“Satyaprem Ki Katha Review: Unpacking the Melodrama of Rape”

Movie Review: “Satyaprem Ki Katha” – A Dismal Attempt at Tackling Rape and Women’s Agency

An Inconsistent and Flawed Narrative

The new film, “Satyaprem Ki Katha,” starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani, attempts to address the issue of sexual assault and women’s agency. However, it falls short of being a feminist film, as it lacks the intellectual capacity and sensitivity to effectively convey its intended message. Despite its goal of addressing date rape and marital rape, the film ultimately robs a woman of the agency to determine her own response to assault. The male saviour complex portrayed in the film is nothing new, but what sets this film apart is the laboured and transparent effort to mask it.

The Problematic Representation of Women

One of the glaring issues with “Satyaprem Ki Katha” is the portrayal of women. The film positions itself as forward-thinking by depicting men doing housework, but it comedifies this representation. The female characters are relegated to earning money while the male protagonist takes care of the home. This attempts to convey feminism, but it does so in a manner that belittles and undermines women’s roles. The film fails to recognize the importance of true gender equality and instead perpetuates gender stereotypes.

Lack of Depth and Inconsistencies

The film oscillates between its supposed goals of advocating for women’s rights and lionising the male protagonist. The script is riddled with inconsistencies, with the male lead singing lyrics that are divorced from the film’s overall message about women’s consent in sexual relationships. The film’s title, “Satyaprem Ki Katha,” also hints at the problematic representation of women, as it ultimately positions the story as being about the male protagonist, rather than the female character.

Poor Execution and Acting

The film’s execution is loud and melodramatic, with exaggerated sets, characters, and emotions. While there are moments of tenderness and chemistry between the lead couple, they are overshadowed by the overall poor execution of the film. Kartik Aaryan’s acting falls short compared to his co-stars, Gajraj Rao, Supriya Pathak Kapur, and Kiara Advani, who deliver far superior performances. Aaryan’s limited acting range, combined with the filmmakers’ insistence on referencing his famous monologue from a previous film, hampers his performance.

An Examination of the Film’s Contradictions and Controversial Scenes

Dangerous Portrayal of Allyship

One of the most infuriating aspects of “Satyaprem Ki Katha” is its portrayal of allyship. The film suggests that it is acceptable for a man to badger a woman with support if he believes he is a true ally. This flawed narrative is exemplified by the line, “If the hero does not save the heroine, then how will he become a hero?” This statement highlights the film’s lack of understanding of true consent and fails to respect a survivor’s wishes.

Questionable Scenes and Preemptive Counter-Criticism

The film includes scenes that perpetuate questionable beliefs and behaviors. For example, one scene depicts a man breaking into a woman’s house, disregarding consent, despite the film’s supposed focus on women’s agency. The film seemingly preemptively addresses criticism of this scene by having the woman benefit from the man’s misconduct in a contrived manner, which does not excuse the problematic depiction. Another scene showcases a man publicizing a survivor’s rape without her consent, further eroding the film’s commitment to women’s agency.

The Overall Assessment and Conclusion

A Failed Attempt to Address Important Issues

“Satyaprem Ki Katha” is a disappointing film that fails to effectively tackle the issue of sexual assault and women’s agency. Its inconsistent narrative, questionable representations of women, and flawed execution make it difficult to overlook its shortcomings. While there are moments of beauty and tenderness, they are overshadowed by melodrama and poor acting. The film’s controversial scenes and misrepresentation of consent further highlight its failure to address important issues.

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars

The film, “Satyaprem Ki Katha,” is currently showing in theatres. It is directed by Sameer Vidwans and stars Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, Gajraj Rao, Supriya Pathak Kapur, Shikha Talsania, Anooradha Patel, Siddharth Randeria, and Rajpal Yadav. Despite its attempt to shed light on sexual assault, the film falls short of delivering a meaningful and impactful message.

Anna M.M. Vetticad is an acclaimed journalist and author who specializes in the intersection of cinema with feminist and socio-political concerns. Her critical review highlights the flaws in “Satyaprem Ki Katha” and raises important questions about its portrayal of women’s agency and consent.

Read more entertainment news on our website and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Facebook: [link]
Twitter: [link]
Instagram: [link]