Chhapaak, starring Deepika Padukone, was a powerful movie that won praise from critics around when it was released. On the other hand, after Deepika Padukone visited Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) amid the CAA-NRC protests, the Meghna Gulzar film also became politically charged. The director has acknowledged that Deepika Padukone’s visit three days before the movie’s premiere “made a dent” in her production.
Meghna Gulzar revealed in an interview with Indian Express,” I am sure that the answer is pretty obvious. Yes, of course, it made a dent in the film. Because the conversation went from acid violence, which I intended the movie to amplify, to somewhere else. So, of course, it impacted the film. There is no denying that.”
Chhapaak, which is based on the true story of Laxmi Agarwal, a real-life acid attack survivor, revolves around Malti (Deepika), who after a man spills acid on her face because she turned down his proposal, is fighting for justice.
For those who are unaware, Deepika Padukone surprised everyone in 2020 by visiting JNU for a speech given by student leaders. They condemned the assault by a group of men and women wearing masks on Varsity students. She stood alongside the students at the Sabarmati T-point, where JNU alumni had scheduled a public assembly. After an hour, Padukone left without addressing the meeting.
Source: The Indian Express
