Toilet: Ek Prem Katha 2017
Directed by
Shree Narayan Singh
Made by
Reliance Big Pictures
Plot Summary
In a quaint village, a group of women sneak away in the early hours to relieve themselves in the open, hidden by the foliage. In this backdrop, we meet Keshav (played by Akshay Kumar), who faces an unusual predicament. Due to his father’s superstitious beliefs, Keshav must partake in a ceremonial wedding with a buffalo, a tradition upheld by his father, Pandit Vimalnath Sharma (portrayed by Sudhir Pandey). This bizarre ritual is believed to bring Keshav better fortune.
Enter Jaya (played by Bhumi Pednekar), the state’s top student, who initially clashes with Keshav. A chance meeting on a train leaves Keshav smitten with Jaya, but his lack of English skills and her intellectual prowess create a rift. He runs a bicycle shop and serendipitously discovers that Jaya is his customer. In an attempt to boost his business, he uses her photos for promotional posters, igniting Jaya’s outrage when she finds out.
In an effort to win her affection, Keshav awkwardly tries to get close to Jaya during Holi, but she rebuffs his advances, insisting they come from different worlds. Heartbroken, Keshav vows to move on, yet Jaya finds herself strangely drawn to his sincerity. As they gradually begin to date, Keshav’s father’s belief that Keshav can only marry someone with two thumbs complicates their relationship. Ingeniously, Keshav provides Jaya with an artificial thumb, which she wears as a ring, fooling his father into approving their union.
However, on her first morning at Keshav’s home, Jaya’s frustrations mount when she is forced to once more venture into the fields for a bathroom. Having experienced a life with proper sanitation in her own village, she insists that Keshav construct a toilet, which he tries to postpone. Despite Keshav’s temporary fixes, such as leading her to a train station restroom, Jaya’s insistence on having a toilet is unwavering, eventually resulting in her moving back to her parents’ home out of desperation.
The plot thickens when Jaya files for divorce, citing the lack of a toilet as her main reason. The absurdity of such a case grabs public attention, prompting government officials to take action for toilet construction in Keshav’s village. Yet, Keshav’s father remains obstinate. A pivotal moment occurs when Keshav’s mother injures herself on the way to the fields, leading even the father to acknowledge the pressing need for sanitation.
As the divorce hearing approaches, the judge receives a notification from the Chief Minister’s office urging him to delay the divorce, as construction of new toilets will commence immediately. In a heartwarming turn of events, Keshav and Jaya leave the court hand in hand, and Keshav’s father extends an apology for his earlier rigidity. The film wraps up with scenes of villagers eagerly awaiting their turn to use mobile toilets, symbolizing a significant shift in the community’s values and the impending construction of proper sanitation facilities throughout the village.
Timeline
Women Sneaking Away
In a quaint village, a group of women sneak away in the early hours to relieve themselves in the open, hidden by the foliage. This act highlights the existing sanitation issues faced by the villagers, especially the women.
Keshav's Wedding to a Buffalo
Keshav faces a bizarre predicament as he must partake in a ceremonial wedding with a buffalo. This tradition, upheld by his father, Pandit Vimalnath Sharma, is believed to bring him better fortune amidst the family's superstitions.
Meeting Jaya on the Train
Keshav meets Jaya, the state's top student, on a train, instantly becoming smitten with her. However, their different backgrounds and Keshav's lack of English skills lead to an initial clash between the two.
Keshav's Bicycle Shop
Keshav discovers that Jaya is one of his customers at his bicycle shop. In an ill-fated attempt to promote his business, he uses her photos for posters, igniting her outrage when she finds out about it.
Holi and Heartbreak
During the festival of Holi, Keshav tries to get close to Jaya, but she rebuffs his advances. Heartbroken and disillusioned, Keshav vows to move on, despite Jaya feeling a strange pull towards him.
