Chhapaak trailer: Deepika Padukone is powerful as acid attack survivor Malti

The Meghna Gulzar film Chhapaak (2020) delves into the immediate aftermath of an acid attack on Malti, played by Deepika Padukone. The hard-hitting film stays by her side as she adjusts to a new way of life and fights for justice, both against her attacker and a flawed system that allows acid to be purchased so easily.

Set in New Delhi, the Chhapaak trailer opens with chants of 'We want justice'. Based on true events, the trailer includes that powerful moment when Malti, who is doused with acid on a street, sees her disfigured face in the mirror for the first time. Padukone captures her rage and helplessness well as she looks back in the mirror.

Meghna's film also takes viewers through the unwieldy judicial system as the police try to piece together how the attack happened and the social activists come together to help Malti make a legal case, as it makes its way through the Indian courts.

Padukone, under prosthetics, transforms her famous face as Malti. There are scenes that give us pause, especially when a young boy screams at Malti's face in fear. Vikrant Massey also plays a key role as another activist who guides Malti to help others like her.

The trailer ends with a compelling line as Malti's voice declares that her attacker may have changed her face, but not her mind. Chhapaak, written by Atika Chohan and Meghna Gulzar, is due to be released on 10 January 2020.

Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to watch the film.