Thappad - Is Indian Cinema leaning towards feminism? Let's not coin it to convenience..

 

 

 

Do not judge a book by it's cover, they say! Well, the phrase seems perfect for Taapsee Panu's new movie 'Thappad- bas itni si baat'. While 'Thappad' has been the talk of town since its trailer launch, some people have unnecessarily red-circled it to be 'feminism' supporting. Anubhav Sinha's this direction is women-centered which narrates tale of a beautiful married couple. In a sudden incident, the male character slaps his wife (Taapsee), forcing her to re-examine the relationship.

 

 

Movies, Films, Documentaries have always been a mirror to the society. In recent years, the cinema industry has also somewhere felt a bit of pinch to bring change, from patriarchial society structure to that of equal. Hence, movies like Mardani, English Vinglish, Queen, Pink, Nude and now Thappad.. Does it mean that the cinema fraternity is turning feminist? What is feminism? Do we actually know? Well, let Taapsee re-examine her relationship.. meanwhile let us re-examine ourselves.

 

Feminism is a belief that men and women have equal rights and opportunities. It can be termed as the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. Feminism also is a range of social movements, political movements, and ideologies that aim to define, establish, and achieve the political, economic, personal equality of

 

 

To get in deets further, feminism involves efforts to change that include fighting gender stereotypes and seeking to establish educational and professional opportunities for women that are equal to those for men. Feminist movements have campaigned and continue to campaign for women's rights, including the right to vote, to hold public office, to work, to earn fair wages, equal pay and eliminate the gender pay gap and more.

 

There is nothing seemingly incorrect in this. The Indian society has always nurtured patriarchial system, where a woman is supposed to only follow the orders and not speak a word. How long are we looking to support this type of attitude then, if not so-called 'Feminism'? If a movie has a female lead and the supporting co-star is male, is it 'feminism'? Movies like Mardani, English Vinglish, Queen, Pink, Nude and 'Thappad' now are no way to be red-circled. These reels do not support 'Feminism', but showcase social issues that women still face in some parts of the society.

 

 

Adding another highlight, the 2018 film 'Veerey di Wedding', that explores women’s lives, friendships and struggles through the lens of four Indian women reuniting to celebrate their lives, faced a scathing review from many, who observed the film to capitalize on the focus of gender equality of the moment while milking it for all it had to offer. Certain reviews also called it 'bro-culture' packaged as feminism, extending kindness and empathy only to certain kinds of women, women within the network.

 

With every alternate movie revolving around a woman character these days, feminism is conveniently being redefined in the previously male-dominated industry. 'Thappad' is not about gender equality. It is all about respect for women. The reel is on a tour to spread awareness against domestic violence, encouraging women to stand by themselves and their self respect. No way it is 'Feminism'. Coin it to your convenience now!