"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" is a Bollywood movie released in 2017, directed by Shree Narayan Singh and starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar. The film is a satirical comedy-drama that highlights the issue of open defecation in rural India and the importance of having access to toilets.
The story revolves around a newly married couple, Keshav and Jaya, who live in a small village in Uttar Pradesh. Jaya leaves her husband's house after discovering that there is no toilet in the house and that she has to defecate in the open. Keshav is then determined to win her back and sets out on a mission to build a toilet in his house. However, he faces resistance from the villagers who consider it a matter of tradition and culture to defecate in the open.
The film portrays the struggles faced by the couple and the villagers' mindset that restricts the adoption of toilets. It also showcases the government's efforts to promote the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a national campaign to improve sanitation and hygiene in India.
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" was praised for its social message and its efforts to create awareness about a serious issue affecting many people in India. The film was a commercial success and also won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues.
Apart from its social message, the film was also lauded for the performances of its lead actors. Akshay Kumar played the role of Keshav, a man who is determined to build a toilet for his wife, with sincerity and conviction. Bhumi Pednekar, who played Jaya, delivered a powerful performance as a woman who refuses to accept the social norms that hinder her basic right to sanitation.
The film also highlighted the issue of gender inequality, as women in rural India are more vulnerable to health hazards and physical assaults due to lack of access to toilets. "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" aimed to raise awareness about this issue and promote a more equitable and just society.
The movie's success also led to the adoption of several villages in India, where the construction of toilets was initiated to eradicate open defecation. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign gained more momentum after the release of the film, and the Indian government continued to promote the importance of sanitation and hygiene.
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" was a movie that not only entertained its audience but also made them think about an important social issue. It served as a wake-up call for the Indian society to address the problems of open defecation and the need for better sanitation facilities.
In addition to its social impact, "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" was also applauded for its technical aspects. The film's cinematography and soundtrack were well received, with some of the songs becoming popular hits. The movie's humorous take on a serious issue was appreciated by audiences and critics alike.
Moreover, the film's success played a role in breaking some of the taboos associated with the topic of sanitation and hygiene. It started a conversation on the importance of having access to clean and hygienic toilets and the need for more efforts to be made towards improving sanitation facilities in India. The film also challenged traditional mindsets and beliefs that hindered the adoption of toilets and highlighted the need for a more progressive outlook towards social issues.
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" was a significant film that addressed an important issue in a country where open defecation is still a major problem. It made a strong case for the need to promote better sanitation and hygiene practices, and its success served as an inspiration for further efforts towards creating a cleaner and more hygienic society.
In conclusion, "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" is a socially relevant and entertaining film that addresses the issue of open defecation in India. The movie successfully presents the challenges faced by those living in rural areas and highlights the need for more efforts to improve sanitation facilities in the country. The film's success played a significant role in promoting the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign and breaking taboos associated with the topic of sanitation and hygiene. "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" is a must-watch movie for anyone who is interested in social issues and the impact of films on society.