Well, I’ve been putting this off, because I didn’t have much to say. And also because a got a nice string of abuse on my no-spoilers review. Which is why I am a little mad at this movie. Because it’s leaving me open for abuse! Being so political that I can’t avoid commenting on the politics, even though I want to run a nice film analysis blog that only deals with social issues in generalities, not specifics. And clearly it is political, because there are angry people looking for me to say bad things about it. Oh well, I’ll spoil it for you all anyway, and maybe someone will leave a nice comment on this one.
I really want to dig into the specifics of the plot and the message here, because I feel like it lost its way a bit. So first, whole plot in two paragraphs (most of which was in the trailer):
Akshay is Manglik, his superstitious father won’t let him get married, even though he is 37 and has had plenty of sneaky affairs with women who ended up marrying someone else. Akshay meets Bhumi Pednakar who is a village girl, but educated. He follows her around for a bit and then when she confronts him, tells her that she should be grateful he is interested and he is ready to marry her. They fall in love and marry after playing a slight trick on his father who has insisted that Akshay can only marry a woman with 2 thumbs on her left hand. But, as we saw in the trailer, Bhumi finds out that first night that they have no toilet. And she just can’t go in a field like the other women. Akshay offers to build one, but his father won’t let them. So they find other options, sneaking to a relative’s house, and taking Bhumi to use the train toilet every morning when it stops in the village for six minutes. Until one day the train starts while she is in the toilet and she lets it take her away, back to her parents. Telling Akshay she will return when there is a toilet.
Akshay is now determined and with Bhumi’s help discovers that the government is supposed to be building toilets and confronts the official in charge. Who explains that no one cares about toilets, the people don’t want them or know how to use them, there is sewage lines throughout the village but no one ever bothered to hook up to them. Akshay determines to build his own toilet in the yard, despite his father, after hearing Bhumi talk to her parents about the dangers to women of open defecation. And then his father tears it down. With no other option, Bhumi and Akshay come up with a plan, to file for divorce because of lack of toilet and use the publicity to win over the village and the government. The government officials take action, locking the doors of the toilets in the offices that need to approve the file (here’s where they actually say “like Modi did”) until the file is approved. And the village women are won over also (they have been objecting that it is against tradition), but that part is kind of left behind. And finally, Akshay’s father is convinced after his own mother twists her ankle and needs to use the half-destroyed toilet in the yard. Happy ending, the family can use the family toilet and the village will get new public toilets courtesy of the government.
So, I mean, WHAT THE HECK??? First, Akshay’s father is so backwards he won’t allow a toilet even when his daughter-in-law desperately needs it. Sure, he changes his mind on that issue, but what about all the other issues that can come up which he will choose abstract tradition over the safety of the woman in front of him? The happy ending needs to be them overriding his authority in the home once and for all and telling him he is wrong.
Second, we go from “the government was supposed to build toilets” to “the people didn’t use them right” to “okay, the lower government offices are corrupt and awful, but our executive branch can take extreme measures and fix everything and that is good.” It’s a confusing message that doesn’t work in the simple human story we started out with and is clearly only in there because it fits the current mood of the politics in India.
And third, aaaaaalllllllllllllll of this is explicitly women’s fault. Over and over again there are speeches saying “it is you women holding yourselves back! Saying you don’t want toilets and are happy with what you have! Let me ‘mansplain’ to you exactly how and why you are wrong until you finally wake up!” Yes, technically Bhumi is the first to object, but it is Akshay who takes up her argument and moves on from there, coming between her and the other women instead of letting her speak to them directly.
Oh, and fourth, it is a really sweet romance that eventually ultimately fails because it fails in the very vow he made her when they first fell in love, that he would fight the world for her. Because he fights the world, so long as it doesn’t involve going against his own relatives.
(Oh how nice, he invites her to beat him with a stick. And then goes home and continues to put up with his father who sees her as less than human.)
Now, what confuses me, is that the actual romantic/first half part of the film seemed to understand all of this very well. Bhumi is strong and the impetus for change (not the government or a man taking her campaign away from her), Akshay’s Dad and other old Hindu men are clearly in the wrong, and Akshay promises to fight for Bhumi against the world.
Okay, there is the thing where the woman gets made at the man stalking her, and then is convinced that really she should be flattered by his interest, which always bugs me a bit, because it seems like such a gross justification, all those men in the audience thinking “yeah, that’s right! She’s just mad at me for secretly taking her photo and following her everywhere because she is too stupid to appreciate me!” Instead of thinking “maybe I should just say ‘hi’ instead of stalking her?” But I can get past that, it’s in enough films I can blow right by it.
