This Kiran Rao directed film is a must-watch for its engaging storyline, brilliant performances, and important social message, says SAKSHI PRIYA

Laapataa Ladies, is a perfect blend of humour, social commentary and a heartwarming storytelling. Marking Kiran Rao’s return to the director’s chair after several years, the film is a delightful surprise that resonates with the audiences. The original story by Biplab Goswami, screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai, along with additional dialogues by Divyanidhi Sharma contribute to the film’s cohesive and engaging narrative.

The film boasts a talented cast with Pratibha Ranta (Jaya), Nitanshi Goel (Phool Kumari), Sparsh Shrivastav (Deepak Kumar), Satendra Soni (Chhotu) and Chhaya Kadam (Manju Maai) along with the charismatic Ravi Kishan (Shyam Manohar). Each actor delivers a stellar performance, bringing their characters to life with finesse and authenticity.

The story unfolds with two young brides, Phool Kumari and Jaya, accidentally swapped during a train journey due to a veiled misunderstanding. As Phool’s helpless husband, Deepak Kumar seeks help from a cop Shyam Manohar, a point when the journey of the perfect story begins.

Kiran Rao’s storytelling is exceptional, seamlessly weaving together elements of amusement, emotion and social commentary. The film’s storyline is compelling, offering a message about the importance of women’s empowerment and identity in society. Rao adeptly employs humour and the motif of veiled identity (ghunghat) to illuminate the pervasive influence of patriarchy within society. The dialogue is witty and the humorous scenes are executed with finesse, keeping the audience entertained throughout.

One of the film’s standout aspects is its emphasis on the importance of self-realisation and self-identity. Through the character’s journeys, the audience is reminded that true happiness comes from within and that women are their own heroines. The film delivers this message with subtlety and grace, making it relatable to a wide audience.

The performances in Laapataa Ladies are superb, with Ravi Kishan stealing the show with his impeccable comic timing. His portrayal of Shyam Manohar adds depth to the film with his acting leaving a lasting impression. Chhaya Kadam’s portrayal of Manju Maai is undeniably impressive. She delivers her dialogues with a powerful mix of conviction, truth and humour. Particularly noteworthy is her line, “A man who loves you has the right to hit you and one day I exercised my right as well.” This powerful statement serves as a slap in the face of patriarchal norms, forcing viewers to confront the harsh reality of domestic violence disguised as love. Manju Maai doesn’t stop there. Her wisdom shines through another impactful line: “Being happy on your own is the toughest thing, Phool, but once you’ve mastered it, no one can bother you.” This resonates deeply, highlighting the importance of self-respect and the empowering freedom found in self-sufficiency.

Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel shine in their roles, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Their fresh faces coupled with immense talent create magic on screen. Even actors with smaller screen time such as Satendra Soni as Chhotu, Durgesh Kumar as Dubeyji or Rachna Gupta as Deepak’s sister-in-law deliver impactful performances showcasing the depth and richness of the film’s ensemble cast.

The film explores themes of identity, self-discovery and empowerment. It highlights the strength and resilience of women showcasing how they navigate through societal expectations and find their voice in a male-dominated world.

Laapataa Ladies is a must-watch for its engaging storyline, brilliant performances, and important social message. Kiran Rao has once again proved her directorial prowess, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While viewers need to exercise patience as the film unfolds at a somewhat slow pace, this deliberate pacing contributes to the movie’s beauty and its ability to make a significant impact on the audience. Despite its leisurely pace, the film’s narrative depth and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile and memorable cinematic experience.