Why I Will Definitely Go And Watch Chhapaak Now

There never was an iota of doubt in my mind that I would watch Chhapaak. You see it ticks all the boxes; a mainstream Bollywood film with a strong female protagonist and a social cause, what more could you ask to kickstart your new year movie viewing journey with? But in the last 24 hours since the #Boycott and #Respect war has taken over our social media pages I feel even more compelled to watch it. I would now watch it for the actor who showed she has a spine and stood in solidarity with students who were attacked on a University campus.

Key Takeaways:

• Deepika Padukone visited the JNU campus and stood in solidarity with students where a public meeting was being held.
• Is it necessary to see Deepika’s activism having an ulterior motive?
• Can we not give her credit for having the guts to do what she believed is right?

Also Read: Brave Move: Deepika Padukone stands by JNU students, right wing says boycott films

Agreed, that with Chhapaak set to hit the theatres on Friday, it is obvious that any of Deepika Padukone’s public appearances cannot be seen in isolation. After all, we all know how megastars have exploited the audience’s sentiments just before the release of a movie. However, this Meghna Gulzar directorial venture already had got enough attention from cine-goers who like watching cinema which is a reflection of real life. They would see the movie for its story and they are a significant section of the society. It is not every day that Bollywood doles such content to its viewers. It is a big leap for any Hindi film director and producer, in this case, the actor herself, to tell a story which has a completely unglamourised female actor at its centre. So did the makers only have box office numbers on their mind? And is it necessary to see Deepika’s activism having an ulterior motive?

It is a big leap for any Hindi film director and producer, in this case, the actor herself, to tell a story which has a completely unglamourised female actor at its centre.

Padukone has spent almost fifteen years in this film industry and is one of the leading actors today. In a highly gender-biased industry, she has made a space for herself, she is known to have been offered more remuneration than her male co-stars. How many other female actors can boast that? She is also well aware of what can happen to her film should it get embroiled in political controversy. Recall Padmaavat, it was not long ago that a BJP leader had threatened to chop off the actor's nose if she continues to defend her then film.

Also Read: Chhapaak Trailer Promises Inspiring Journey Of An Acid Attack Survivor

And all through the last few months weren’t we looking for one act of solidarity from Bollywood? Yesterday at JNU, Deepika didn’t address the crowd. She stood silently in solidarity with the students, during a public meeting, who were attacked by a mob. And that simple gesture singled her out from the fraternity she is a part of, where most bigwigs who have the ability to sway opinions have sadly chosen to remain silent. Can we not give her credit for having the guts to do what she believed is right?

She stood silently in solidarity with the students, during a public meeting, who were attacked by a mob. And that simple gesture singled her out from the fraternity she is a part of.

I think Deepika and the team of Chhapaak have tremendous faith in the story they are telling through this film. I would go watch this movie now because it is important to stand by what you believe in, and Deepika just did that. I would go to the movie hall now in support of her taking a stance and condemning what needs to be condemned.

The views expressed are the author's own.