Why Rajkummar Rao's Character in 'Trapped' DIDN'T Burn the Door to Escape

In the movie 'Trapped', Rajkummar Rao's character, Shaurya, finds himself trapped in a high-rise building with no food, water, or way to communicate with the outside world. While burning the door might seem like a potential escape method, there are several practical reasons why it was not a feasible option. Let's delve deeper into the details and explore why the film chose a different narrative path.

Fire Safety and Material Requirements

The first major reason why burning the door was not a viable option is the nature of the building materials. Modern doors, especially those in high-rise structures, are often made from fire-resistant materials like steel or insulated composites. These materials are specifically designed to withstand fires and prevent the spread of flames, making them extremely difficult to ignite. Shaurya, despite his desperate situation, would not have had an easy time setting the door ablaze, thus not providing an escape route for him.

Health Hazards of Smoke and Toxic Fumes

Even if the door were made of a more flammable material, attempting to burn it would likely produce substantial amounts of smoke and toxic fumes. In a confined space like a high-rise building, these could quickly overwhelm Shaurya and others, potentially leading to suffocation or poisoning. The consequences of such an action would have been catastrophic, not just for Shaurya but for the safety of anyone else in the building.

Risk of Fire Spreading

The risk of a fire spreading to other parts of the building is another critical factor. Burning the door would be like lighting a match in a minefield. An uncontrolled fire could easily spread to nearby structures, potentially leading to a larger fire and evacuation challenges for all residents. The film's narrative likely avoided this dangerous outcome to keep the focus on Shaurya's survival rather than adding an element of panic and unnecessary chaos.

Desperation and Resourcefulness

While frustration and desperation can lead to impulsive actions, the film chose to explore Shaurya's resourcefulness in finding alternative escape methods. His journey in 'Trapped' highlights his ingenuity and ability to think creatively in a life-threatening situation. Instead of resorting to a risky and potentially disastrous action like arson, the film rewarded audience attention with a variety of inventive strategies to escape the building. This approach not only adds to the tension and suspense but also underscores Shaurya's resilience and determination to survive.

The Reality of Building Safeguards

It's important to note that in real-life scenarios, it's not uncommon for building doors to be made of steel or other non-flammable materials. These doors are designed to withstand various emergencies, including fires, to protect the safety of the building's occupants. Therefore, the impossibility of burning the door is not just a movie plot choice but also a reflection of modern building safety standards.

Common Sense and Script

While some viewers might question why Shaurya didn't attempt to burn the door, it's worth considering the script's limitations and narrative scope. Screenplay writers often must balance a realistic portrayal of scenarios with the dramatic tension needed to keep the audience engaged. If Shaurya had taken such a drastic action, it might have detracted from the film's narrative focus and character development. Moreover, the director's vision for the story was likely centered on showcasing the protagonist's intelligence and resourcefulness rather than an impulsive response.

Conclusion

While the concept of burning a door to escape seems straightforward, the practical challenges of such an action, driven by safety and narrative considerations, make it an unrealistic choice for the character in 'Trapped'. The film's portrayal focuses on the character's survival skills and innovative problem-solving, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. This approach not only adheres to real-world safety standards but also provides a more engaging and realistic experience for the audience.