Chhapaak

Chhapaak is a poignant 2020 Bollywood biographical drama, directed by the award-winning Meghna Gulzar and co-produced by Deepika Padukone, who also takes the leading role in the film. The movie, derived from the Hindi word for 'Splash', is a thrilling yet heartfelt narrative featuring Vikrant Massey and Madhurjeet Sarghi. It aims to raise awareness about a pressing social issue widely faced but rarely discussed – acid attacks.

Chhapaak is based on the real-life story of Laxmi Agarwal, a fearless survivor of an acid attack, enacted strikingly by the versatile Deepika Padukone. Meghna Gulzar has maintained her reputation by striking a cordial balance between tactful filmmaking and strong storytelling through this movie, mirroring her earlier successes with significant real-life issues.

Deepika, in a compelling performance far removed from her glamorous image, devotes herself passionately to depict the pain, trauma, courage, and grit of the protagonist. It is a character of tremendous bravery and inspiration, as she chooses life over despair after being brutally targeted by an acid attack at a young age. Through her unflinching portrayal, Deepika manages to capture the essence of a survivor with her emotions laid bare, striking a chord with the audience.

Vikrant Massey, known for his impressive portfolio of work, shines as a supportive love interest and a quiet pillar of strength. His character, Amol Dixit, is an ardent social activist who assists the protagonist through her tumultuous journey, standing by her side and embracing her as she fights against a powerful patriarchal system that seeks to silence her voice. Madhurjeet Sarghi, in her role as a diligent lawyer, delivers a stellar performance.

Chhapaak is a captivating tale that amplifies the collective voice of acid attack survivors. The film seeks to shed light on the aftermath of the attack, not limited to the physical disfiguration but also the social and psychological trauma that follows, which continues to impact the survivor long after the assault. It outlines the protagonist's fight for justice along with her relentless struggle to reclaim her life.

The strength of Chhapaak lies in its harrowing yet realistic portrayal of acid violence and its rippling effect on a victim's life. The movie's brutal honesty often leads to uncomfortable sequences. These scenes, however, emerge pivotal for cultivating empathy and understanding, ultimately moving the audience towards both introspection and action.

Filled with brilliant performances and a hard-hitting narrative, the film is a mirror held up to society, forcing it to confront its inherent prejudice and apathy towards victims of such heinous crimes. It portrays not just the physical pain and disfigurement but also the societal blame, the victim-shaming, and apathy encountered by these warriors in their fight for justice.

The director, Meghna Gulzar, and the writers, Atika Chohan and Meghna herself, create an immortal character out of Malti (based on Laxmi Agarwal), whose journey through the dark abyss of torment to the gateway of light is depicted with acute sensitivity. It stands proud, bearing a strong testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. The movie, through its protagonist, aims to inspire and instigate a change in societal attitudes towards victims.

In terms of technicality, the film does an exceptional job with the prosthetics and makeup used to depict the grave disfigurements that come as a result of acid attacks. The subtle but effective music supports the screenplay, adding more depth to the narrative.

To sum up, Chhapaak is much more than a film. It's a window into the soul-searing journey of an acid attack survivor. It highlights their battles — the battle for life, justice, and recognition. By lending a voice to this silent segment of society, Chhapaak underscores the power of resilience and valor, leaving a profound impact on the audience. Despite dealing with intense suffering, the film ends on a sanguine note, thus ensuring that the viewers confront the harsh reality but do not leave the theatre in despair.

In a society where the narrative around acid attack victims is mired in stigmas and stereotypes, Chhapaak bursts the bubble and inspires to look beyond the surface, humanizing the survivors and focusing on their triumphant spirit.