Deepika Padukone Wants Chhapaak To End Acid Attacks. But How Do You Do Away With The Deep-Rooted Misogyny?
For a long time, victims of hate crimes like acid attacks were given their due justice. They were always suppressed under the pretext of bringing “shame to their families”. But that need to change and a little step was taken in that direction when the case of Laxmi Agarwal who was attacked when she was merely 15 years old, came to light. Her case was instrumental in the Supreme Court’s ruling against acid attacks. Laxmi is an inspiration to not only acid attacks survivors but to us all. She is a living example that your spirit can’t be broken, no matter what.
That is exactly what Meghna Gulzar and Deepika Padukone’s upcoming movie, Chhapaak is portraying. Deepika, who is also the producer of the movie that is loosely based on Laxmi’s story, brings to life the character of Malti, an acid attack survivor. This is one movie that needed to be made and we are so glad it is already generating a crazy response.
Knowing that such heinous crimes happen is not enough, people need to know the intricacies of these attacks so that we can be prepared to put a stop to them slowly and steadily. But it is important to remember that though movies with such strong messages are a good way to get the ball rolling, they aren’t enough to stop acid attacks altogether.
Also Read: Meet Clover Wootton, The Makeup Artist Who Transformed Deepika Padukone So Well For Chhapaak, People Didn’t Recognise Her
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In a recent interview with Deepika Padukone, she said that she wanted Chhapaak to have such a huge impact that there would be no more stories like Laxmi’s to tell. She said “I hope we won’t have to constantly tell stories on acid attack survivors for us to see change. I hope with our film we begin to see that change for ourselves as a society and for acid attack survivors. If we don’t, then we’ve done something wrong as a society. Cinema in itself is such a powerful medium that hopefully just through this one film we will hopefully be able to see that kind of change and impact.”
I have to say that though this is a great thought, it is also highly ambitious to think that one movie can make all the difference. Don’t get me wrong, if what Deepika wants comes true, it will be a giant leap, one that we can all look forward to. But it is definitely going to take way more than one movie to cease acid attacks from happening. To actually stop these vicious attacks, one needs to delve deep into the roots of our patriarchal society because the problem lies there.
It’s an attitude of how can she reject my advances, I need to take revenge. It involves the Indian male’s fragile ego. And if hurt, the woman pays for it. So, one show, one movie won’t stop anything. Delhi Crime on Netflix was a popular show. It was based on Nirbhaya, but rapes continue to happen. So great thought Deepika, but far from reality.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone Said Shooting For Chhapaak Took A Toll On Her Mental Health. We Applaud Her Commitment
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In the same interview, she also answered a question that was on everyone’s minds for a very long time. Deepika was asked, why the movie was titled Chhapaak. To which she replied, “I think she said Chhapaak, which is the sound of a splash, is something that could adapt or lend itself beautifully to a song. Perhaps, it also has to do with fluidity and liquid. So, on one hand, liquid is known to take different forms, a liquid such as this (acid) can change someone’s life forever.”
Chhapaak hits the theatres on 10th January and it marks Deepika’s first release after her grand wedding to Ranveer Singh last year. And even though we know it isn’t possible for it to stop acid attacks, we hope it creates all the awareness that is needed to initialize change.
https://thehauterfly.com/lifestyle/chhappaaks-director-says-deepika-padukone-will-be-a-revelation-in-the-movie-we-hope-so-too/
