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

Thappad (2020) movie poster

Thappad is a 2020 drama directed by Anubhav Sinha, starring Taapsee Pannu as Amrita "Amu" Sabharwal, Siddhant Karnick and Sushil Dahiya. It runs 2 hours 24 minutes and earned $4.1 million worldwide on a $2.9 million budget. Its Echo Score is 77/100.

worldwide gross
$4.1M
Echo Score
77
budget
$2.9M
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Thappad (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 24m (144 min)
Director
Anubhav Sinha
Genre
Drama
Original language
Hindi
Studio
T-Series
Budget
$2.9M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Thappad About?

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

Bas itni si baat? A young woman’s life is shattered into pieces when her husband slaps her at a party, causing her to question what this relationship stands for.

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Cast & crew

Thappad Cast & Characters

Taapsee Pannu leads the cast as Amrita "Amu" Sabharwal, with Siddhant Karnick as Viraj Sabharwal and Sushil Dahiya as Romesh Sabharwal. Directed by Anubhav Sinha; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Thappad

· 16 more
From the director

More from Anubhav Sinha

More films directed by Anubhav Sinha, best-rated first: Article 15, RA. One, Bheed and Anek.

Full filmography
Ratings

Thappad Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (82) and weakest in sensory experience (68).

77 /100

Thappad Echo Score Breakdown

Thappad presents a compelling examination of domestic abuse, anchored by a purposeful narrative and strong thematic focus. Critics commend its relevance and emotional weight, while audiences appreciate the authenticity of performances and the film’s social impact. Some viewers note a protracted runtime and uneven pacing that temper the experience. The consensus positions the film as a resonant, socially significant work with notable strengths, though certain structural choices limit its universal appeal.

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

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual execution, the film benefits from Anubhav Sinha’s focused approach and purposeful framing, earning praise for its cinematic fluency. Reviewers highlight the effective use of composition to underscore thematic stakes, while a few note that the editing could have been tighter to reduce a lengthy runtime. Overall, the craftsmanship supports the film’s intent, delivering a polished aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 82

    When evaluating performances, the ensemble cast is consistently identified as a strength, with Taapsee Pannu’s nuanced portrayal receiving particular commendation. Critics and viewers alike note the credible chemistry among characters and the effective conveyance of emotional stakes. A minority mention limited depth in secondary roles, but the overall impression is of a compelling, character‑driven experience.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The narrative addresses a socially pertinent issue through a straightforward plot that resonates with audiences, emphasizing the protagonist’s struggle against entrenched norms. While many appreciate its relevance and emotional impact, some reviewers point to an overabundance of sub‑plots and a prolonged duration that hinder momentum. Consequently, the story is viewed as sincere yet occasionally uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    The film’s audiovisual elements reinforce its thematic tone, with a restrained score and competent sound design that underscore tension. Visual styling remains modest, focusing on realistic settings rather than flamboyant spectacle. Critics note the lack of standout musical moments, yet acknowledge the cohesive atmosphere that supports the drama’s grounded approach.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Rewatch appeal stems from the film’s potent message and authentic performances, prompting reflection on societal attitudes. Many viewers indicate the experience remains impactful on subsequent viewings, though the heavy subject matter may limit casual repeatability. Overall, the film offers lasting relevance, encouraging audiences to revisit its core themes.

Plot

Thappad Plot Summary

What happens in Thappad from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 10 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Amrita “Amu” Sabharwal and Vikram Sabharwal appear to share a contented life, with Amrita tending the home and supporting her husband as he pursues a promotion at work. During a party to celebrate that very promotion, Vikram learns that the advancement has been compromised for an inexperienced junior who is related to his boss, Rajhans Jetley. Angered, he unleashes a heated confrontation with his superior, and when Amrita steps in to intervene in front of all the guests, Vikram slaps her, insisting she stay out. The shocking moment stuns everyone and marks a turning point that exposes the quiet unfairness Amrita had long tolerated.

Full summary

The whole story of Thappad, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Thappad Box Office & Budget

Thappad grossed $4.1 million worldwide on a $2.9 million budget, 1.4 times what it cost.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.1M

1.4× its budget

International
$4.1M
Budget
$2.9M
Videos

Thappad Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Thappad.

THAPPAD OFFICIAL TRAILER 2: Taapsee Pannu | Bollywood Trailer | Bhushan Kumar | 28 February 2020
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Thappad?

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

What is the name of the female protagonist?

Details

Thappad Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “ตบ!” and “耳光”.

Also known as
  • ตบ!
  • 耳光

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FAQ

Thappad FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Thappad?

Thappad runs 2 hours 24 minutes (144 minutes).

When was Thappad released?

Thappad was released on February 27, 2020.

Who directed Thappad?

Thappad was directed by Anubhav Sinha.

More films by Anubhav Sinha

Who is in the cast of Thappad?

Thappad stars Taapsee Pannu as Amrita "Amu" Sabharwal, Siddhant Karnick as Viraj Sabharwal and Sushil Dahiya as Romesh Sabharwal, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Thappad make at the box office?

Thappad grossed $4.1 million worldwide on a budget of $2.9 million.

Does Thappad have a post-credit scene?

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

What language is Thappad in?

The original language of Thappad is Hindi.

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