Cast : Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey, Madhurjeet Sarghi
Director: Megha Gulzar
Rating: 4/5
Chhapaak Review: Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Chhapaak’ has been receiving appreciation from everyone. Social Media was flooded with praises for this film, which is inspired by the story of real-life acid attack survivor, Laxmi Agarwal. Laxmi has become a sign of strength for many acid attack survivors. Deepika portrays the key role Malti who is an assault on the street in Delhi by her family friend Bashir Khan aka Babbu and his assistant.
The narrative of the film started when we first meet Malti who is continuously trying to move on from the emotional scars, which the horrific heinous crime has left her with. She has to undergo a few numbers of complicated surgeries to remove her facial scars. The film is a tale of hope for surviving and triumph for banning the acid all over the country. Once her dream was being a singer but now her life crisscrossing with an NGO for acid victims, multiple surgeries and court cases. The story gives us a strong character whose fight is pointed with her adamant smiles, pain and her unconquerable invincible spirit.
Malti’s lawyer Archana (Madhurjeet Sarghi), who stayed supportive towards her through her arduous, challenging journey. Archana’s team of lawyers always stood by to Malti’s PIL to ban the sale of acid to amendments in the acid violence legislation. Malti’s other main support hail from Amol (Vikrant Massey), who employs her to work for his NGO.
Deepika Padukone is the soul of the whole film. She has been conveying a dazzling, luminescent, bright, immersive performance. In this film, there are many scenes where her performance will definitely move you to tears- like she holds up an earring to her face but realizes then she can’t put it on (naak nehi hai kaan nehi hai jhumke kaha lagau) Or her burst through a cry when she sees her face for the first time in a mirror after the attack. Deepika welcomes the character with completely open arms. Not only by heart as she is transformed Malti in herself but also she converts herself fully through effective prosthetics. Without a single per cent hint of glamour, what we see is “Malti” throughout the film.
Vikrant Massey and Madhurjeet Sarghi both portray very commendable performances. The tale casts out a strong message which is spoken to undoubtedly in a brave manner. All the music tracks stand out. ‘Chhapaak’ title track and ‘Nok Jhok’ adding to the extra poignancy of the mood.
‘Chhaapak’ is a powerful, sensitive and empathetic film with an important message to be heard.
