The first look poster of Meghna Gulzar’s Deepika Padukone-starrer Chhapaak, in which the actress portrays an acid attack survivor is out. It features her character Malti with a bright smile on her disfigured face. The movie based on real-life acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal releases on January 10, 2020.
Vikrant Massey will play a prominent role in the film. It was initially reported that Rajkummar Rao is also part of the cast.
Meghna, who won the Best Director award at the recently-held Filmfare Awards for Raazi, had previously stated that Deepika would look disfigured in the movie. She also spoke about her plans for the movie, and said, “Using Laxmi’s story as a lens, we are attempting to explore the consequences of acid-related violence in our society. This is what makes this story relevant. Awareness is the first step towards change.”
Laxmi Agarwal said that she was glad Deepika Padukone was playing her role in the movie. “I am so happy that Deepika is playing the role… She has played wonderful characters on screen and I believe she will give her best.”
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Agarwal, who was attacked at the age of 15, later helped other acid attack survivors and also spread awareness about the violence on women. She was a recipient of the US State Department’s International Women of Courage Award in 2014. It was given by the then First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.
Deepika Padukone, last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, ventures into movie production with Chhapaak. Padukone explained her decision to turn producer with the project: “When I heard this story, I was deeply moved as it’s not just one of violence but also of strength and courage, hope and victory. It made such an impact on me, that personally and creatively, I needed to go beyond, and so the decision to turn producer.”