Thappad 2020 Movie Trailer Review: Gender Equality and Domestic Violence

I am probably two years late in watching this film, but after reading an answer on Quora that highly praised Thappad, I decided to watch it. After enjoying a recent film in the similar genre, Darlings, I was intrigued and started my binge-watch list with Thappad. Before diving into the movie, I watched its trailer to gauge its content and themes.

Immediately, the trailer drew my attention to the comments section. Many men commented that the female character's reaction to the slap was an overreaction, implying that a single slap does not warrant severe consequences. This perspective highlighted the backward mentality that still exists in some parts of our society. It is a sad reflection of the social norms where abuse is often justified or even normalized when carried out by a male towards a female.

Normalization of Domestic Violence

The trailer does not clearly explain the reason behind the slap, but the underlying message is that such violence is prevalent. Unfortunately, in Indian society, women are often trained to be submissive and quietly tolerate injustice. When a woman takes a stand against such injustice, it is often seen as an overreaction.

Patriarchy and Submissiveness

Thappad's attempt to break the patriarchal system is apparent, but the trailer shows that it already foreshadows the movie's climax. This predictability can dampen the excitement that comes with watching a movie with an unexpected narrative. The predictive ending leaves little room for surprises and can be disappointing for viewers who expect a more nuanced storytelling.

Implications and Messages

The movie trailer hints at the importance of communication and respect in relationships. However, the correlation between the trailer and the movie suggests that the plot is highly predictable. For viewers like myself, who enjoy a surprise in every narrative, Thappad might feel underwhelming. The movie aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and the need for gender equality, but the lack of suspense in the trailer might hold back some from watching the full film.

My Takeaway and Conclusion

While Thappad's message about domestic violence is important and well-intended, the trailer's predictability can diminish the overall impact. The underlying themes of gender equality and the consequences of domestic violence are strong but the suggestion that the narrative is straightforward might not appeal to everyone. Watching the movie after seeing the trailer makes it easier to anticipate the climax and reduce some of the initial excitement.

Recommendation

Despite the likely predictability, watching Thappad is still recommended for those interested in films that tackle social issues. The movie's message on domestic violence and the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies is valuable. However, for those who enjoy a surprise in their narratives, they might want to consider watching the full movie to evaluate the impact of the trailer compared to the actual content.