Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Shree Narayan Singh. Co-produced by Akshay Kumar and Neeraj Pandey, the film features Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles. It sheds light on the pressing issue of sanitation in India. It particularly focuses on the challenge of open defecation prevalent in rural areas.
The movie underscores the cultural and religious barriers contributing to India’s toilet problem. Despite being a basic necessity, toilets in rural regions remain a stark reality. This lack not only frustrates women but also exposes them to the risk of sexual harassment.
Inspired by the true story of Anita Narre from Madhya Pradesh, who took a stand against the absence of a toilet in her husband Shivram’s home. The film amplifies the urgent need for improved sanitation facilities across the country. Anita’s refusal to return to her marital home without a toilet symbolized empowerment. It also sparked conversations about the importance of access to proper sanitation for all.
What was the daily ritual for Nandgaon’s women?
The story is set in the quaint village of Nandgaon, nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh. A daily ritual unfolded where a group of women ventured to a nearby field at the crack of dawn to attend to nature’s call amidst the shelter of bushes. This practice stemmed from the unfortunate lack of toilets in their village.
Meanwhile, in the same village, Keshav found himself entangled in a peculiar predicament. His father, Pandit Vimalnath Sharma, a deeply religious and superstitious man, held firm beliefs regarding his marriage. He believed that marrying a black buffalo would pave the path to prosperity for his son. Yet, fate had other plans as Keshav crossed paths with Jaya, a bright, educated college-going girl. Love blossomed between them, with Keshav soon convincing Jaya to marry him.
However, Keshav’s father strongly believed in astrology and said Keshav’s wife must have two thumbs on her left hand. Despite this tough condition, Keshav came up with a clever solution. He made a fake thumb for Jaya to wear as a ring. This made it seem like she had two thumbs on her left hand, even though it was unreal.
Why did Jaya return to her parents’ home?
Another problem soon arose. Jaya, used to modern comforts, struggled with the lack of a basic necessity – a toilet. Despite Keshav’s efforts to find temporary solutions, Jaya’s discomfort continued. Her frustration peaked when she got accidentally locked in a train toilet, leading her to return to her parent’s home to find comfort from the difficult situation.
Determined to fix things, Keshav took on the challenge. Despite facing strong opposition from his father and other villagers, Keshav, with Jaya’s support, contacted the authorities to build a toilet in their front yard. Initially, many doubted them, but they kept going. Eventually, their persistence paid off, and the toilet was successfully built, marking a significant step forward for the village. However, once the construction is complete, Keshav’s father and the village head plan to demolish the toilet while Keshav is asleep. However, Keshav wakes up just in time to stop the demolition and protect the toilet from destruction.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha ending: Did Keshav and Jaya get a divorce?
Jaya decides to file for divorce, citing the lack of a toilet in their home as the main reason. The case gains significant media attention, prompting politicians and government officials to take action and expedite the construction of toilets in Keshav’s village. Despite this, Keshav’s father remains stubborn and refuses to have a toilet in his house.
One day, Keshav’s mother injures her hip while going to the fields to defecate and insists on using the toilet that Keshav built in the front yard. Reluctantly, Keshav’s father helps his mother to the toilet and realizes its importance.
On the day of the divorce hearing, the judge receives a notice from the Chief Minister’s office, urging them not to grant the divorce as toilet construction in the village would begin the next day. The couple leaves the court happily together. Keshav’s father apologizes to Jaya for his stubbornness. In the end, villagers are seen lining up to use mobile toilets outside their village while toilet construction progresses throughout the village.
