Toilet-Ek Prem Katha movie review: Akshay Kumar's satirical drama holds up a mirror to society

Superstar Akshay Kumar, who is known for unconventional movies, and now inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swach Bharat Abhiyan the actor has come up with a social satire 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha'.

The movie has been talk of the town not just because of its unusual concept, but also for several controversies, which included the leak controversy, stalking debate and even the CBFC issue.

The film deals with the issue of open defecation in India with 58% of Indian facing the problem. Starring Bhumi Pednekar, and Anupam Kher in key roles, the movie begins with Akshay, playing ‘maanglik boy’ Keshav, marrying a buffalo to get his stars in order. Then he meets a college topper, Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar), and falls in love with her.

Trouble in their paradise begins when Jaya discovers that she has to be part of a ‘lota party’ at the crack of dawn.

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So before you head out for watching the film, we bring you a quick review of what the leading dailies have to say about this Shree Narayan Singh's directorial:

Times of India: Shree Narayan Singh holds up a mirror to society, showing us how our superstitious villagers, lazy administration and corrupt politicians have actually converted India into the world’s largest shit-pond. Women especially, are treated more insensitively than cattle!This film is a satirical take on the age-old ‘tradition’ of seeking fields to relieve ourselves. Mercifully it steers clear of being a documentary on sanitisation. Instead TEPK is a robust love-story striking a balance between entertaining and educating.

Hindustan Times: Toilet Ek Prem Katha talks about a very important issue in a humorous manner. What begins as a seemingly small problem for the people of Mandgaon in the Mathura region of Uttar Pradesh slowly snowballs into a major social evil.Bhumi Pednekar aces it as a homely yet feisty bride while Akshay Kumar tries to present the issue in all its complexity. Toilet Ek Prem Katha looks promising and the film’s pace keeps the audience engaged. However, one thing that can hamper Toilet Ek Prem Katha’s impact is its repetitiveness.

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Indian Express: The noblest ideas are very often derailed by clunky execution. This is the problem with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which had the potential to become a deep, dark satirical take on one of the biggest problems that still shamefully plagues India: defecation in the open.