Laapataa Ladies: A Look Beyond the Veil

I’ve come across another interesting movie for the weekend. the talk of the town! As you could’ve guessed. Yes, it is Laapaata Ladies, streaming on Netflix. I remember watching the trailer long ago, assuming it to be in the comedy genre. I was surprised by the film’s depth. The movie conveys the deep-rooted issue of how women lose their identity in marriage.

A hand holding a photo of a couple, where man wearing a suit and a women's face is covered with veil

As I’ve already discussed in my previous post (check it out), women are groomed from childhood to prioritize marriage over personal aspirations. Very few manage to break out of this trap. This movie clearly brings out many aspects of how women lose their identity.

There are two protagonists: Phool and Pushpa Rani (Jaya). They have contrasting personalities. The former is more conservative, orthodox, naïve, and innocent. She knows nothing beyond household chores, including her hometown address. The latter is more logical, goal-oriented, and forward-thinking.

The story is set in 2001. Phool and Deepak are getting married, as are Jaya and Pradeep. They are all traveling on the same train, and due to the veil, Jaya ends up at Deepak’s home, while Phool gets lost at the Pateela station. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and societal critique.

Without giving away too much of the plot, here are some thoughtful observations from the film:

Women are asked to follow in their husband’s footsteps and look down, not up
They are not supposed to call out their husband’s name
Men who don’t demand dowry are seen as having issues with themselves
Dowry is preferred over having agricultural land
Sacrificing personal preferences, such as favorite foods, post-marriage.
They give up their specific knowledge or talents.
The isolation women often experience after leaving their families behind. Less friends too!

Despite the film’s lighthearted tone, it doesn’t shy away from these realities. Laapataa Ladies also offers heartwarming moments. The corrupt inspector’s surprising act of kindness, Deepak’s unwavering support for Jaya, and the playful banter between Jaya and the printing press owner are all delightful additions.

A special mention goes to the people who helped Phool during her stay at the railway station, and the pantry woman’s solitude after dumping her husband also made their mark.

While the film may have been set in 2001, its themes remain relevant today. It highlights the pervasive societal pressure on women to prioritize marriage above all else. But life isn’t like that, right? There are many parts that make our lives beautiful and fulfilling.

When I watch movies from other countries, like Hollywood, I see a stark contrast. Women like Maeve (Sex Education), Emily (Emily in Paris), Ana (Upgraded), and the characters in Falling Inn Love and Perfect Pairing are completely different from the ones I grew up with.

I really liked the ending where Phool was able to travel without someone’s help and Jaya leaves for her Organic farming course. Both say they found each other through themselves. and. After all, it’s one’s decision to get married, start a family, or move out and stay ambitious. Pressure from the community shouldn’t control the choice. And we have no say!