In this Laapataa Ladies review we look at how Kiran Rao uses light-heartedness and memorable characters to bring the themes of identity, independence and expectations onto the screen.
The bride mix-up
Set in 2001, two new brides, Phool and Jaya are accidentally mixed up during a busy train ride. As both have on traditional bridal veils, Phool gets left behind with Deepak taking Jaya home.
This is a brilliant mix of confusion and ridiculousness. Deepak arrives in his village with a girl he doesn’t know and Phool is left behind at the train station with no idea where her husbands village actually is.
The ghoonghat is not just a practical reason for them to be confused it also acts as a visual reminder that they are hiding a lot of themselves.
Whilst I like the fact that the film brings these conflicting ideas to light, it isn’t that funny. However it is entertaining.
Contrasting Characters
One of the best things about this film is the contrasting characters of the main women.
Phool (Nitanshi Goel) is a kind, curious and initially very dependant character. She hasn’t had many chances to make her own decisions growing up.
She finds herself in new situations as she was left behind but also has the chance to learn what she can do on her own.
Jaya (Pratibha Ranta) is a more reserved character. Once arriving at Deepaks house she realises that this mix-up could be her chance to escape a marriage she didn’t want.
I found the different characters more interesting. Whilst Phool learns so much about what she can do, Jaya already knows what she wants but needs to find a way to do it.
Both want to find themselves.
Memorable Performances
As the main message is so clear, it could have easily felt like everyone else in the film were just there to explain the message. However there are some great characters in this film.
Manju Maai (Chhaya Kadam) stood out to me. She runs a small food stall at the train station and plays an important role in Phools life after the mix-up.
I liked that her independence wasn’t portrayed as anything special. She has a job, makes her own decisions and has made a life for herself.
Ravi Kishan was also a highlight. He plays Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar and adds so much personality to the investigation with his comedic timing.
Sparsh Shrivastava also played a great character. Deepak isn’t portrayed as a perfect hero and his confusion after losing Phool feels realistic.
He is an important character as he gets to challenge some of the expectations he has.
Comedy Tones
Probably the most enjoyable thing about this film was the tones. It mixes comedy with social commentary but doesn’t feel too serious.
There are some really funny moments, especially as the characters try to understand what is going on with the mix-up and the police investigation gets more confusing.
However the comedy often comes from the ridiculous expectations. Whilst the idea that the bride should know her husband from his shoes sounds funny it shows how unreasonable the expectations can be.
The film uses the rural setting well. The train station, village houses and everyday life gives the film a realistic feel.
I really like how the train ride leads to two very different experiences for each woman. One gets left behind and the other gets to where she never intended to go.
Themes Of Social Commentary
The film touches on some difficult topics such as forced marriages, domestic abuse, dowry expectations and lack of freedom for women. However the world shown throughout is often a more warm and understanding one.
Many of the supporting characters seem to come along at the right time. The story also has a positive ending with not much focus on the problems they may face.
I did at times wish they had lingered on some of the more uncomfortable themes but overall the conflicts are easier to solve than they should be.
However the positivity isn’t lost. The film isn’t attempting to be a gritty social realist drama but is showing a story about women finding opportunities in a society that often doesn’t care about their wishes.
It is intentionally warm but can sometimes feel a little too convenient.
Should I watch it?
Yes! If you enjoy character driven films and ones with a comedic approach to social themes then this is a great choice. It is not a complex story and there aren’t any major plot twists.
Overall I’m leaving this Laapataa Ladies review on a positive note due to the two main characters. Whilst they don’t have the same story, they don’t need to.
One learns she can do more than she was taught and the other finds a way to chase her ambitions.
Overall my main issue is that it can sometimes feel too easy but the strong performances, comedy and message will carry it.
A simple comedy could have been made from a bride getting on the wrong train however this film shows how women can take control of where they want to go.
A much more interesting journey!
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