Lost Ladies Finding Voices

The movie Laapataa Ladies is about a young man who mistakes another woman for his own bride, taking her to his hometown instead. This is a result of the traditional practice of a bride concealing her face with a veil. The narratives that unfold around both women challenge viewers to explore independence from different perspectives, while the men in the movie are compelled to re-think the validity of the archaic practices they uphold.

By Sonakshi Gupta

Picture: via Pixabay, CC0

An Indian movie reveals what it takes for one to finally open their eyes and see the side effects of patriarchy: a veil. If you’re wondering how this happens, the answer lies embedded in the traditional practice of a bride covering her face with a veil to hide her face from strange men. As the movie Laapataa Ladies suggests, this custom results in concealing a woman’s identity from her husband, which leads to confusion, and misplacing two brides. What follows is a stirring movie on feminist empowerment in the villages of India, where the movement is humorously sparked by the patriarchy making a mistake. Laapataa Ladies is a breath of fresh air in the Indian movie industry, which until recently seemed to be suffocating in the stifling air of the same old tropes. This movie is an endearing break from the ongoing monotonous scenes of vehicles being set on fire, impossible fight sequences, and cameras focused on the male gaze. It is a simple comedy movie that pushes for empowerment.

Revealed: Patriarchy

Laapataa Ladies marks a triumphant return for the acclaimed movie producer Kiran Rao, who is associated with movies such as Lagaan, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Much like Lagaan, the movie is set in rural India and resonates beyond its Indian setting, offering universal themes of empowerment, identity, and self-discovery. Originally in Hindi, Laapataa Ladies can be enjoyed on Netflix with English dubbing and subtitles. The movie masterfully combines entertainment with social commentary, making it a compelling choice for viewers who value cinema with depth and emotion. The movie is a delicate blend of humour and hope, woven seamlessly into the fabric of a story that explores gender, tradition, and the quirks of rural life. The narrative is simple and funny on the surface, but rich in subtext. A young man, Deepak, mistakes another bride, Pushpa, for his own when he hurries to disembark at the railway station at night and takes her to his home-town, leaving his young bride, Phool, behind.

Surveilled: Women

Deepak attempts to help Pushpa while searching for his own bride, because he considers her helpless and blames himself for the trouble she is in now. The audience also sees the how Phool is coping with this situation in the following scenes. She seeks refuge with the local tea vendor, Manju Mai, and eventually, even trying to learn more about business – something villagers in India still believe is unacceptable for women. All of these characters find themselves in various comical situations as the story unfolds. However, the missing brides are not just characters in a humorous plot; they represent the often overlooked and underestimated women of rural India. They compel the audience to think about independence from different perspectives and what it means for different women, even if it’s as simple as knowing the name of their husbands and her own home village, something which Phool does not know, as she is brought up by a family who considers it a sign of ›bad breeding‹, exposing more layers of how female independence in curbed. As the movie progresses, more hidden secrets come to light, forcing society to question their conduct. The misplacement of the brides becomes a canvas on which Rao paints a vivid picture of societal norms, the roles women are expected to play, and the quiet rebellion that simmers under the surface.

What makes Laapataa Ladies particularly engaging is the manner in which the characters are portrayed. The brides are played with authenticity and charm by Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta, which makes them relatable and endearing, allowing the audience to root for them. The supporting cast adds to the movie’s charm, with performances that bring out the eccentricities and warmth of small town life. The character of Manju Mai, who acts as a tough maternal figure in Phool’s life, trying to help her reach home, is especially appealing. She is an old woman, who voices many of the complaints that most women share, but she also becomes a role model. Her story is one that encourages women to take charge of their lives, and urges women to always be able to rely on themselves, not others.

Visually, the movie is a delight. The cinematography captures the essence of rural India, with its vibrant colours, vast landscapes, and inviting interiors. The camera work is subtle yet effective, allowing the story and characters to take centre stage without unnecessary distractions. The songs perfectly frame the innocence that surrounds the characters, especially the song Sajni, which feels like a balm for the ears. You’ll find yourself humming it for a while after watching the movie.

Reveille: Society

Yet, despite its many strengths, such as the balance between humour and social commentary, the movie does have its flaws. The pacing of the movie lags a little towards the middle, and some characters need a bit more development, such as Poonam, Deepak’s sister. Her character only seems to be given a voice only at the end of the movie, after being overshadowed the other characters for a large part of the movie. Therefore, the audience does not feel very connected to her. Moreover, the most glaring issue seems to be that men are depicted solving more problems than women in the movie, which seems counterintuitive since, while the movie encourages viewers to appreciate women’s power, it ultimately relies on the ›power of men‹ to resolve conflicts. However, these male characters concede this privilege towards the end, and the women take on a more active role. It shows that society is finally lifting the veil of ignorance from its face, and moving towards change and equality, bringing the story back on track. The movie subtly yet powerfully conveys that societal progress towards change and equality is essential, weaving this message seamlessly into the narrative.

In conclusion, Laapataa Ladies is a refreshing and insightful movie that showcases Kiran Rao’s unique voice as a filmmaker. It’s a story about women, told with sensitivity and humour, and it’s a reminder of the resilience and strength that often goes unnoticed. Whether you’re looking for a movie that makes you think, laugh, or simply feel, Laapataa Ladies delivers on all fronts. It’s a story that stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving you with a smile and something to ponder.