Thappad- Review

Thappad, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is a profoundly impactful film that resonates deeply with its audience. While the story appears simple on the surface, its layered writing delves into complex societal issues, evoking discomfort and anger as it challenges deeply ingrained norms.

Starring, Tapsee Pannu, Naila Gerrewal, Pavail Gulati, Mara Sarao, the movie conveys an important message that even a slap is not to be tolerated in the name of social standing or marriage and the long-standing patriarchal mindset that dismisses injustices as "common" must be challenged and dismantled.

Amrita Sabharwal, played by Tapsee Pannu, led a simple married life until the day she got slapped by her husband in an office party arranged at their home. This event changed the course of her life. What was more shocking and disappointing than the slap was how everyone, specially the women around her reacted to this incident. 

Amrita's character is that of a 'traditionally perfect' daughter-in-law. Yet when she was hit by her husband, everyone except for her father and to be sister-in-law, expected her to move on with her life and pretend that nothing had happened. For them slap wasn't that big a deal given that it had never happened before and also that it is not worth creating a chaos for. 

Vikram Sabharwal, played by Pavail Gulati, justifies his actions by citing the stress of an impending promotion. He expects Amrita to silently accept the slap, arguing that he had married her despite her not knowing how to cook, while also providing her with financial stability. His displaced anger, he implies, should be tolerated. This attitude reflects how adults often replicate and rationalize behaviors ingrained during their upbringing. 

Mara Sarao plays the role of a successful women's right lawyer. Her role is the one written in utmost depth.  Her character portrays how several times women reach the pinnacle of name and fame and yet fail to protect themselves from the shackles of patriarchy and male dominance. Another female character role was that of Amrita's maid. Geetika Vidya Ohlyan casted for this role has done a fabulous job. She too was a victim of gender-based violence and was regularly beaten up by her husband. 

The movie successfully conveys the message that domestic violence is prevalent in all the classes of the society. Females, from all walks of life, weather financially independent or not are the victims of it. Having the courage to raise hand on you a women has nothing to do with a man's education, profession or success. It is a clear and simple connection with their upbringing and on how forgiving and accepting our society is for men and their actions. 

The entire caste has done a good job. The movie has a 2hour 20min runtime. It is a well directed and a must watch film.