Thappad.. No more 'itni si baat'! Let's have a reality check on domestic violence in India!

 

 

Up in the 21st-century, we see the world changing rapidly.. from people to technology, from economy to social life! It feels as if we (Gen Y) are living altogether in a different world as compared to where and how the Gen X lived. Everything seems changing, except the one, that might never change or may take a long time to revive, i.e. society's 'stereotypical thinking' towards women!

 

 

Even today, there are many societal elements that can be termed 'taboo' alike here, when it comes to divorce or complaining about domestic violence. Even today, unfortunately in many parts of society, women are not supposed to make decisions but they only are supposed to follow. The patriarchy has probably trained Indian women to remain silent, where they are not to raise voice against the domestic violence. If some courageously try to, the society is open to comment, "Usme Kya Hua, Bas Ek Thappad Hi Toh Maara Hai, Ek Thappad Thodi Na Domestic violence Hota Hai!"

Taking this into account, actress Tapsee Pannu who has been garnering lots of praises for picking up different choice of roles in her career, has once again come up with a woman-centric film called "Thappad: Bas itni si Baat". Thappad is the story of a marriage, one in which a husband slaps his wife, leading her to re-examine her relationship with him and her own life.

 

 

'Thappad' is not just a film aimlessly ranting about borderline domestic violence; it brings to light the years of conditioning that a woman is subjected to by her own family and society that she lives in. The movie is trying to show the real situation of women in India. But are we aware of the real situation around?

 

 

According to the survey done by a Vadodara based NGO 'SAHAJ', almost one-third of all married women in India experience domestic violence and to a shock, it is accepted by women as easy as routine. "Twenty-seven percent of women aged in between 15 to 49 years have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 years. This experience of physical violence among women is more common in rural areas than among women in urban areas", the report notes.

 

 

 

The report further says 'patriarchal attitudes' are deeply entrenched in the minds of people, which are reflected in discriminatory attitudes towards girls and women, and a view of women largely through a reproductive role. And there is a (separate) to-do list for both women and men that is expected from them in a relationship. The fact that people do not consider a single 'Thappad' as a domestic violence, are oblivious of the consequences which can even further lead to the murder or depression of that woman.

 

 

When a woman becomes independent, she realizes that she is working as hard as a man of her age and she is earning well, maybe not more, but enough to fulfil her expenses. Why are rules differently set for her in that case? She should not do certain things because she is a woman, why? No one person is at fault but everyone as a society.. where we are trying to normalize it. Thappad is an eye-opening movie for our society and yes its time says, "Shaadi Mein Sab Kuch 'Nahi' Chalta hain" and also thodi bahut maar peet is not at all part of expression the love. Women need to raise their voice against domestic violence! Let's see if this movie, releasing by Feb 28, 2020, can change the perception of our community.