Cast: Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel, Sparsh Srivastav, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam and Satendra Soni
Director: Kiran Rao
Now showing on Netflix
Rating: 3/5
Laapataa Ladies released in cinemas across India in March to rave reviews. The well received film has now landed on OTT platform Netflix. Here’s what we thought of Kiran Rao’s rural directorial.
A Yearning for Equality
The film taps into a universal truth: the yearning for equality and independence that burns brightly within many women. The delightful feminist film directed by Kiran Rao, beautifully encapsulates this struggle. Set in the fictional rural Nirmal Pradesh in 2001, the film unfolds as a heartwarming journey of self-discovery for Phool (Nitanshi Goel) and Pushpa (Pratibha Ranta), two brides whose lives take an unexpected turn.
Unexpected Paths: A Train Mix-Up and Hidden Identities
A chaotic train mix-up, fuelled by the sheer number of couples marrying on an auspicious day, separates Phool and Pushpa from their husbands. Their identical wedding veils conceal their face and identity, metaphorically and literally trapping them and only add to the confusion. Beneath the comedy of errors lies a deeper message as both women grapple with newfound independence, raised with the singular purpose of marriage and to serve their husbands. This unexpected turn of events becomes a catalyst for change as they embark on a journey of self-discovery, searching for a new meaning in life beyond societal expectations.
Beyond Comedy: A Catalyst for Change
Phool, innocent and trusting, and Pushpa, street-smart and resourceful form an unlikely yet heartwarming alliance despite never meeting. As they navigate unfamiliar territory, they shed the limitations society has placed upon them, their journey a testament to the resilience of the female spirit. This comedic twist of fate reminds us that strength can ignite in the most unexpected places.
Strength in Unexpected Places: An Unlikely Alliance
The film transcends a simple feel-good narrative, celebrating the hidden talents and capabilities women possess. Through meaningful dialogue and inspiring characters like Manju Mai (Chhaya Kadam), who takes Phool under her wing, the film showcases that there is strength in being alone, championing a newfound sense of independence. This journey becomes a subtle defiance against patriarchal norms that often define women’s worth solely through marriage.
Nuanced Portrayal: Female Autonomy and Healthy Partnerships
Rao doesn’t shy away from critiquing the overemphasis on male validation and subtly sparks conversations about the importance of female autonomy, while also acknowledging the existence of genuine love between Deepak (Sparsh Shrivastav) and Phool. This creates a nuanced portrayal that celebrates female empowerment without diminishing the potential for healthy partnerships.
A Lasting Impact: Celebrating Female Independence
Laapataa Ladies is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll and successfully delivers on its promise of a heartwarming and empowering story. The film’s central question, “Whether Phool and Pushpa find their way back to their husbands’ ‘ becomes secondary to their journey of self-discovery. It leaves you reconsidering societal expectations and celebrating the power of female independence.
