In a scene-stealing moment, Taapsee Pannu playing Amrita tells her lawyer that as a young college student, she wasn't aware of where life would lead her but she wanted to be respected and happy. That hit like a ton of bricks and I couldn't help but introspect. The ugly truth is that even in the 21st century, respect and happiness is an aspiration for women, a reward men happily yield without breaking into a sweat.

Written by Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul and director Anubhav Sushila Sinha , 'Thappad' is a silent but piercing attack against the normalizing of sexism and archaic gender rules that have been imposed upon women through generations, irrespective of their social standing. To call it a counter argument against the infamous 'Kabir Singh' narrative which suggests that violence in love is justified, is extremely belittling towards the film.

Amrita, a homemaker is extremely supportive and nurturing towards her marriage with Vikram (Pavail Gulati), who's ambitious and career-driven. Amrita, once an ace classical dancer is happy with her daily chores inclusive of fixing the perfect cup of lemongrass tea for her husband, checking up on her mother-in-law's sugar levels, teaching classical dance to the neighbour's daughter and harbouring her husband's singular quest for an affluent career and life in London's Hampstead. When Vikram is denied the said perks over office politics, his anger finds an outlet at a party organized at his home in the presence of family and friends, leaving Amrita at the receiving end, shattered and stirred. Amrita begins to question herself and sets on a path of rediscovering her lost purpose, even if it comes at the cost of upsetting the balance that is expected of her by near and dear ones.

'Thappad' draws its biggest strengths from being scathing enough without coming across as a sledgehammer. Unfortunately, our audiences are quick to dismiss films made on what women want as sappy, preachy sobfests. Lagoo and Sinha, with their able scriptwriting courtesy strong inputs by Anjum Rajabali, waste no time in establishing the tension and intrigue from the very first scene with effective silences. Edited by Yasha Pushpa Ramchandani and shot beautifully by DOP Soumik Sarmila Mukherjee, the screenplay seamlessly weaves in multiple narratives of how patriarchy dictates women unanimously. An ambitious lawyer lands high-profile cases because of her influential surname, a widow is constantly chided about finding a companion, a young girl is second guessing her relationship with a partner who might not be as woke as he seems and a house help accepts the blows her alcoholic husband inflicts upon her as her daily routine. 'Thappad' makes a strong case against how validation through the male gaze is the ultimate form of social inclusion and acceptance for a woman. Boldly, it also addresses how men are infantilized, self-absorbed, superficial and constantly living in denial of their words and deeds. But this isn't a male-bashing exercise. The role of women, especially our mothers, comes under sharp criticism too, of how they've been instrumental in letting objectionable behavior be normalised. Casting directors Nandini Shrikent and Karan Mally put together a stellar cast, each actor at the top of their game.

'Thappad' easily marks Taapsee's most career-defining performance. As someone who's extremely outspoken and vocal, Taapsee adds a respectable and dignified silence to Amrita, making you root for her throughout. Pavail, whom you may recollect from the first episode of the digital show, 'Made in Heaven', makes an impressive debut as Vikram. Ratna Pathak Shah and Tanvi Azmi as Amrita's mother and mother-in-law bring their best maternal acts forward. But Kumud Mishra as Amrita's father leaves a lasting impression on you. He beautifully conveys why so many young girls hail their fathers as their hero. His unflinching support towards his daughter fills you up with hope. Maya Sarao, last seen in 'No Fathers in Kashmir' plays Amrita's lawyer Nethra Jaisingh with the right amount of snoot and sensitivity. Dia Mirza as Shivani, a single mother brings a quite strength to her sadness. Geetika Vidya, who was such a pleasant find in the web film, 'Soni' surprises you as the house help Sunita. The otherwise dependable Manav Kaul has precious little to do as Nethra's journalist husband Rohit. Naila Grewal and Ankur Rathee make significant impressions as Swati and Karan, a young couple who share contrasting views on love.

'Thappad' is not an easy watch but it calls for mandatory viewing for all. That the Censor Board has passed it with a 'U' certificate is already a big win for the team. Go ahead with your loved ones. Watch, pause, ponder, practice and maybe, preach.