“Thappad” Review: Carries Enough Heft To Question Patriarchy

Taapsee Pannu, who is growing as an actress with every film, reunites with filmmaker Anubhav Sinha after their critically and commercially successful film Mulk (2018). Thappad is an important film which carries so many important messages, subtle as well as apparent. Here’s what STARBIZ reviewer has to say about the much-awaited film which rolls into theatres on 28^th February 2020.

Story: Amrita Sabherwal (Taapsee Pannu) is an upper middle-class housewife, who has happily put her dreams and aspirations aside to fulfil those of her husband Vikram (Pavail Gulati). Vikram is a highly ambitious man working in a multinational company. He has been working on an important project which, if succeeds, will give him an opportunity to head the London office of his firm.

Everything is pitch perfect in their lives until Amrita’s fairy-tale world smashes into smithereens when Vikram, frustrated with the news of working under someone else in London and not getting the top position, slaps her in a social gathering. What happens next forms the crux of the story.

Critical Analysis: Thappad poses pertinent questions about gender inequality in our social setup. It is a big slap to male entitlement. Apart from talking about gender inequality, the film also shines light on mindsets that supress the desires and dreams of a woman in a relationship or marriage. Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has very subtly bundled up several important issues in one film, without sounding preachy at any given point of time.

Coming to performances, Taapsee Pannu, as always, puts up an excellent show. It is clearly one of her best performances. She plays Amrita, a dutiful wife, with head held high, with utmost conviction and believability. Her portrayal is restrained, but she stands out in every single scene.

Pavail Gulati as her go-getter husband is impressive. It is his debut film, and he shows a lot of promise. Despite being a debutant, he brings necessary gravitas to his character almost effortlessly. Delivering your best in presence of an experienced actress like Taapsee Pannu is certainly not easy, but Gulati manages to do that convincingly.

If you look at the last few films of Anubhav Sinha, you will find that his supporting characters are as much integral to the film as his lead cast. In Thappad also, the supporting cast gets to play some brilliantly written roles. Ratna Pathak Shah, Tanvi Azmi and Kumud Mishra leave lasting impression with their powerful acts.

Final Verdict: Thappad is a brilliantly told story of a woman’s struggle to maintain his dignity, fighting against all odds. The film is embellished by impeccable and intense performances from the entire cast and delivers an important message that no one should miss. I am going with 3 stars.

Movie Credits

Banner: Benaras Media Works, T-Series Films
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati, Ratna Pathak Shah, Tanvi Azmi, Kumud Mishra, Dia Mirza
Runtime: 142 Minutes
STARBIZ Rating: 3.5 Stars

>>> Thappad Movie Download | A Film For Women Empowerment