Laapataa Ladies: Of female strength & camaraderie
The Amir Khan-Kiran Rao Hindi comic satire, Laapataa Ladies, is India’s official contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards 2025, edging out 28 other films, including critically acclaimed Cannes-winner All We Imagine as Light and Maharaja. This year’s Oscar entry is a story about women and their strength; a tale where women uphold each other and become each other’s biggest support, best friends, and champions.
A veiled dig at the ghoonghat
The story starts with Deepak (Sparsh Shrivastava) and Phool Kumari’s (Nitanshi Goel) post-wedding rituals. As the newlyweds set out from Phool’s house to Deepak’s, she is told to get used to the ghoonghat (veil). The couple travel via boat, on top of a bus, and then board a train. In the crowded general compartment, they meet other newlyweds, with several veiled brides. After a few hours, Deepak wakes Phool up and they get off at their station. Deepak senses a strange hesitation in Phool, but in his rush to get home, he doesn’t pay much heed. Once home, though, he quickly realizes that because of the veil, he had woken up the wrong woman and instead of Phool, he has brought Pushpa (Pratibha Ranta) with him. The rest of the movie deals with Deepak’s search for Phool, his quest to send Pushpa to her home, and Pushpa’s real identity.
One of the biggest strengths of Laapataa Ladies is the simple, straightforward narration. The story doesn’t have unnecessary side plots, doesn’t meander or stretch unnecessarily. It keeps a steady pace and engages the audience with wit, banter, and a small mystery. The backdrop of a small village only adds to the easy charm of the story.
A refreshing burst of new talent
The three leading performers, Sparsh Shrivastava, Nitanshi Goel, and Pratibha Ranta, are a joy to watch. Sparsh brings a vulnerability and a naivete to his Deepak. He adeptly portrays the confusion, desperation, and helplessness Deepak feels. The heartbreak as he realizes that he might never see Phool again, or the moment when he stutteringly confesses his love to her, is endearing.
At just 17, Nitanshi brings a childlike wonder to Phool. The quiet resolve to find her way back, the sheltered persona, the innocence, the fear, and the belief, Nitanshi portrays all of these with the ability of a seasoned actor.
As the smartest lead, Pratibha shines. Her eyes depict her quick thinking. Her dialogue delivery is spot-on as she talks her way out of a tight spot. There is a sense of hesitation when she speaks her mind in front of a group of strangers, defending Deepak for his honest mistake. She is a delight to watch.
Ravi Kishan is the scene-stealer
This movie would not have been the treat that it is without the three veterans who liven up the story with their presence. Chhaya Kadam (she also starred in All We Imagine as Light) as Manju Maai, the jaded, cynical tea stall owner who takes Phool under her reluctant wings. Kadam is flawless as her Manju Maai guides Phool through her journey of self-discovery. She enables Phool to understand the gaps in her knowledge, gives her the confidence to make the journey back home, and ignites the desire to start a business of her own.
Geeta Agarwal Sharma as Yashoda (Deepak’s mother) is snarky, cracks jokes, and is a delight of a character. Sharma’s eyes light up as she speaks of her father-in-law’s habit of talking in his sleep. But she is also a gentle soul, who gets genuinely happy when she sees a friendship blossom between her daughter-in-law and Ranta’s character.
The scene-stealer, however, was Ravi Kishan as Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar. The paan chewing, slow speaking, corrupt cop who sniffs out a way to earn some quick money. Ravi Kishan plays the character with an impish flair, delivering some of the funniest lines of the movie. His comic timing is unmatched.
A heartwarming tale of good, helpful people
Director Kiran Rao with writer Biplab Goswami tells a heartwarming tale of humans, of good people who want to help the ones in need. In a world where we are inundated with news about humans doing terrible things to each other, this movie comes as a breath of fresh air. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography deftly captures the rural surroundings, as did Darshan Jalan’s costume designs. Jabeen Merchant’s editing is seamless. Divyanidhi Sharma and Sneha Desai’s dialogues elicit some genuine laughs. The music by Ram Sampath is the cherry on top, with my favorite being the song, “Man karta hai shoutwa”.
The only gripe I had was the ease with which Pratibha Ranta’s character’s core problem was resolved. The character whom she is trying to avoid didn’t seem like one who would accept defeat so easily. But the narrative stays consistent with the movie’s overall theme and mood. It also offers another character a redemption arc that would not have been possible otherwise.
Some people have pointed out the similarities between Laapataa Ladies and Noukadubi, a Bengali novel by Rabindranath Tagore, which has been adapted to many films. Actor and filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan also alleged that the film had been copied from his 1999 film Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol. The writer has dismissed both claims, stating that they are unfamiliar with both stories. Controversies notwithstanding, this is a beautiful and heartwarming tale, a great watch for those looking for a feel story. Laapataa Ladies is streaming on Netflix.
