Director Hansal Mehta recently spoke about how Taapsee Pannu’s Thappad led him to issue a genuine apology to women in his life, including his former wife.
The Anubhav Sinha-directed movie, revolving around a woman taking back her autonomy after being slapped, resonated with Mehta for its raw examination of patriarchal socialization and systemic sexism.
In an open letter to readers in a post-screening blog entry, Mehta penned: “Sorry if I have let my entitlement stifle your growth. Sorry if I’ve been an asshole. I will try to change. If I don’t, SLAP me.”
He attributed this moment of introspection to the unflinching depiction of gender dynamics within the film, conceding he would never have written these words had it not been for this.
Mehta highlighted the redemptive potential of film, saying, “That’s what good films do—they make you think and confront uncomfortable truths.”
He also admitted his blogs are raw “stream-of-consciousness” thoughts, frequently filled with mistakes but full of unvarnished honesty.
Thappad not only struck a chord with viewers but also served as a call to personal responsibility. Mehta’s apology emphasized the necessity of unlearning ingrained prejudices and recognizing the unspoken concessions women make in patriarchal systems.
His message emphasizes the power of art to reflect the flaws of society and to provoke change, one accountability at a time.
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