Laapataa Ladies: A Sweet AF Movie for All Brown Girls

I first got to learn about this movie from a review of the YouTube channel Tried & Refused Productions. Almost always, I’m up for a Bollywood movie set in a small town, because these stories just hit me the right way, especially in their simple yet interesting storylines.

This movie was no different. In fact, it has earned a place in my all-time favorite feel-good movies’ list. Why exactly? Let me tell ya right now!

Brief Synopsis from IMDB:

The misadventures of two young brides who get lost from the same train. From mistaken identities to laugh-out-aloud escapades, the ensuing chaos guarantees laughter galore and heartwarming moments

1. Beautiful and Effective Music

Music has always been one of the central components of Indian cinema. Be it some commercial glamorous movie, or an understated story set in some small town – the songs and background score heavily contribute to the appeal of these movies.

Since I didn’t watch any trailer or explored the album of this movie beforehand, I wasn’t expecting much. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how effectively the movie incorporated its four songs into the storyline. Some of them were so beautiful (Sajni), and some were just fun (Doubtwa). From the very first scene of the movie, these songs elevate the ongoing chaos or beauty.

2. Perfect Performances

Every single character in this movie – big or small – was played to perfection. Be it the strategic police officer Manohar (played by Ravi Kishan), the sweet but upstanding groom Deepak (Sparsh Srivastav), the naive lost wife Phool (Nitanshi Goel), the brave ambitious girl Pushpa (Pratibha Ranta), or the humble and helpful people at the train station – every single actor drew me in with their performances. Bravo to each one of them 👏

3. Small Town, Big Story

I was expecting this movie to be engaging and fun, but it was much more than that. Especially the protagonist guy (Deepak) was so incredibly sweet and caring about his new bride. He didn’t give into the misogynistic ideologies which were the norm back then. Even though he grew up in a small town, he genuinely cared for his life partner Phool, didn’t take advantage of the ‘switched’ wife, revolted when his friends kept disrespecting Phool in her absence, waited patiently for her to return, and did what he could to ensure that the other girl gets her dues.

What an upstanding and adorable man!

The story also depicts how a seemingly corrupted police officer (Manohar) can help out a vulnerable girl in trouble if he wants, how he can stand up against the powerful abusive men if he wants. He reminded me a lot of the Bangladeshi series Mohanagar’s protagonist OC Harun, cause he exhibited the exact same morality by getting a powerful abusive rapist in jail through masterful strategies.

Another beautiful angle was how a middle-aged working woman (Manju) helped the young lost wife (Phool) to find her confidence. Manju gave her some necessary reality checks and some brand new non-rose-tinted glasses to see the world through.

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At the end, all the three major characters get their happy endings, and that brough me to some happy tears! Love when movies do that!

I would say, this movie is a must-watch for all the brown girls. There are so many moments I could relate to completely and felt like I’m watching people I know in real life! I’m sure some scenes here will remind you of certain conversations you had with the older women in your family.

Feel free to let me know what YOU thought of the movie available on Netflix!