The theme of women running away and finding their happiness interests me a lot.
-Kiran Rao
I really enjoy watching "Miss Matured," a self-development community channel for girls, on YouTube. While watching the channel, I came across clips of the movie "Lapaata Ladies," which caught my interest. After watching the trailer, I was inspired to watch the movie. I'd like to share my review of this women-centric film.
Cast: Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, Satendra Soni, Durgesh Kumar, Samarth Mahor, Kanupriya Rishimum, Geeta Agrawal Sharma, Pranjal Pateriya, Bhaskar Jha, Vivek Savarikar
Director: Kiran Rao
Synopsis:
The movie's plot centres on the beauty of a village called Suryamukhi. It begins with a train journey involving the main characters, Deepak and Phool Kumari. Phool Kumari represents the aspirations of young women and their struggle against inaccurate traditional norms. The story involves two other couples travelling in the same train compartment. During the journey, Deepak switches his wife with another woman, Jaya, and gets off the train with her. Jaya, posing as "Pushpa Rani," creates suspense for the police. Unlike Phool Kumari, Jaya is bold and speaks out against women's oppression. Meanwhile, Phool Kumari meets Chotu at the station, who introduces her to Manju Mai, a strong and independent woman who is well aware of her rights. For Phool, the movie is not just about finding her husband, but also about rediscovering her lost identity.
Review:
"Laapataa Ladies" is not just another women-centric movie. It stands out for its simple storytelling, genuine portrayal of love, well-developed characters, meaningful dialogue, and outstanding performances. The film's powerful narrative proves that a great movie doesn't need excessive glamour, a star-studded cast, item songs, revealing outfits, or international locations. It demonstrates how a film can become timeless when handled with care.
The opening train scene of the movie highlights the idea that each train journey is accompanied by a unique story, shaped by the diverse individuals and their perspectives. The scene portrays various couples boarding the train and engaging in discussions about the dowry received at their weddings, shedding light on the patriarchal norms impacting Deepak’s experience as a victim. The lady in train judges the quality of Deepak's wedding suit and after knowing that he hasn't received any dowry passes a judgment saying, "There must be some kind of issue with him which is why he hasn't received a dowry."It is a classic example that society is harsh on both men and women.
The story of two grooms who exchanged brides illustrates the importance of patience, understanding, and determination in a lasting relationship. Deepak could have easily given up on Phool and moved on, but he remained committed to her. He even got into a fight with a friend who questioned Phool's character, showing his deep respect and loyalty to his wife.
The movie uses a compelling narrative to educate and enlighten viewers about the true meaning of feminism. One of the main characters, Phool, undergoes a transformative journey where she discovers her true self and gains the courage to travel all by herself. In a society where calling out the name of one's husband is considered a sin, Phool, at last, calls out her husband's name, showing her character development. Despite her newfound independence, Phool chooses to stay with her husband and embrace the role of a homemaker, showcasing that feminism gives freedom to make choices. On the other hand, Jaya, another character in the movie, decides to prioritize her career over marriage, highlighting the empowering nature of feminism. The movie beautifully shows that feminism empowers women to choose their paths, whether it is as housewives or career-driven individuals. This reminds me of a comment on YouTube that I had saved earlier:
Manju Mai is one of the most impactful and important characters in the movie. Her dialogue "My husband and son would get drunk and beat me up. And then they would say, 'A man who loves you has the right to hit you', so I exercised my right too." highlights the theme that love does not give anyone the right to use violence. Manju Mai, who had never tasted sweets before, begins to enjoy them after hearing the news of Phool being found by family, indicating Phool's positive impact on her life. Additionally, Chhotu explains to Phool the importance of earning their own money and introduces them to the harsh reality of the world in a gentle manner.
The film not only addressed issues that are important to women but also portrayed the manipulation of innocent individuals by politicians. For instance, there's a scene where an MLA tries to gain votes by falsely accusing the opposing party of kidnapping Deepak's wife.
One memorable dialogue in the movie is when Deepak's mom, "Bela ji", says, "Women get so tied up in their roles and responsibilities, they rarely become friends with each other." This line highlights the struggles women face in terms of societal expectations and roles and emphasizes the need for women to support each other. It also suggests that if women can set aside their differences and egos, they can overcome male dominance. The film also showcases true women empowerment, equality, genuine friendships, moments of joy, fear, and, ultimately, a happy ending.
"Laapata Ladies" features outstanding performances from Pratibha, Nitanshi, and Sparsha, leaving the audience yearning for more. Ravi Kishan's multifaceted portrayal surprises with both humour and depth. Chhaya Kadam's portrayal of feminine energy is captivating. Kiran Rao's direction seamlessly integrates storytelling, performance, and visual artistry, bringing to life a deeply moving and thought-provoking story. "Laapata Ladies" is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves celebration and is sure to lighten up anyone's mood.
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