LAAPATAA LADIES: A CINEMATIC GEM THAT ENCHANTS AUDIENCES WITH KIRAN RAO’S MASTERFUL STORYTELLING

Watch the trailer for Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) here.

After over a decade since her debut film Dhobi Ghat, director Kiran Rao returns with ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (Lost Ladies), a lively and engaging tale that tackles gender equality issues in an unambiguous yet nuanced way. Produced by Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Pictures, the film avoids big stars and instead features three newcomers in the lead roles of two village brides who get swapped due to a mix-up on a train journey.

Set in 2001 in the fictional Nirmal Pradesh, the story follows Phool Kumari and Pushpa Rani after this fateful incident that separates them from their new husbands on their wedding night itself. As they grapple with this crisis, the two women go through contrasting arcs – Phool is meek and devastated, while Pushpa finds herself emboldened by her newfound freedom away from typical marital shackles.

The screenplay by Sneha Desai deftly balances sobering social commentary on patriarchy, dowry and domestic abuse with entertaining humorous moments. Without getting preachy, it makes a spirited case for women’s rights and autonomy within the constraints of their reality. The director employs a light, breezy tone that lets the powerful feminist messaging land without excess melodrama.

The three newcomer leads are wonderfully cast, ably supported by a terrific ensemble including Ravi Kishan as an unscrupulous cop and veteran Chhaya Kadam in a brilliant turn. ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (Lost Ladies) emerges as an engaging “issue” film that celebrates hinterland women’s voices while delivering an entertaining, hope-filled watch.