Titli

Titli is a Hindi word meaning butterfly. In everyday use, titli is the common term for the insect in Hindi, and it has also become a feminine given name in Indian contexts. The word appears in poetry, literature, and popular culture as a symbol of lightness, beauty, and transformation.

In film, Titli refers to a 2014 Indian Hindi-language drama directed by Kanu Behl and Sharat Katariya. The film centers on Titli, a young car thief in Delhi who seeks to break away from his violent family and criminal underworld. It is noted for its stark realism, strong performances, and its unflinching portrayal of masculine dynamics and family obligation. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and received critical acclaim from international critics and audiences.

Beyond cinema, titli is used in various Indian songs, titles, and literary works to evoke imagery of metamorphosis, fragility, and escape. The term remains a recognizable and culturally resonant unit within Indian languages, often chosen for artistic and expressive purposes.