Laapataa Ladies aka Ladies Lost in Patriarchy

Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies” is a social satire that offers entertainment as well as empowerment. The movie humorously portrays the grave realities of a patriarchal society with the help of a simple story and background.

As the name and the trailer suggested, it revolves around two newly married brides who get lost on the way to their in-laws’ home. While Jaya, whom Deepak accidentally brings home instead of his wife Phool, seizes this opportunity to follow her dream, Phool undergoes profound personal growth during the time. This period shows multiple women discovering themselves. Some learn to do things that they love for themselves while others learn to explore and embrace their talents.

Even though Jaya and Phool are two contradictory characters, they are both equally victims of patriarchal conditioning. While Jaya is ready to break and act against all the norms of society from the very beginning by uttering the name of her husband to everyone’s disbelief, Phool learns to do this towards the end on her journey of unlearning. Jaya is the driving force of the movie, and her story prompts us to consider all the women in our country who are denied the right to pursue one simple dream while these opportunities effortlessly fall into the laps of others. Phool’s transition from the naive, orthodox village girl to realising the absolute potential of a woman is a delight to witness.

Apart from questioning the gender roles in the society, Kiran Rao also mocks the political parties and law enforcements that twist every news item in favour of their agenda as well as the dowry system and related crimes in a witty and engaging manner. Without being didactic, Rao presents her political commentary subtly in this layered movie ,making it definitely worth watching.

Comments

The Women of Rifle Club

Over the decades, Malayalam cinema has often used female characters to uphold male protagonists, reinforcing the power dynamics in favor of men. This pattern, normalized and celebrated as long as the hero “wins” the situation, has shaped narratives for years. However, in recent times, audiences have begun to unlearn this ingrained bias, recognizing it as something that needs to be critiqued rather than celebrated. Aashiq Abu’s Rifle Club breaks away from this mold, igniting the fiery tension of a wild war in the Western Ghats. What sets this film apart is its portrayal of women— each female character is uniquely strong and layered, claiming her identity with confidence. From being mocked for being “just a woman” to owning the scene, characterisations of women in Malayalam cinema are beginning to emerge as unstoppable forces. Society often perpetuates the stereotype that women, being emotional, are inherently weaker or less stable in grave situations. Instead, the movie shows that ...

I Let Myself Sink Into You

I let myself sink into you, Taking deep dips, Not letting myself float. You kept the rhythm of ocean Calm and said the waves To come another day. I got lost in the tranquility of your arms, Seeking an abode for eternity, Reaching out in bliss. Maybe If I could live here forever, I would dance at a different pace, guided by the warmth of your heart. I see no lines seperating us, Shutting down the little fragments of overthinking, I place you close to my bosom, Never to let you go. Making all the falsities disappear, I'm riveted by the hold of your hands, the sheer joy on your face At the movement of my eyelashes, Making me fall all over again. You asked me if you could join in my agony, If you could make me think of Things of joy, Checking my pulse and it's dramas, You dived deep into me, Untangling the mysterious cords, that encircled me....

One Pathetic Little Heart

Black and white photographs Hanging on the wall, behind me, Dance at the company Of sheer curtains. Fresh coffee rings on the table Cuddle with the lacquer crying for my attention. The chandelier wonder At the brightness of daylight, And my little heart Wonders at the lies I heard. I feel nauseous at how I Put up with all those lies. I'm just so tired of the notion of truth. what a pathetic little heart! What naivety and vulnerability has Consumed you. You made me think I own the autumn, That I can have him all for myself In my private abode. That spurious affection was Afterall nothing but a lie, And my foolish heart created fake scenarios, with every word of Autumn, who would give a peck on the neck, With a pat on the back. What a pathetic little heart! You never understood What seasons meant, You never realized they belong to each othe...

THE FORGOTTEN STORIES

Search This Blog