Movie Madharaasi & Fregoli Delusion

In the movie Madharaasi, the filmmakers chose to highlight a rare mental condition called Fregoli delusion because it naturally adds mystery and suspense to the storyline. From a storytelling point of view, it creates drama: the main character feels that different people he meets are actually the same person in disguise, which keeps the audience guessing what is real and what is not. But in real life, Fregoli delusion is not just a “thriller concept” — it is a serious psychiatric condition.

A person with this disorder truly believes that strangers, acquaintances, or even loved ones are secretly one single person changing appearance. This belief is not a passing thought; it is a strong conviction that can cause deep fear, paranoia, and mistrust. For example, someone might think that their neighbor, shopkeeper, and doctor are all the same person following them around in disguise. The condition is often linked to illnesses like schizophrenia, brain injuries, or degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and it can make everyday life very difficult. Patients may feel unsafe, stop trusting people, and even withdraw socially.

Unfortunately, in Madharaasi the disorder is shown in a very dramatic and stylized way, more like a suspense twist than the painful reality of living with such a condition. While this makes for engaging cinema, it can mislead the audience. Viewers might come away thinking of Fregoli delusion as a mysterious or even “exciting” illness, when in truth it is a frightening and disabling experience that requires medical care, therapy, and compassion.

Movies like this remind us of how mental health conditions are often exaggerated for entertainment, which can unintentionally spread confusion or stigma about real disorder.

Fregoli Delusion

Movie : Madharaasi