Chhapaak
Ratings: 3.5/5
Duration: 2 Hrs 18 Mins
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Genre: Biography
Release Date: 10th Jan 2020 (India)
Star Cast: Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey, Madhurjeet Sarghi, Ankit Bisht, Deizad Hiwale
Plot: Chhapaak, is inspired by the journey of Laxmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor, born to a middle-class family in Delhi, who dreamt of becoming a singer. While, Naeem Khan, a thirty-two-year-old, wanted to marry her. Since she refused, and he was not able to take ‘no’ for an answer, he continued stalking her. And, while Laxmi was on her way, she was stalked and attacked with acid.
Review: Meghna Gulzar, the director of Chappaak has been in fine form with her last two films, Talvar and Raazi, and has won over both critics and audiences. Similarly, Chhapaak being a poignantly told important film deserves to be seen for its intent and its sincere attempt at storytelling, without a dose of melodrama. This would make the viewers connect well to the intensity of the movie.
To begin with, the title ‘Chhapaak’ depicts what a ‘splash of acid’ can do to a person's life. Though inspired from the life of acid-attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, the bigger aim was to highlight the fact that despite the rise in the number of acid attacks in the recent past, acid is still being freely sold in India.
The film’s first half would seem to be a bit slow, and the characters only gains momentum in the second half. Especially, Amol’s character and his 'Stop Acid Violence' initiative was only briefly introduced.
When it comes to performances, Deepika Padukone as Malti will be remembered not just for its intent, but also for its nuances. And though Deepika's role as Malti didn't have too many words in her dialogues, the few-worded lines which she delivered with innocence is what makes her character special.
Whereas Vikrant Massey as Amol Dwivedi, delivers a subtle, fine performance in the role of a journalist-turned-NGO owner. Be it his expression of anger or admiration, it has just hit the right spot. Adding to it, the chemistry portrayed between Deepika and Vikrant looked refreshing as well. Moreover, the supporting casts does a fine job.
Even the cinematography by Malay Prakash and makeup by Clover Wootton who transformed Deepika Padukone, deserves appreciation, and is one among the major factors, that has uplifted the storytelling.
To add-on, the music of the film composed by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, sung by Arijit Singh, Siddharth Mahadevan and the lyrics penned by Gulzar, describes the condition well and were heart-touching.
The film gives an all-around perspective and has plenty of moments to move the audience for instance the dialogue ‘when eggs can be banned in Rishikesh, why can't acid be banned across the country’, would leave you pondering over, India’s disturbing situation.
Overall, the film is sensitive yet powerful and has its heart and intentions at the right place.
