Why Thappad stands out in Taapsee Pannu's filmography
Thappad isn't just another courtroom drama. It's a quiet revolution wrapped in domestic normalcy. The film follows Amrita (played by Taapsee Pannu), a housewife who decides to divorce her husband after he slaps her at a party. What makes this film remarkable is how it escalates from a single slap to a profound examination of marital power dynamics, societal expectations, and the often-dismissed grievances of women in traditional households.
The film's success lies in its restraint. Director Anubhav Sinha doesn't sensationalize the abuse or turn it into melodrama. Instead, he lets the silence speak volumes. Taapsee's performance is deliberately understated—her eyes carry the weight of unspoken rage, her posture shifts subtly as she transforms from a submissive wife to a woman reclaiming her agency. This measured approach is precisely what critics praised most.
The critical reception that made history
When Thappad released in February 2020, it arrived at a moment when Bollywood was grappling with the #MeToo movement and questions about gender equality. Critics immediately recognized its timeliness. The Hindu called it "a film that makes you uncomfortable in the best way possible," while Film Companion praised Taapsee's "career-defining performance."
What's fascinating is how the film performed across different rating platforms. On IMDb, it maintains a solid 8.1/10 from over 25,000 votes. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 94% critics' score, though the audience score is lower at 76%. This discrepancy often indicates a film that challenges viewers rather than simply entertaining them—exactly what Thappad does.
How Thappad compares to Taapsee's other acclaimed films
Before Thappad, Taapsee's highest-rated films included Badla (2019) at 7.9/10 and Pink (2016) at 8.1/10. Interestingly, Thappad and Pink share thematic DNA—both explore women's autonomy and societal judgment. However, Thappad refines the formula, offering more emotional complexity and refusing to provide easy resolutions.
Consider Badla, a thriller where Taapsee plays an accused murderer opposite Amitabh Bachchan. While commercially successful and well-reviewed, it lacks the social commentary that elevates Thappad. The difference isn't just in ratings—it's in impact. Thappad sparked conversations about marital rape, emotional abuse, and the right to say "enough" that extended far beyond cinema halls.
The unexpected box office journey
Here's where it gets interesting: Thappad wasn't a blockbuster. It earned approximately ₹48 crore (around $6.2 million) worldwide against a budget of ₹20 crore. For comparison, Taapsee's 2018 film Mulk earned similar numbers but received slightly lower critical ratings. This pattern reveals something crucial about Indian cinema—critical acclaim doesn't always translate to box office success, especially for films dealing with uncomfortable social issues.
The film's theatrical run was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, which began affecting India just weeks after its release. This meant many potential viewers never saw it in theaters, yet its reputation grew through word-of-mouth and digital platforms. Sometimes, the highest-rated films are those that find their audience later rather than immediately.
What makes a film "highest rated" in the Indian context
Rating systems in India are complicated by regional preferences, language barriers, and cultural nuances. Thappad, a Hindi-language film, might not even appear on the radar for audiences who primarily watch South Indian cinema or Hollywood productions. Taapsee herself has worked across multiple industries—her Tamil film Aadukalam (2011) won her a National Award but remains largely unknown to Hindi-speaking audiences.
The rating paradox becomes clearer when you consider that many of India's most influential films weren't initially "highest rated." Lagaan, for instance, was a massive commercial success but faced mixed critical reception upon release. Sometimes, time recontextualizes a film's importance more than immediate ratings do.
The role of female-led narratives in ratings
Thappad's success also highlights a broader trend: female-led films often receive higher critical ratings when they tackle substantive issues. Compare this to male-centric blockbusters that might earn higher box office numbers but lower critical scores. Taapsee has consciously chosen roles that challenge this dynamic—from Naam Shabana (2017) to Game Over (2019), she's built a career on complex female characters.
This isn't coincidental. Critics and audiences often rate films higher when they present fresh perspectives or underrepresented voices. Thappad succeeds because it speaks to experiences many women recognize but rarely see depicted with such honesty in mainstream cinema.
Beyond ratings: The cultural impact of Thappad
Here's the thing about ratings—they capture quality but not always significance. Thappad's true achievement isn't its 8.1/10 score but how it changed conversations about domestic violence in India. The film became a reference point in discussions about marital rights, with lawyers citing it in actual divorce cases and support groups using it in awareness programs.
Consider this: after Thappad's release, several Indian states reported increased calls to domestic violence helplines. Whether coincidental or causal, this suggests the film resonated deeply with audiences who saw their own experiences reflected on screen. Sometimes, the highest-rated films are those that transcend entertainment to become cultural touchstones.
The international reception and global ratings
Internationally, Thappad screened at several film festivals and received positive reviews from global critics. However, its ratings on international platforms often differ from Indian ones. Western critics sometimes struggle with the film's cultural specificity—the importance of family honor, the stigma of divorce in traditional communities, the subtle ways patriarchy operates in Indian households.
This cultural gap explains why some Indian films receive polarized international ratings. A film like Dangal might earn high ratings globally for its universal sports drama elements, while Thappad's more culturally specific narrative might resonate differently with international audiences. Ratings, it turns out, are never just about quality—they're about cultural translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taapsee Pannu's highest rated movie on IMDb?
Thappad holds the top spot with an 8.1/10 rating, followed closely by Pink and Badla at 8.1/10 and 7.9/10 respectively. These ratings are based on user votes and can fluctuate over time.
Has Taapsee Pannu won any awards for her highest rated film?
While Thappad didn't win major awards, Taapsee received nominations for Best Actress at several ceremonies. The film's director, Anubhav Sinha, won Best Director at the Filmfare Critics Awards, recognizing the film's artistic merit.
Are there other highly rated films in Taapsee Pannu's career?
Yes, several films rate highly, including Pink (8.1/10), Badla (7.9/10), Mulk (7.6/10), and Game Over (7.2/10). Her filmography shows a pattern of choosing challenging roles over commercial sure-bets.
How do critics' ratings compare to audience ratings for Thappad?
Critics gave Thappad a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences rated it 76%. This gap often indicates a film that's intellectually rigorous but emotionally challenging, which perfectly describes Thappad's approach to its subject matter.
Verdict: More than just a number
So what is Taapsee Pannu's highest rated movie? Technically, it's Thappad with its 8.1/10 IMDb score and 94% critics' rating. But reducing it to numbers misses the point entirely. Thappad represents something larger—a moment when Indian cinema matured in its treatment of women's stories, when a commercial actress chose substance over safety, when a film proved that quiet dignity could be more powerful than dramatic spectacle.
The real question isn't just about ratings. It's about why Thappad resonates so deeply with audiences and critics alike. Perhaps it's because, in an industry often criticized for regressive gender politics, Thappad feels revolutionary in its restraint. Or maybe it's because Taapsee Pannu, through this film, established herself as an actress unafraid to hold up uncomfortable mirrors to society.
Whatever the reason, Thappad's status as Taapsee's highest rated film feels earned, not accidental. It's the culmination of careful role selection, artistic collaboration, and perfect timing. And if current trends continue, it might not be her highest rated film for long—because Taapsee seems determined to keep pushing boundaries, one challenging role at a time.