Epic love saga never ceases. Imtiaz Ali and Ekta Kapoor’s Laila Majnu is one of the popular folklores that has been a symbol of love across generations. Imtiaz Ali ( the director of popular movies like Jab We Met, Rockstar) presents the heartbreaking classic folklore in a contemporary light.
Although the movie was released on September 7, 2018, I watched it yesterday and I was blown away by the honest romance which I think is missing in most of the Bollywood movies, these days.
Directed by Imtiaz Ali’s brother Sajid Ali, this movie is co-written by two brothers. The movie is a classic retelling of the story which has been there for centuries. But this time the producers and director have given a modern touch to age-old story.
Set in the backdrop of Kashmir, this new representation of the legend tale of love and suffering revolves around two characters: Laila, played by Tripti Dimri, is flirtatious, somehow likes being followed by boys in the streets of Srinagar and excitedly asks her friend how it felt it to be kissed by a boy. She is deviant in her attitude yet obedient in her actions. Majnu is played by Avinash Tiwary who is rich, spoilt brat. Their parents belong to rival political families and when both lovers want to marry, the conflict arises.
Laila Majnu is the story of love and insanity. It’s how Majnu vies with ‘duniyadari’ and follow ‘his heart’ and in process sever himself of reality. It’s about how his desire to be with Laila just cut off from the real world and he starts living in his own world.
Avinash Tiwary as Qais/Majnu is a great discovery. His expression and body language are excellent as he transforms from the happy-go-lucky Qais to the obsessed Majnu. Tripti Dimri looks pretty and beautiful.
I love the innocence in romance and especially I was flabbergasted to see Avinash Tiwari acting. This is his debut but the way he performed his role as Majnu was brilliant. He enchants you with his ‘so much in love’ craziness. Moreover, the movie has few beautiful moments especially when Majnu sees Laila after four years, other is when Laila and Majnu meets at their friend’s wedding and phone calls… all this make you to fall in love with the characters time and again.
I rate this movie 3.5/5.
Logophile 