Keshav's Ingenious Plan
To appease his father’s superstitions, Keshav ingeniously provides Jaya with an artificial thumb. She wears it as a ring to deceive his father into believing she meets the family’s criteria for a suitable bride.
Jaya's Frustration with Sanitation
On her first morning at Keshav's home, Jaya's frustrations grow when she has to venture out to the fields for a bathroom. With a strong desire for proper sanitation, she insists Keshav build a toilet, but he delays her requests.
The Move Back Home
Tired of the lack of sanitation, Jaya decides to move back to her parents' home, demonstrating the seriousness of her frustrations. Keshav attempts temporary fixes but fails to meet Jaya's essential needs.
Divorce Filing
Jaya files for divorce, citing the lack of a toilet as her main reason, stirring public interest. Her case becomes a symbol of the struggle for basic sanitation rights, drawing attention from government officials.
Government Action for Sanitation
The absurdity of Jaya's divorce case catches the attention of government officials, who step in to aid in toilet construction in Keshav's village. Yet, Keshav's father remains stubborn and resistant to change.
Keshav's Mother's Injury
Keshav's mother injures herself on the way to the fields, a turning point that shakes the family's beliefs. This incident leads even Keshav's father to acknowledge the urgent need for improved sanitation facilities.
Divorce Hearing Notification
As the divorce hearing approaches, Keshav's family receives a notification from the Chief Minister's office. The judge is urged to delay the proceedings to allow for immediate construction of toilets in the village.
Heartwarming Reunion
In a surprising turn of events, Keshav and Jaya leave the court together hand in hand, signaling a reconciliation. Keshav’s father extends a heartfelt apology for his previous rigid stance, recognizing the importance of change.
Villagers Embrace Change
As construction for proper sanitation facilities begins, villagers line up eagerly for the newly introduced mobile toilets. This moment symbolizes a significant shift in the community’s values and attitudes towards sanitation.
Characters
Keshav (Akshay Kumar)
Keshav is a sincere yet comical character caught between tradition and modernity. His love for Jaya drives him to confront societal norms, and his inventive spirit shines through as he seeks to win her approval. Despite facing absurd challenges, he demonstrates resilience and adaptability.
Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar)
Jaya is portrayed as a strong and intelligent woman, challenging the conventional limits placed on her gender. Her determination to secure proper sanitation in her new home highlights her refusal to compromise on her dignity. Jaya's character embodies modern ideals while navigating complex relationships.
Pandit Vimalnath Sharma (Sudhir Pandey)
Keshav's father, Pandit Vimalnath Sharma, embodies traditional values and superstitions. His beliefs create obstacles for Keshav, illustrating the tension between old customs and new perspectives. Despite his stubbornness, he eventually acknowledges the need for change, showing character growth.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting current social issues in rural India. It captures the cultural nuances and challenges faced by individuals, particularly women, in seeking basic amenities. The film serves as a vehicle for discussing modern sanitation needs while intertwining humor with societal change.
Location
Quaint village
The movie is set in a quaint village where traditional beliefs and modern ideals often clash. Known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community, the village faces challenges related to sanitation. This picturesque yet restrictive environment serves as the backdrop for the story's narrative, highlighting the pressing need for modern conveniences.
Themes
🚻
Sanitation
A primary theme of the movie revolves around the pressing need for sanitation in rural areas. Jaya's insistence on having a toilet highlights the struggles that many women face regarding hygiene and dignity. The film underscores societal change and the importance of addressing basic needs as a fundamental human right.
❤️
Love
The evolution of Keshav and Jaya's relationship is a central theme celebrated in the movie. Their love story navigates cultural obstacles and personal insecurities, showcasing how love can inspire change. Despite the challenges, their bond strengthens as they confront societal norms together.
🛠️
Social Change
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha tackles social change by addressing outdated traditions and superstitions. Through humor and drama, the characters challenge entrenched beliefs that hinder progress. The narrative encourages dialogue about essential issues like sanitation, leading to hope for a more evolved community.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.