Thappad - A Slap to Society

Hello Readers!

Movies, TV shows, web series, plays and other mediums of entertainment represent the contemporary thoughts and cultures of society. It reflects what is the prevalent thought is now under discussion. Sometimes directors and writers make attempts to throw light on the corners where people don't want to peep into. But such dark corners are the markers from where a civilization can start improving. Anyways, here is the smashing review for Anubhav Sinha's film Thappad.

Official poster of the film

Movie: Thappad (Slap)
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Producers: Anubhav Sinha, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar
Release Date: 28 February 2020

* Synopsis: An upscale family in which Amu aka Amrita is house-maker and married to Vikram, a hardworking enthusiast corporate employee who wishes to work freely without any boss commands. As the movie tells us that if he would make convincing presentation then he would be given the head charge of the office in Hampstead, London. Dreams seem to come true. He arranges the party at home. He receives call from office which disturbs him and he gets angry with one of his colleagues. Vikram was about to raise his hand on that colleague but in between Amrita comes in between and tries to make him calm down and pull his hand indicating to come inside the house. But on the top of his anger, Vikram slaps Amrita. As the aftermath she decides to get divorce with him.

* The Mango Candy: Token of Love:

This is the significant visible icon for love which best fits in the initial introduction of couples. It is believed that Food has maintained a good unbiased tempo in the movie. With this token the film unfolds the idea of free spirit and ever desired life by all. The camera frame moves from one couple to another and makes us watch the unseen side of the scene. The scene of a maid while riding a bicycle with her husband is most appealing because it shows the reality of the society's orthodoxy.

* Domestic Violence:

This issue holds the audience till the end. Vikram slaps Amrita in a party and interestingly, the story turns upside down. This slap tests the audience's patience and mindset. The reading of characters also changes after this slap. Vikram is now looked as a selfish man who doesn't care about her wife's sacrifices for his house.

* Bas Itni Si Baat?

It's never a small matter whenever, in any case violence occurs. Be it a single slap or high voltage physical fight. Amrita is taken aback after slap. She thinks that all her emotional investment on the family has gone in vain. The one who is breadwinner in the house gets much respect and honor from society. But this mentality should be changed. Amrita observes Vikram's behavior but there is no sign of regret on his face.  She gradually decides to divorce her husband. Here, Amrita is told by most of the characters to ignore this slap, even by her mother. But form Amrita's perspective it's not a small matter. It's about her pride and dignity.

* Legal Proceedings:

Advocates and legal advisers run to and fro when any high profile case comes up. The same goes to the two of the lawyers. Netra and Gujral with heated debates try to make legal environment more strong and appealing to the audience. In terms of justice it is not made clear that how the case is solved.

* Sorry. Is that the solution?

This question should arise in everyone's mind. Women should be respected in all class and society. If that's the solution then so called 'men' will say sorry after beating their wives. But sorry is not the solution. People will have to remove their biases and misogynist mindsets. Women should be seen as an individual human rather than object. When Vikram realized the mistake he said SORRY to Amrita, and film comes near its ending. Though this word should have been spoken immediately after he slapped Amrita, but it didn't went so. Some signals of the slap scene made it clear to audience's mind that it will end up with the word SORRY. And that's exactly what happened. But the it requires much courage and guts to say sorry at right place and right time. So in some manner the film tries to show happy ending.

* Dare to Dream:

Women have the full right to live their lives as they want and pursue their dreams. This movie sets a good example in terms of the philosophy of living life to the fullest. With pride and respect women can live life at its best. The hidden wishes and dreams of women are highlighted through Amrita's hobby of dancing, and her mother's hobby of singing.

* Technically, with soulful music and background score, the film becomes interesting to watch. Much efforts has been made to make the audience take the emotional favor towards Amrita but the film fails to do so. Film could have made more powerful with more content. It is personally believed that the movie should have been taken a bit long after the word sorry was spoken. After this word, the movie goes very quickly that audience can't follow the process with the pace.

These observation say that, to a random measure, the film deserves 3 out of 5 points.

Thank You!