Deepika Padukone, Meghna Gulzar joins hands for acid attack story

Mumbai: After playing the titular role in her 2018 blockbuster hit 'Padmaavat', Deepika Padukone now teams up with Meghna Gulzar for acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal's story. 

This film, which is yet untitled, will not just have Deepika Padukone acting in it, but she will also be producing the film. The actress decided to make this her debut in production as well since she felt very strongly about the film.

On marking her debut as producer, Deepika shares, "When I heard the story, I was deeply moved. It is a story not just of gross violence, but of strength, courage, hope and victory. It has had such a massive impact on me that I personally and creatively needed to go beyond and hence the decision to turn producer too."

Speaking about the subject of the film, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar shares,"In spite of regulation on the sale of acid and changes in legislation regarding acid attacks, both of which are consequences of the acid attack case of Laxmi and her PIL - the ground reality is still very grim. Acid violence is a very prevalent danger even today. Medical treatment, compensation, rehabilitation and inclusion of acid attack survivors are still very real challenges.''

"Using Laxmi's story as a lens, we are attempting to explore these aspects and consequences of acid violence in our society. This is what makes this story, relevant and one that must be told. Because if anything, awareness is the first step towards change," Meghna said.

Touting Deepika as the best choice for the role, Meghna says, "It is both an emotionally and physically challenging role to play. I was instinctively convinced that Deepika can do justice to the character and the story. Also, her physicality matched what I had imagined for the character of Laxmi."

" I am grateful and feel extremely encouraged that Deepika was so spontaneous in her decision to do this film. Also, when you take a face as beautiful as hers, and portray it as an acid survivor, the magnitude of the violence and damage is that much more resounding," she said.

Looking forward to the journey with Meghna, Deepika says, "I have been greatly impacted by Meghna's work and beyond thrilled to be collaborating with her.We now look forward to commencing our journey on this film." 

Laxmi, who comes from a humble background, was 15 when she was attacked at a New Delhi bus stop in 2005. Her assailant was a man twice her age, known to her family and an unlikely suitor whose advances Laxmi had clearly declined.

Through Laxmi's story, the film makes an attempt to understand the on-ground consequences of surviving an acid attack in India, the medico-legal-social state of affairs that transpire after the acid has been hurled and the face is irreparably burnt.

While the film showcases her journey in the time after her attack spanning 10 years, a significant part of the story is the game-changing PIL in the Supreme Court which inspired the amendment on acid laws in 2013. With various narratives intertwined, the film is a gritty investigative piece, interspersed with a compelling courtroom drama. (UNI)