Chaapaak is a very emotional movie to watch. If you are a woman and have had the experience of being on the receiving end of mindless patriarchy, it will leave you shaken.

The plot is based on the story of Laxmi Agarwal, who was burned with acid in New Delhi in 2005 by a guy whose advances she was spurring.

Laxmi, whose face was mutilated in the and even after multiple surgeries, dealt with the emotional burden of having to live with her deformities. She goes through the entire process of being traumatized to be able to wear her face like a badge of honor while starting a movement, with the help of female lawyers and an indomitable spirit to change the Indian laws around the sale of industrial-grade HCL in stores in India.

Laxmi is portrayed by Deepika Padukone (who also produced the movie) in her character Malti, who comes across as an authentic survivor. The evolution of her role is conducted with great expertise by Meghna Gulzar, the director of the movie. There is an appropriate portrayal of anguish, acceptance, and grit without ever bringing in hysterics.

Vikrant Massey excels in his role as a supportive advocate and her love interest.

The highlight of the story is that it is not the story of a victim. It is a story of the celebration of the power of a woman.

Even in adversity, Malti owns her deformity and rises from the ashes to be a compelling protagonist. A truly remarkable line of storytelling from Gulzar.

Hats off to the new genre of women-owned Bollywood narrative. It never fails to impress.