Thappad (2020 Bollywood): (Not a Slap but) An Unapologetic Tale about a Delinquent Apology

Coincidentally the last 2 Bollywood movies I watched in Cinemas are from Anubhav Sinha stable (Article 15 in July 19) and now Thappad. The trailer was stimulating and might have made lots of Men drift away, thinking this as another Feminist movie. However I, while have been watching only selective movies at the cinemas, have decided this to be my next must watch. Glad I did, and wonder how at regular junctures these movies have me experience Slice of Life moments (Last year it was a soulful GullyBoy :-)).

Story & Screenplay: Anubhav Sinha and Mrunmayee Lagoo has had a daunting task to carve a feature length story around a very small (trivial / non-issue ? for many people) aspect and they delivered it quite immensely well. It feels somewhat stretched a couple occasions, but overall quite gripping to keep us / the viewers engrossed. Here we / most viewers hope for the Protagonists (Amruta / Taapasee) to step back / being lenient, which is rather unusual - as most of the other times in movies we wish for the Protagonist to go berserk & fight against the system etc. So in a way many can get disappointed, but that makes this movie a lot more watchable and also garner a huge respect for Amruta’s (Amu’s) character, while she is fighting for a totally different kind of Haque (NO, it’s not for Love), than what is usually portrayed on the silver-screen.

Casting: It could not have been more apt than this. And with respect to casting, most of the Bollywood movies are getting a lot better without a doubt of speck. Ratna Pathak Shah, Tanvi Azmi, Maya Sarao, Ram Kapoor, Manav Kaul all play their parts with perfection. But 3 names worth mentioning. Pavail Gulati as Vikram (Amrutas husband) a stereotypical that is: de-limitedly! loving husband who does something more grave than slapping his wife-Amruta, who is aware of the same, but simply couldn’t act on it owing to his Male supremacy - Ego & Part of dominant Patriarch society.  This role could fetch him the nomination for the Best Supporting Actor. But he may not win it by the virtue of very tight competition in this space J – Well Kumud Mishra, a NSD gem and like most other NSD folks came to fame a bit late, but has become King-of-Character-Roles over the years. The warmth and depth that he brings to any character with his super-smooth-tone and expressive-eyes gives you goosebumps as a viewer. As Amruta’s father he leaves a lasting mark and could be a worthy contender for many Best Supporting  Actor accolades this year.

Taapsee Pannu: Taapsee as Amruta is the core strength of this movie. Without her captivating performance it would be difficult to sail through this little stretched movie. She portrays a Loving Wife, devoted Home-Maker, deeply caring Daughter-In-Law, equally Lovable Daughter and Sister that all of us get to see around us. But, but, more importantly she is a Strong Women who is doing all the so called duties. And then she is denied her basic right, which looks very trivial, foolish and overstretched at the first go. But from her perspective she definitely deserves that for all the good that she has offered to her husband and his family. And you get convinced and wrapped into that thought as the story unfolds. She engraves on your heart the feelings of being patient, being ‘All Ears’ for that one word of Realization, Acknowledgement, and Apology (from Vikram) that will make you secretly sob in your seat with the wet eyes.

Taapsee will surely be thriving with multiple awards and for all the worthy reasons. There are only handful of female leads who have been very brave and at the same time mindful to sign up roles which are way too distinct, absorbing and then they are powerfully delivering those with lot more panache. I have started closely following her work from Baby (her 2^nd Bollywood movie) and she never disappointed yet over last 6 years.

Music: Though many won’t call this a blockbuster / popular Music. But I have other thoughts. The music grows on you in line with on-screen emotions and drama. It very well enhances the tone and texture of the movie. Especially Ek Tukda Dhoop is a gem of a song and hats-off to Anurag Saikia the music Director, Raghav Chaitanya for  vocals, and the lyricist for crafting this beauty. Anurag deserves at least a few nominations for Best Music this year. And BTW the signature Shehnai tune in the movie, will make you more nostalgic as it has a close resemblance with the famous signature Shehnai tune of Swades (Ye Jo Des Hai Tera).

Direction: It’s astonishing to see maker of Ra.One and Cash transforming into creating some wonderful content that is so close to life and touches your soul deep within. Anubhav Sinha is raising the bar for himself, with creations like Mulk, Article 15 and now Thappad. Also is setting a great example by making movies which are having wider social appeal, though not (much) preachy, by including young and deserving artists, and yet achieving decent to great commercial success! Not sure what all the Mega-Hundred-Crore Actors, Directors and Production-Houses are doing by not putting their money in such credible, impactful projects.  In that regard we must thank and congratulate T-Series for taking a plunge and backing this project. And this for sure can garner Anubhav Sinha his 1^st National Film Award.

I won’t look at it as a feminist movie. It profoundly tells us how life can be completely different, how relations can be completely torn, if very basic protocols are not followed while even tiny feelings are not honored, respected.

So needless to say it’s a Must Watch! And it’s not about bragging being Unapologetic, but it’s exactly opposite of it, so as to avoid embarking a path that doesn’t have any U-Turns but just have the Exits!