Satyaprem Ki Katha movie review: Exploring the complexity of rape through melodrama

Satyaprem Ki Katha: A Melodrama on Rape that Masks a Male Savior Complex

The Film’s Synopsis

Satyaprem Ki Katha, directed by Sameer Vidwans, is a Hindi film that tackles the sensitive topics of date rape and marital rape. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani in the lead roles, the film claims to champion women’s rights while simultaneously robbing a woman of agency in determining her response to assault. The storyline follows Satyaprem, a disgruntled youth who failed his final LLB exams, and his journey to become a hero and savior for the woman he loves, Katha.

The Male Saviour Complex

A central theme that permeates Satyaprem Ki Katha is the male saviour complex, a tired trope in cinema which sees the male protagonist aiming to save and protect women. What makes this film unique is its deliberate attempt to mask this complex, portraying itself as a champion of women’s agency while ultimately denying the female lead the autonomy to determine her own response to assault.

The film’s attempts to hide its male saviour complex are evident in its lyrics and title. The opening credits feature a song lip-synced by Aaryan, which includes the line, “Jo bhi mujhe karna hai karta hoon bol ke,” roughly translating to “I do whatever I want to, unapologetically.” These lyrics, divorced from the character’s overall portrayal, emphasize aggressive masculinity rather than addressing the film’s theme of women’s consent in sexual relations.

Similarly, the title of the film, “Satyaprem Ki Katha,” where Aaryan represents Satyaprem and Advani represents Katha, suggests that the story revolves around the male protagonist. Despite giving the female lead ample screen time and character development, the film ultimately prioritizes Satyaprem’s journey, further reinforcing the film’s male-centric narrative.

The Inconsistency and Contradictions in the Film

Satyaprem Ki Katha struggles with inconsistencies and contradictions in both its character development and overarching message. While the film attempts to be forward-thinking by portraying men engaged in household chores, it ultimately reduces feminism to a comedic element, undermining its intended message.

Furthermore, the film’s execution is marked by loud and melodramatic scenes, where every message is delivered with the boldest possible pen. While the film occasionally finds moments of tenderness and chemistry between the lead couple, these moments are quickly overshadowed by the return to melodrama.

The Acting Performances

One of the saving graces of Satyaprem Ki Katha is the superior acting performances of Kiara Advani, Gajraj Rao, and Supriya Pathak Kapur. They bring depth and emotion to their roles, overshadowing Kartik Aaryan, who struggles in comparison with his limited range of expressions.

A Dangerous Position on Allyship

The film’s most problematic aspect lies in its dangerous position on allyship. Satyaprem, the male protagonist, repeatedly imposes his view on what is best for the female lead, undermining her autonomy and agency. This contradicts the film’s supposed commitment to women’s rights and consent.

Editorial: The Flaws in Satyaprem Ki Katha’s Feminist Messaging

Satyaprem Ki Katha, despite its stated goal of challenging date rape and marital rape, fails to effectively uphold feminist values. The film’s execution falters in its portrayal of women’s agency, instead perpetuating a male saviour complex and reinforcing traditional gender roles.

The film’s attempts to mask its problematic messaging through lyrics, title choices, and character development only serve to highlight the film’s lack of intellectual depth and understanding. By relying on tired tropes and clichés, Satyaprem Ki Katha undermines its potential for meaningful exploration of women’s issues.

Advice for Audiences

While some viewers may argue that the film means well with its messaging, it is important to critically evaluate the film’s flaws and inconsistencies. Satyaprem Ki Katha should not be blindly praised for tackling sensitive topics without considering its overall execution and portrayal of women’s agency.

Audiences should approach the film with caution and be aware of its male saviour complex, melodrama, and lack of intellectual depth. It is essential to actively engage with media that presents a more nuanced understanding of women’s rights and consent to challenge harmful stereotypes and narratives.

In conclusion, Satyaprem Ki Katha may have good intentions, but its execution falls short in effectively conveying a feminist message. It is incumbent on both filmmakers and audiences to demand and support media that authentically champions women’s agency and challenges traditional gender roles.