Director Meghna Gulzar brings Laxmi Agarwal’s story to the big screen in “Chhapaak.” A trailer has arrived for the Hindi-language portrait of an acid attack survivor.
“Chhapaak,” which translates to “splash,” centers on the Agarwal-inspired Malti (Deepika Padukone, “Padmaavat”). On the street in New Delhi, 2005, a man throws acid in 15-year-old Malti’s face after she rejects his advances. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. As Malti’s lawyer explains, many girls who express a desire “to study or make a career are victims of this type of violence” — i.e. girls who seek independence.
Similar to survivors of rape or abuse, Malti herself is treated with suspicion by law enforcement. “Her phone is full of boys,” a police officer observes following the attack. “How is that relevant to the case?” Malti’s lawyer asks. The officer replies that there might not even be a case.
Malti, meanwhile, has been permanently scarred by the attack, physically and emotionally. At first, she’s ashamed of her face and refuses to go outside. Eventually, however, she decides to fight back, taking her case to the Sessions Court, the High Court, and ultimately the Supreme Court, and leading a movement to end acid attacks.
“He scarred my face, not my spirit,” Malti declares. She won’t be silenced by violence.
Gulzar’s previous credits include “Raazi,” “Talvar,” and “Filhaal…” She wrote “Chhapaak” with Atika Chohan (“Waiting”).
“Chhapaak” opens worldwide January 10.