No, what bothers me is what happens after that. Akshay says he will fight the world for her, they fall in love, he proposes, the families are happy, blah blah blah. But, setting aside the toilet issue, she is still expected post-marriage to cook all the food, stay in the home, keep her face covered when her father-in-law walks by. This is a terrible life, and this isn’t the life she was promised by Akshay. And the film never really addresses that. Addresses that it isn’t just the toilet, it’s every part of a traditional Brahmin village woman’s life that is really sucky. And if he loves this woman, he has to stand up to his father for her. Heck, he has to see how sucky it is all on his own without her having to leave him to prove it!
And, to expand that, it really bothers me that the film thinks the audience will need this explained to them. Forget open defecation and all of that. We are told that women “go” only once a day at 4am. I don’t know if you’ve ever been a woman in a situation where you have had to “hold” it for hours at a time, but it is extremely painful and medically dangerous. We aren’t talking about some abstract outraged modesty situation. We are talking about bladder infections, permanent damage, distracting pain. And that’s the one argument the film never makes. I kept waiting for Bhumi to simply challenge Akshay and his father and brother to “hold” it for 24 hours, 4am to 4am, and see how they feel. And the fact that this argument is not made makes me wonder if the people behind this film have ever been in that situation? Or spoken with someone who has?
And what is so disturbing is that the beginning of the film felt so grounded in these characters. Akshay was slowly but surely learning to understand Bhumi’s concerns, she was trying to explain them both to him and to the other women of the village. And the film was showing us in ways both large and small how those very “traditional” “modest’ types of men were in fact the most disgusting of them all. Akshay’s father peeing in the courtyard and touching Akshay’s face without washing his hand, an old man in a dhoti which flies up and shows everything underneath, men hunting through the fields to see women defecating at night and then denying they did it during the day. The message was ramping up, that Bhumi would be brave enough to speak out and show the hypocrisy, and Akshay would be her faithful servant, convinced himself and then following her lead.
But instead, we take a sudden veer off of that. Akshay takes control of the campaign and Bhumi is left behind, and then even Akshay is left behind and the government magically does everything. Most of all, instead of Bhumi being the voice of reason, the old Panchayat men being the enemy, and women being the victims, somehow it turns into women being the enemy, Bhumi being silent, and the Panchayat being somehow ignored as part of the problem. The problem is phrased as “culture”. Which is one of those great non-specific things like “terrorism” or “racism” or “communalism” or “violence” which everyone can get behind and say “yeah, I’m against that!” Instead of using a specific example which might solve a specific problem, like “I’m against this guy, right here, this old Brahmin man who can recite the Vedas but has no concept of female reproductive organs or what is going on in his own house, who is so selfish and blind to the needs of others that he is dooming his family and village to misery so that he can feel better, who deserves for his sons to throw him out of their house in order to save their own lives and the life of his daughter-in-law.” Where’s that movie?
Oh, and where’s the movie about the brave village women on the forefront of the toilet campaigns? Who came up with their own plans and risked everything to fight for their rights? Who, most of all, were well aware that their situation was horrible (after all, they were the ones in that situation) and were suffering in it not because of their own blindness or laziness or whatever this movie is proposing, but because they had no power to speak up against those same selfish blind old men mentioned above.
(These women. Where’s their movie?)
So, yeah, good opening, failed in the second half. Fun movie, just really infuriating when you start to pick apart the politics of it. And now I will go back to playing whack a mole with abusive commentators. Geesh, Akshay! Why couldn’t you just make a nice romance that no one will care if I do or don’t like?
UPDATE: just reread the above and realized it might sound like you aren’t allowed to comment if you don’t agree with me. Absolutely comment! Tell me your alternative opinion, give me additional background, whatever! Just, you know, don’t call me a term for female genitalia or suggest I would feel better if a masterbated. That’s kind of my base line for when a comment gets blocked.
dontcallitbollywood 
I didn’t get to read the comments on the no spoilers post and I skipped the spoilers in this post too because I do want to watch this despite the propaganda.
Sidenote: Akshay should just change his name to Propaganda Kumar. He has been pivotal in the development of Pax Indica although with the mission to promote nationalism within the country.
