Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Biographical drama

Chhapaak (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Chhapaak (2020) movie poster

Chhapaak is a 2020 biographical drama directed by Meghna Gulzar, starring Vikrant Massey as Amol Dwivedi, Deepika Padukone and Ankit Bisht. It runs 2 hours and earned $6.5 million worldwide. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10.

IMDb rating
5.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
worldwide gross
$6.5M
Echo Score
75
Loading streaming availability…
Chhapaak (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h (120 min)
Director
Meghna Gulzar
Genres
Biography , Drama
Original language
Hindi
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Chhapaak About?

The premise of Chhapaak without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In New Delhi, a young woman's life is irrevocably changed by a horrific acid attack. Left with severe disfigurement, she finds the strength to fight for justice and confront the societal issues surrounding such violence. Determined to reclaim her identity and give a voice to other survivors, she embarks on a challenging journey of healing and advocacy.

Chhapaak Themes & Keywords

· 4 tags
  • acid attack
  • acid attack survivor
  • acid attacking victims women
  • based on true story
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Chhapaak Cast & Characters

Vikrant Massey leads the cast as Amol Dwivedi, with Deepika Padukone as Malti Aggarwal and Ankit Bisht as Rajesh. Directed by Meghna Gulzar; 15 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Meghna Gulzar

More films directed by Meghna Gulzar, best-rated first: Raazi, Sam Bahadur, Guilty (Talvar) and Talvar.

Full filmography
Ratings

Chhapaak Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Chhapaak 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

75 /100

Chhapaak Echo Score Breakdown

Chhapaak delivers a strong emotional impact driven by committed direction and compelling performances, though its narrative structure shows uneven pacing. Critics and audiences consistently praise the film’s ability to reinvigorate discussion on its central issue and highlight its heartfelt sincerity. At the same time, the screenplay’s reconstruction-style storytelling and slower second half undermine its overall momentum. In sum, Chhapaak stands as an important and well-crafted drama that feels uneven in narrative flow.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, Chhapaak benefits from assured direction and clear visual focus. The film’s restrained color palette and clinical framing underscore the story’s gravity. Editing choices maintain a solid rhythm, particularly in the first half. Production design and cinematography consistently reinforce the realistic tone. Overall, the craft contributions deliver a polished presentation that supports the film’s thematic weight.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film is anchored by a nuanced lead performance that conveys both vulnerability and resolve. Supporting roles offer authentic interactions and emotional texture, enriching the portrayal of relationships. Dialogue and character arcs maintain depth, even as some emotional beats feel paused by narrative shifts. In conclusion, the performances create a strong emotional core that resonates throughout.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, Chhapaak presents a compelling first half with purposeful pacing and clear thematic intent. However, pacing becomes uneven in the second half, and the narrative occasionally reads like a series of reconstructed events rather than a smoothly unfolding plot. Moments of strong engagement are balanced by structural lapses. Overall, the storytelling feels earnest but uneven in its cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When it comes to sensory experience, Chhapaak employs a restrained visual style that emphasizes realism and subtle emotional cues. The sound design remains unobtrusive, allowing ambient noise and dialogue to carry much of the impact. The score is measured, reinforcing key moments without overwhelming the narrative. Visually and sonically consistent, the film achieves a cohesive tone that supports its serious subject matter.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s heavy thematic focus and emotionally intense sequences may limit repeated viewings. While the sincerity of the performances and the importance of the subject grant lasting significance, the unrelenting tone can make subsequent watches taxing. The narrative’s uneven pacing further reduces its replay appeal. Ultimately, Chhapaak leaves a strong impression but may not invite frequent revisits.

Plot

Chhapaak Plot Summary

What happens in Chhapaak from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As investigative journalist Alka dives deep into the realm of social justice, she encounters Amol Dwivedi, a groundbreaking advocate for acid attack survivors. Their mutual commitment to instigating change sparks a connection that leads them to Malti Agarwal, portrayed by Deepika Padukone, a valiant survivor on a mission to combat the brutal practice of acid attacks. Inspired by Malti’s indomitable spirit, Amol offers her a position at his organization, initiating a transformative journey for all involved.

Full summary

The whole story of Chhapaak, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Chhapaak Box Office

Chhapaak grossed $6.5 million worldwide. $604,334 came from the US and Canada and $5.9 million (91%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$6.5M

US & Canada
$604.3K
International
$5.9M
US & Canada 9% Rest of the world 91%
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Chhapaak?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main protagonist of 'Chhapaak'?

Seen Chhapaak?

FAQ

Chhapaak FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Chhapaak, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Chhapaak?

Chhapaak runs 2 hours (120 minutes).

When was Chhapaak released?

Chhapaak was released on January 10, 2020.

Who directed Chhapaak?

Chhapaak was directed by Meghna Gulzar.

More films by Meghna Gulzar

Who is in the cast of Chhapaak?

Chhapaak stars Vikrant Massey as Amol Dwivedi, Deepika Padukone as Malti Aggarwal and Ankit Bisht as Rajesh, among 15 credited actors.

How much did Chhapaak make at the box office?

Chhapaak grossed $6.5 million worldwide ($604,334 domestic, $5.9 million international).

How is Chhapaak rated?

Chhapaak has 5.4/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74% on TMDB.

Does Chhapaak have a post-credit scene?

No. Chhapaak has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Chhapaak in?

The original language of Chhapaak is Hindi.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app