adds: “What I find most troubling is that there’s no legal or social recourse. So, as a writer I felt I should do my bit about it.”

Actor Divya Dutta, who portrays Kamlesh, says the production addresses consent “specifically in a marriage, which is considered a very, very special bond”.

She notes: “Marital rape is very difficult to talk about. Every woman who goes through it thinks it’s just her story. She thinks if she speaks about it, there will be social stigma, the harmony of the house will be disrupted.”

India does not criminalise marital rape, placing it among a group of countries where forced sex within marriage is legally exempt under certain conditions. According to government data, 6.1% of ever-married women report experiencing sexual violence, although activists say the true figure is likely higher due to underreporting.

Director Shashant Shah says the aim of the series was to stimulate discussion rather than directly challenge legislation. “The intention behind making ‘Chiraiya’ was not to question the government or laws, we wanted to raise this question to the society – how do you look at it? We wanted to make people aware,” he says. He adds that the story reflects lived realities, noting, “Pooja’s story is fictional, but it’s the reality for millions of women.”

The show has also drawn criticism, with some viewers labelling it anti-men. Sharma acknowledges the backlash, saying some audiences are “getting triggered” and that there has been “a backlash from a section of men saying shows like these portray men in a bad light”. However, he maintains: “But our aim was to just start a conversation.”

Despite mixed reactions, Dutta describes the response as “absolutely overwhelming”.

“Everyone’s watching it… I think it really stirred something within everyone,” she says. Emphasising its broader impact, she adds: “I think this will make a difference in more ways than one because it is telling us where we are going wrong.” – BBC

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