Anyway, the movie I thought would be based on the numerous cases of girls refusing to get married in families without a proper indoor toilet. These cases have been around since before the Haryana government campaign. And it wasn’t as absurd as it sounds. Girls from towns and cities got matches from the villages and they flat out refused because they couldn’t live without a toilet. Oddly enough, the lack of an indoor toilet has spurned plenty of romances in the rural areas because girls and women go to their fields to answer nature’s call without a male chaperone pre-teens and that’s an opportunity in itself! There are days when I think this is one big reason why people in the countryside are reluctant to commit to the indoor loo. It prevents them from using the excuse to get out of the house unaccompanied when it’s dark. It surely explains our population.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought it would be about that too! But no, it doesn’t address that part of the campaign at all. The “No toilet no bride” tagline isn’t even mentioned, despite being on the early posters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Propaganda Kumar with his Canadian citizenship wouldn’t worry about it though. Shame that such a promising film has been wasted on govt propaganda. Actually, party propaganda. Govt propaganda may still have been bearable. I was hoping this was closer to Pipli Live in mood. Sounds like it isn’t
LikeLike
Nope, no Pipli Live. Although in a larger sense, it was really refreshing to have a nice village romance film after all the urban type romances we’ve been getting.
LikeLike
You know romance wise what’s missing from the scene is like is a good old fashioned Rajshri type thing set in the 80s. Not a prem ratan dhan payo which I thought was sort of out of place for today but like a period film… Set in the 80s. Or 90s. Full family drama. Including the conniving buas and the outspoken ramu kaka. Also the quirky family chauffeur in all white, a family dog who had a role in the film, love songs that are about hope not longing, a picnic scene, kids helping the couple romance (hah! We so did that ourselves when we were kids!) That family romance, and I mean family romance, 😁 used to be so cute!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vivah was closer than PRDP, but that was yeaaaaaars ago. I want another one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hated vivah.. I was stuck watching that on a five hour bus ride.. That film was regressive. That’s what I meant when I said I’d want that in an 80s setting when it made sense.
LikeLike
“First, Akshay’s father is so backwards he won’t allow a toilet even when his daughter-in-law desperately needs it. Sure, he changes his mind on that issue, but what about all the other issues that can come up which he will choose abstract tradition over the safety of the woman in front of him? The happy ending needs to be them overriding his authority in the home once and for all and telling him he is wrong.”
I feel like this was your problem with the ending of Badrinath Ki Dulhania too and I just don’t see that happening. I don’t there would be a commercial Indian movie where the characters leave/override the father’s authority and even if they did, it wouldn’t really be considered a happy ending
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, that’s always going to be my problem with these endings. And I know it isn’t a realistic expectation, but it still bothers me every time. I guess what I would prefer is, if they are never going to go against the Dad, that the Dad isn’t made so bad to begin with. Like in this, have him be completely progressive and supportive in most ways, excited to have an educated strong daughter-in-law, with just this one blindspot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think men ever really completely understand the huge effort it takes to hold it for hours when you are traveling.Or having to travel for hours when you have a period.Women accept it as part of life and don’t complain.I like your idea of making Akshay and his father try it for a day.My aunt was taken aback, back when she asked me what I liked about my first job.It was clean toilets and no harassment from my male colleagues.Not even a bump in the rush for the elevator.Sheer heaven!The things we put up with because we don’t want to be seen as ‘fussy’ and ‘difficult’.
I like how Bhumi is taking her time and picking her roles wisely.Even this one -this might have sounded interesting when it was narrated to her.Nevermind how it turned into a propaganda vehicle.Obviously Bhumi is going the Vidya way.Speaking of Vidya, have you seen her build a toilet for women ads?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t! That sounds like a great fit of star and campaign, Vidya has earned the right to speak for women, and is respected by men as well.
Bhumi’s next with Ayushmann looks good and interesting, and another strong role for her. I’ll be curious to see how her career goes, I would be happy if she continued to take parts in smaller movies with interesting roles. Her look is so different, it kind of frees her, I don’t think she would work as the standard “young love interest” type parts, so she is only being thought of for the more interesting stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read an interview on rediff from one of the makers who said the original script was supposed to be about a woman’s struggle against her in laws and the villagers. But then Akshay had stepped in, so his role took prominence in the film. That interview somehow just put me off. And thanks to your reviews, I’ll stay out of my own problems being mansplained to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that makes so much sense. The film felt like it had a split personality, this propaganda mansplaining thing, but a really interesting grounded feminist story in other scenes. This explains everything, original script versus rewrite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yikes no comment about the movie or anything but shocked about the abusive comments. seriously, I think everyone should post only if they were willing to say the same comments face to face & secondly, if they were willing to use abusive words face to face, then I am gobsmacked . that’s all. Sorry you had to face this & glad you blocked those comments. I agree you welcome differing opinions on this blog, as long as they are stated respectfully and objectively without making it personal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yeah, being a white woman writing about Indian culture invites a certain kind of abuse from a certain kind of person. Especially when I am in any way critical or perceived to be critical of culture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Jab Harry Met Sejal Part 12: Beech Beech Mein and More | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Friday Classics: Kaminey, the Best Bhardwaj Film and the Best Bombay Film for Ganesh Chaturpathi | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Shubh Mangal Saavdhan Review (No SPOILERS): A Love Story Between Two Real People | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Box Office: When Word of Mouth Goes Bad | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Film Reviews | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Box Office: Golmaal Fails to Golmaal, Secret Superstar Fails to Shine, Mersal is a Miracle | dontcallitbollywood
Just watched it yesterday…still not sure if I liked it or liked it with reservations. Had I not known about all of the political context of this film and how it’s been called Modi propoganda, I would have enjoyed it much more. Because taken superficially, the outcome of the story…everyone gets a toilet!, a small battle against open defecation is won, and the couple and family is reunited. I mean that’s what we usually ask of of an optimistic and lighter Hindi film.
