Two newlywed women find themselves unintentionally separated from their husbands after their respective weddings – and this leads to situations that are both comic and thought-provoking.
Director: Kiran Rao
Producer: Amir Khan
Cast: Nitanshi, Pratibha, Sparsh, Ravi Kishan
Scriptwriter: Sneha Desai
Story:
Set in 2001, in rural areas of Nirmal Pradesh, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is about two newlywed brides who get swapped during their journey in a train due to their similar veils. The chaos that follows is both funny and impressive. It also sets in motion an unexpected series of events that lead them into a journey of self discovery, and life itself..
Strength:
The main strength of this movie is its story written by Sneha Desai who has presented every character with different color and shade. However, the strongest pillar among the characters is Shyam Manohar played by Ravi Kishan. He is the police who was approached by Deepak(played by Sparsh Srivastava) when his wife Phool(played by Nitanshi Goel). Ravi Kishan, in his portrayal of a policeman who is greedy but just, is simply outstanding. Chhaya Kadam, as Manju – a single woman who runs a stall at a railway-station and gives shelter to Phool when she is lost, delivers an impactful performance.
Another strength of this movie is the charming compositions by Ram Sampath who is part and parcel of films produced by Aamir Khan.
Weakness:
Jamtara famed Sparsh Srivastava and newcomers like Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta should have been more credible in their respective characters. The by-and-large unexposed cast ensures there is element of surprise, but they could suit better in urban roles. The characters in this movie will make you remember films directed by Imtiaz Ali – where the main characters lose themselves in this big, bad world, and then they end up finding their true selves. One would expect something different from Director Kiran Rao, don’t you think?
Conclusion:
The movie is set in the era when mobile phones were luxury, makes a believable plot where girls are raised only to become wives. While Phool is naive, Pratibha Ranta as Jaya i assertive – they complement each others characters very well. The tone for Rao’s film is deliberately message-y. The movie is not preachy and Kiran Rao’s feminist heart does not go overboard.
