“Laapataa Ladies” is a humorous and inspiring film that tackles serious social issues with style and substance. It’s a breath of fresh air in the Bollywood industry, addressing societal issues with elegance and appeal. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film spins a tale of two newlywed brides who are mistakenly switched during a train journey to their new homes.
Storyline of Laapataa Ladies
Set in the imaginary state of Nirmal Pradesh in 2001, the story centers around two brides, Phool Kumari (played by Nitanshi Goel) and Pushpa (portrayed by Pratibha Ratna). A mix-up during their train ride leads to a hilarious and chaotic series of events.
The film serves as a potent satire that intelligently critiques the entrenched patriarchy and its subsequent consequences. It presents a compelling argument for the empowerment of women, their education, and equality. This is achieved without belittling men or resorting to bias. The film takes a stand against societal evils such as dowry, domestic abuse, and the imposition of gender roles on women within the confines of marriage.
“Laapataa Ladies” addresses critical societal issues like patriarchy, dowry, domestic abuse, and gender roles. It masterfully balances entertainment and social commentary, leaving the audience both entertained and enlightened.
The cast, including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan, have received commendation for their performances. Ravi Kishan’s depiction of a corrupt yet lovable officer has been particularly noted.
The acting in the film is praiseworthy. Ravi Kishan’s performance is particularly noteworthy as he convincingly portrays a character who embodies both greed and justice. Fresh talents, Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ratna, also shine in their roles, delivering powerful performances that add depth to the film. Their portrayals contribute significantly to the overall impact of the film, making it a must-watch.
Kiran Rao’s directorial skills have been applauded for their perfect mix of humor, intelligence, and empathy. The film conveys a potent social message subtly and effectively. The screenplay, adapted from an award-winning narrative by Biplab Goswami, is praised for its authenticity and depth.
Accolades and Box Office
“Laapataa Ladies” has been recognized as the best Bollywood film of 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film grossed ₹75 lakh on its opening day, ₹1.45 crore on the second day, and ₹1.7 crore on the third day, totaling ₹3.75 crore in its opening weekend. As of May 2, 2024, the film has earned ₹22.13 crore in India and ₹23.29 crore worldwide.
Nitanshi Goel’s Popularity
Since the release of “Laapataa Ladies,” Nitanshi Goel, the film’s 16-year-old lead actress, has seen a significant rise in popularity. She boasts over 10 million followers on Instagram, making her the youngest Indian actress to achieve such a feat. Nitanshi also tops IMDb’s list of popular Indian celebrities.
Netflix and YouTube Records
Since its Netflix debut a month ago, “Laapataa Ladies” has amassed an impressive 13.8 million views, surpassing the viewership of the global hit “Animal,” starring Ranbir Kapoor. The film achieved this feat in just 30 days, compared to the four months it took “Animal.”
In its first week, “Laapataa Ladies” accumulated 5.3 million viewing hours from 2.6 million views, which increased in the following weeks. On YouTube, the official trailer, teaser, and the song “Dheeme Dheeme” from the film have garnered millions of views.