But, back to the superficial, the socio-political stuff took me less out of the film than how awful Akshay looks and, yes like you say, how his character highjacks what would have been an interesting feminist statement in the film! Bhumi’s character still gets a few good moments and there is definite allusions to the real-life women protesting with “no toilet, no bride”.
Akshay at 50 is far too grizzled looking around the eyes and neck to be playing a 36 years old! It’s just gross. Coupled with SRK’s turn in WJMS this year, I don’t know which is worse (though I do know which one you’d pick:)!). I’ve always thought that Akshay was very handsome but rarely looks great on film. Probably looks the best in Patiala House but that could be because I liked his character a lot. Here in Toilet his styling is pretty perfect for the character and I even like the mustache in theory, but he just looks old and tired. I do like that the age difference is acknowledged and there are clear reasons that Bhumi’s character falls for him. And I did really like that scene where he uses his own knowledge of Sanskrit to talk back to the headman of the village. I actually liked most of this performance from him. I think he really does think in his ivory tower of stardom that he was doing something important here and it shows.
Otherwise, I thought this was a very competently directed film and the songs were actually quite lovely. I did especially like Gori Tu Latth Maar. The song overall could be one of my favorites of the year! I really liked how the emotion, the cinematography, the acting, the colors, and the music blended so well. I have to say I kind of miss Sonu Nigam’s voice and feel like I haven’t heard it enough lately in films.
LikeLike
For Akshay, have you seen Airlift? I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a movie you would like, although it is very good. But akshay has such a good role for himself. He is playing his age, not just chronologically, but in terms of his place in society. No longer the young rebel bucking authority, but the one enforcing that authority. It makes his toilet role even more frustrating in contrast. Come to think of it, he played the same kind of “adult” role in Baby. Maybe it’s just the romances where he feels like he still has to go young.
LikeLike
Couldn’t get through Airlift but might try again someday. Especially as it pairs well with the Malayalam film Take Off which I really liked. Baby was a nice age appropriate role. Maybe he (and the rest of the geezers) have to realize that they don’t need to be doing the same kind of romances they did 20 years ago! Though Qarib Qarib Single looks kind of fun and quirky, I have the same issues with Irrfan playing opposite a woman 21 years his junior. They all just need to stop! That’s why I can’t wait for Ajay and Tabu’s rom-com…if it does well then maybe they’ll realize that women over 40 can have a romance, too! OK, rant over.
I would recast this one with Shahid. I think he and Bhumi would look good together and he’s a much better actor than Akshay overall. Still would have wanted her role to be even bigger.
LikeLike
Airlift is an overall good movie, but mostly i was impressed with Akshay playing a married man with a kid and a successful business, who isn’t terribly charming or romantic or any of those young man things. He still gets plenty of “hero” moments, but most of it feels a lot more interesting than his usual role. Oh, and Purab Kohli is in it, he doesn’t start to really shine until about an hour in, and then he slowly takes over the movie for me.
On Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:42 PM, dontcallitbollywood wrote:
>
LikeLike
I had that feeling with Purab Kohli in Rock On 2. By the end, I was like “Why isn’t this guy in more?”
LikeLike
Pingback: Tuesday Tamil: Mersal Review (No SPOILERS), Very Very Political | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Friday Classics: Dabangg!!! The Most Progressive Film You Never Noticed Was Progressive | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Padman Trailer: Mansplaining Menstruation | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: News Round Up: Salman Supports Heroines, Shahid Signs Heroine | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: News Round-Up: Salman is Coming to America, Devdas is Coming Back, Twitter Makes NO SENSE | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: 2017 DCIB Hindi Film Awards!!!!!! Vote Here | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Hindi Film 101: Virat Kohli, Shahrukh Khan, Upside Down Mortgages and Starpricing | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Padman Review (No Spoilers): This is the Akshay Kumar Female Hygiene Film to Watch, if You Watch Only One | dontcallitbollywood
Pingback: Shahid Day Continues! Kaminey, Shahid’s Best Picture (I Think) | dontcallitbollywood