A question that continues to persist is whether marriage gives consent, or does it become a pass for either of the partners to violate? In the year 2026, this crucial question must be posed without bias—consent within marriage is not, and should never be, a gendered issue. Turning a blind eye to violations based on gender is unacceptable. Increasingly, there are documented cases where women have been held accountable for violating a man’s consent, given that the right to bodily autonomy and respect within marriage is universal and must be protected for all, regardless of gender.
Chiraiya, on Jio Hotstar, is an official adaptation of the Bengali series Sampurna, which churns that wake-up jolt—well, here it is a woman, for crimes against women tilt on the heavier side, and so far, no certain checks are there on marital rape as such. Marital rape, two words for far too long, has been treated as mutually exclusive in the Indian household. “She’s your wife, of course, you have rights,” the elders whisper during weddings, as if the sacred thread of marriage also binds consent in perpetuity.
The series shines a spotlight on Divya Dutta as Kamlesh, the central force who fiercely champions the cause of her daughter-in-law, Pooja (Prasanna Bisht), after she becomes a victim of marital rape. Kamlesh, portrayed with remarkable depth by Dutta, is a woman deeply rooted in her familial responsibilities and traditional values. Initially unfamiliar with concepts like ‘consent’ and the language of women’s rights, Kamlesh embarks on her own journey of self-education. Through heartbreak and revelation, she gradually unlearns old beliefs and opens herself to new ideas, transforming into an unexpected advocate for justice within the walls of her own home. Her evolution is not just personal—by standing with Pooja, Kamlesh empowers her to reclaim her voice and resist the violence inflicted upon her by Arun (Siddharth Shaw). In doing so, Kamlesh becomes the symbol of courage, challenging entrenched norms and lighting the path for other women trapped in silence. What we enjoy about Kamlesh’s journey is that her husband, Vinay (Faisal Rashid), stays by her side throughout.
Sarita Joshi, who plays an elderly matriarch of the household, turns Kamlesh’s steering light on to break the ice of the violence. The series features Sanjay Mishra as Sukumar Bhramar, the embodiment of entrenched household patriarchy. Sukumar is obstinate in his belief that true masculinity lies in exercising control over women at every turn. For him, authority is not just a privilege but a duty—one that demands the subjugation of female agency and the upholding of rigid, outdated notions of gender roles. Mishra’s portrayal brings to life a character who clings to power through domination, convinced that a man’s worth is measured by how effectively he can dictate the lives and choices of the women around him. Sukumar’s worldview is a stark reminder of the deeply rooted societal norms the series seeks to challenge.
What does it make us learn and realise?
To begin, let me share a brief anecdote. I once encountered a man who confided, quite candidly, “I feel more masculine—more like a man—when I’m physically assertive with my partner.” Hearing such a confession was, to say the least, startling. Yet, he went on to explain that his partner welcomed this dynamic, remarking, “It keeps things functional.” Certainly, explains to us the truth about the nature of consent: it is rooted in mutual understanding and agreement between individuals. When both partners in a relationship willingly embrace certain behaviours, those choices become a matter of personal accord. Realisation: Consent transcends gender. It is not a concern limited to one sex or the other, but a principle that is fundamentally universal.
IWMBuzz rates it 4/5 stars.
