Streaming platform JioHotstar has announced its new original series ‘Chiraiya’, a hard-hitting social drama that challenges the deeply rooted assumption that marriage automatically implies lifelong consent. The upcoming show seeks to spark conversation around one of the most sensitive and often unspoken realities within Indian households, placing issues of autonomy, dignity and silence at the centre of its narrative.

Directed by Shashant Shah, the series features an ensemble cast led by Divya Dutta, along with Sanjay Mishra, Siddharth Shaw, Prasanna Bisht, Faisal Rashid, Tinnu Anand and Sarita Joshi in key roles. The platform describes the project as a powerful story that aims to question social norms and confront the idea that marriage can be viewed as a licence rather than a partnership built on consent.

The teaser of ‘Chiraiya’ opens with scenes of celebration, capturing a wedding filled with promise and hope. The story follows Pooja, a young bride who enters her new home determined to be the “perfect” daughter-in-law. However, the narrative quickly shifts tone, revealing her silent anguish as she stands alone, highlighting a stark contrast between outward celebration and hidden suffering. Through this unsettling portrayal, the series raises a critical question: if a husband forces himself on his wife after marriage, does the act cease to be a crime simply because they are married?

The show positions itself as a commentary on silence within relationships and the social conditioning that often discourages women from speaking out. It explores how sacrifice is frequently romanticised and how emotional and personal pain can remain invisible within the framework of preserving family honour and social expectations.

Speaking about her role, Divya Dutta said portraying her character compelled her to confront uncomfortable realities about relationships and societal expectations. She reflected on how marriage is often seen as a space of unquestioned consent and how individuals are encouraged to remain silent to maintain harmony. According to the actor, the story challenges viewers to reflect on whether one should remain quiet to protect relationships or risk everything to stand for what is right.

With ‘Chiraiya’, JioHotstar appears to be expanding its original content slate with socially relevant narratives that aim to provoke dialogue and reflection. By addressing sensitive themes surrounding consent and gender dynamics within marriage, the series seeks to encourage audiences to examine long-standing assumptions and recognise truths that are often left unspoken.