Story:
Set in Madhya Pradesh, Lapataa Ladies is put in the rural background of the fictional Nirmal Pradesh. The narrative commences in a second-class train compartment, where a group of newlywed couples are journeying to their villages. Deepak (portrayed by Sparsh Shrivastava) navigates through the darkness of the night, hastily disembarks from the train, and takes hold of another woman’s hand instead of his wife, only to experience the shocker of his life after reaching home. The rest of the story is about how Deepak searches for or gets back his lost wife, Phool, and how the other woman named Jaya/Pushpa Rani returns to her roots.
Performances:
Debutants Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Pratibha Ranta performed very well and delivered earnest performances. Pratibha especially walks away as the best performer as she effortlessly portrays the compelling character of Jaya. Chhaya Kadam marks her own charm, and Ravi Kishan does a fantastic job as a crooked police officer who also has a heart for justice.
Analysis:
The narrative crafted by Sneha Desai, Biplab Goswami, and Divyanidhi Sharma effectively incorporates subtle details to tell a story that effortlessly captivates the audience’s attention. Transitioning seamlessly from one scene to the next, the story unfolds at a pace that is engaging and easy to follow. It immerses the audience in a world where individuals aspire to lead uncomplicated lives following the traditions passed down by their forefathers. What resonates with the film Laapataa Ladies is that it not only sheds light on the enduring gender stereotypes prevalent in our society but also fearlessly dismantles them without any hint of remorse. Both halves of the film carry the same mood, with the latter carrying a weight of dramatic touch.
Positives:
The inclusion of the rural dialect, infused with a touch of Bhojpuri, generates genuine laughter. Fortunately, this humor never detracts from the story’s seriousness, preventing it from becoming a mere comedy. However, it is worth noting that the director, Kiran Rao, never ventures into preachiness. Instead, she maintains a lighter tone while still making a powerful impression and leaving ample room for contemplation. Along with the suitable screenplay, the film also benefits from the honest performances by the lead cast and appropriately done cinematography.
Negatives:
In a few places, the film gives a feeling of being stuck at one point. Also, some convenient moments in the second half look a bit unnatural. A few unnecessary scenes (For example, the drinking scene between Deepak and his friends) created to create a dramatic feel could have been eliminated.
Last Line: Modest but well-structured
