'Thappad' doesn't oppose 'Kabir Singh' but physical abuse in love, says Taapsee Pannu

Actor Taapsee Pannu does not believe "Thappad" is an antidote to Shahid Kapoor-starrer "Kabir Singh", but she says the movie definitely opposes physical abuse in the name of love.

"Kabir Singh", directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was one of the biggest grossers of 2019, but the film received flak for its misogynistic gaze and normalising violence in relationship.

Anubhav Sinha's "Thappad", which focuses on a woman seeking divorce after her husband slaps her in a party, is being considered by many on social media as an answer to Vanga's depiction of love.

"The film ('Kabir Singh') is not entirely about that. There was a moment in that film, which kind of mad domestic violence or physical abuse by a man on a woman normal and a part of love and intensity. Our film opposes that.

"To say, it opposes the entire film will be too heavy a statement to make. In 'Thappad', we don't feel it (violence in a relationship) is okay," Taapsee told PTI.

The 32-year-old actor said love can only thrive on respect and violence of any kind from anybody is unacceptable.

"Violence is not a part of love. Love is only love until it is backed by respect. If there is no respect in a relationship, then there is no love."