Laapataa Ladies writer says she doesn’t like to call Kiran Rao’s directorial ‘feminist film’; Find out why

Laapataa Ladies writer says she doesn’t like to call Kiran Rao’s directorial ‘feminist film’; Find out why

As someone who has been enthralled by the world of cinema for as long as I can remember, I must say that Laapataa Ladies has truly left a lasting impression on me. Having had the privilege of witnessing numerous films from diverse cultures and backgrounds, I can confidently assert that this unique masterpiece stands out in its own right.


The movie, titled Laapataa Ladies, has experienced an exceptional voyage, starting from its premiere in theaters to being selected as India’s submission for the Oscars. The screenwriter, Sneha Desai, discussed this incredible journey and highlighted what sets Laapataa Ladies apart. She also tackled the widespread view of the film as female-focused, asserting, “I wouldn’t necessarily label it a feminist film,” emphasizing that it is not overly preachy or groundbreaking in nature.

During an interview with India Today, Sneha shared her enthusiasm about the film being chosen as India’s entry for the Oscars. Although she recognized that there are still milestones the movie needs to achieve before making it to the final nominations, she emphasized the importance of savoring the current success. Sneha added that, “I wouldn’t categorize this film as a feminist production per se. It certainly tackles women’s issues and empowers them, but it doesn’t overtly express its feminism. We aim to address various problems in a humorous manner, and encourage women to think of solutions within the existing societal framework.

She labeled the choice as a triumph and pointed out that everyone on the team, from actors to behind-the-scenes personnel, were elated. Despite recognizing that the road ahead was lengthy and difficult, she underlined their present enjoyment of the situation.

The movie centers on two brides who get mixed up at a train station, resulting in a chain of mishaps, humor, and valuable life insights. Laapataa Ladies offers one of the most thrilling cinematic journeys in recent memory. Although the narrative emphasizes women’s empowerment and careful decision-making, Sneha argues that it shouldn’t be labeled as a “feminist film.

She pointed out that the goal was not to depict women as revolutionary or rebellious stereotypes. Rather, they sought to inspire women to make incremental strides towards self-reliance, whether it be financially or emotionally. These subtle teachings were the heart of the movie’s message, and she made it clear that they had no intention of criticizing men. Instead, she hoped for the male characters to be portrayed as admirable, grounded, and compassionate, expressing satisfaction that this delicate balance was effectively maintained in the film.

In the movie Laapataa Ladies, the male characters are portrayed with a unique balance. They’re shown as strong and masculine yet sensitive, expressing emotions like love and offering care and support to women. Sneha emphasized the importance of avoiding negative stereotypes, or “male-bashing”, to make sure the film appeals to diverse viewers.

She advocated for the idea that the two main genders should work together harmoniously instead of vying against each other. In her view, men and women are intended to be partners across all facets of life. This concept was a fundamental part of their movie’s message. She underscored that in both rural and urban environments, there are good men and women everywhere, and deep friendships can flourish. The crucial point, she highlighted, is maintaining one’s moral compass.

In simple terms, Laapataa Ladies delves deeply into the topic of a woman’s self-discovery, employing the ghoonghat (traditional veil) as a representation of societal expectations. Sneha emphasized its role in moving the plot forward, highlighting that it symbolizes the process of finding one’s identity, whether with or without the veil. She added that the ghoonghat acts as a catalyst, driving the storyline to unfold. The sequence of events, marked by a charming blend of mistakes, fortunate happenings, and strategic maneuvers, results in an enthralling comic adventure.

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2024-09-24 14:12