Film Thappad is worthy to watch once for its story and notable performances of star cast. !!

Film 'Thappad' is an effective social drama that gives a silent slap to the deep-rooted patriarchy in our society. Thappad, starring Taapsee Pannu, is centered on the trauma and despair of a woman slapped by her husband. Anubhav Sinha has delivered yet another slice of life story, because yes, this story is a reality for numerous women across different age groups and sections in our society.

 

Director has beautifully described how we tend to normalize 'a slap', which indeed is a form of physical abuse and most importantly an abuse to woman’s dignity and self-respect. The movie reasserts that even if it is ‘just one slap’, a man should not get away with it so easily in a normal-regular set up of a marriage.

 

Set in New Delhi, the movie tells the story of an upper-middle class household, where Taapsee Pannu essays a willfully obedient housewife Amrita, who in spite of being a qualified Kathak dancer, has chosen to let go off her dreams to support the dreams and ambitions of her hubby Vikram, essayed by Pavail Gulati. She finds her happiness in organizing his life, from handling the printer issues to keeping his files in order. Despite taking complete care of her mother-in-law and making the lemongrass tea, sugar-free breakfast every day in the morning, Amrita still looks down upon her own talent of building a home by saying “mujhe acche parathe banane nahi aate". She is even ready to ignore her ankle pain, as long as Vikram is happy and relaxed.

 

Amrita's (Taapsee Pannu) world comes crumbling down when her fiercely ambitious husband, Vikram (Pavail Gulati), lands a mighty slap across her face at a party that was supposed to celebrate his success in the corporate world. Will Amrita, whose life so far has revolved around Vikram's needs, wants and dreams, stand up and speak up against this disgrace in public? Or will she brush it off as a one-off incident, forgive him and move on? Or will this shake up her own beliefs about life and marriage?

 

This movie is just not about 'a slap' or physical abuse, it's about all such male-controlled norms that are unknowingly inculcated in us as a child, by our families and very own parents irrespective of sexes. Where no matter how privileged a family one hails from, girls are continuously made to think, 'log kya kahenge' before taking every decision.

 

Taapsee Pannu has given a remarkable performance as Amrita that many Indian wives will resonate with. Pannu, one of the best actors in Hindi cinema at the moment, is near-perfect to play a role like this. Her powerful act will make numerous people introspect their own marriages and relationships. Taapsee's silence in the film is more powerful than her dialogues and that will make you feel her dilemma and pain. Debutant Pavail Gulati has shown his mettle with a remarkable act. He has naturally stepped into the flawed character of Vikram. He has given a strong performance despite Taapsee stealing the show. The required chemistry between the two actors has surely impacted the narrative. The movie has a great ensemble cast as Ratna Pathak Shah, Kumud Mishra Dia Mirza and Ram Kapoor, which has given good support to the protagonists.

 

After Mulk and Article 15, director Anubhav Sinha has added one more feather to his cap with Thappad. The strength of this social drama lies in its power of relatability with the pan India viewers, where Sinha has delivered a simple story efficiently while maintaining its simplicity. The cinematography is commendable. The title song is good and helpful for the narrative. The film’s dialogues are impactful.

 

Overall, film Thappad is worthy to watch once for its story and notable performances of star cast.