Chhapaak review.. heart wrenching!

Of late, bollywood has been making movies on varied social topics, which is really revolutionary and pleasing, given the impact that movies have on Indian minds!

So, this movie begins with two journalists discussing the hot topics in the news. A chance encounter leads our lead Malti, played by Deepika Padukone, and inspired by real life Laxmi Agarwal, to meet one such former journalist and NGO-for-acid-attack-survivors founder. Malti\’s story unfolds as she juggles with her own court battles, financial and other issues at home, and helping other acid attack survivors. The chilling sequence of events leading to the attack on Malti and others, will send shivers down your spine. The way society and the system tries to blame the victims for such heinous crimes, is really apathetic and well portrayed. Credit goes to the cinematographer Malay Prakash and editor Nitin Baid. The court room battle is well dramatised and keeps you on the edge of your seats. Shankar Ehsaan Loy as usual have recreated the different moods in their songs. The prosthetics have been done well too.

Malti\’s mother : Will you keep all the ornaments and new clothes away?

To which she replies, \”With no nose and ears, where will I wear these earrings?\” Dialogues such as these will move you to the core.

Deepika Padukone who has come a long way from the Shantipriya of Om Shanti Om, delivers another masterpiece as Malti here. The angst, sorrow, helplessness, grief, pain — mental and physical, desire to fight back have been well played by her. Another feather in her cap after varied roles like Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani, Piku, Padmavat, Arakshan, Lafangey Parindey, etc. It\’s pleasing to see that she has always tried to play a different role, almost every single time. Vikrant Massey stars as Amol, journalist turned NGO founder, who helps Malti stand up on her feet, which finally leads to her falling in love with him. His desperation to make Malti and others fight back, his appetite for pursuing their fight is impeccably put forth! Madhurjeet Sarghi as Malti\’s lawyer and Payal Nair as her financial backbone and emotional support add substance to the film. Meghana Gulzar after Talwar and Raazi, puts forward another masterpiece of engrossing story telling.

Time and again, when I see such movies or meet/ hear about such people in real life, it makes me wonder how abled people like us keep on cribbing for small things in our lives, without having to fight such battles. What is it that pushes some people to perform such heinous acts on fellow humans? It also makes me feel that we should do our bit to enrich such people\’s lives, even if it is a drop in the ocean! As far as the movie is concerned, must watch and something that needs to be pondered upon!