Cast:Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Virat Massey, Shirin Guha, Barun Chanda, Divya Dutta
Directed By: Vikramaditya Motwane
Run Time: 2 Hours 22 Min
Rating:* * * 1/2
Well raising the bar whenever you are in "performance mode" is not an an easy job, at least in show business. And the task becomes even more tedious when you are about to try your prowess in a different genre or arena. But if we talk about Vikramaditya Motwane, whose much talked about cine flick "Lootera" made it to celluloid today, then even this rule seems to be flimsy and irrelevant.
And that's because, after critically acclaimed slice-of-life cine delight "Udaan" this time by a new age period cantata i.e. "Lootera", Vikramaditya has once again proved that he is really an exceptional story teller, who can not only handle any and every type of cine idea, but can conveniently make audience empathizes and assimilate with the onscreen cine proceedings.
Anyhow, this much talked about period drama featuring Sonakshi Sinha, Ranveer Singh, Barun Chanda et al, which is roughly inspired from the short story "The Last Leaf"of American author O. Henry opened with an approximate occupancy of 18 percent at the multiplexes.As the premise of the "Lootera" takes off it showcases the Bengal of early 50s, a phase of upheaval for Bengal aristocracy, where demesne of a Manikpur based landlord Raichaudhary ( Barun Chanda), who dearly loves his daughter, is on the the verge of abolition.With frames rolling ahead, Varun Shrivastava (Ranveer Singh) arrives in Manikpur on the pretext of archaeological excavation, and has a rendezvous with Raichaudhari family, with whom he succeeds in establishing a good rapport.
As the story proceeds forward, Pakhi develops an infatuation for Varun which subsequently turns into a passionate relationship. But the tale takes a twisting turn and Varun simply disappears from Pakhi's life. And on having a tryst with Varun's intent of coming to Manikpur, Paki's father suffers a stroke and passes away. Oblivious of what destiny has in store for her, Pakhi shifts to another estate of her's in, Dalhousie and adopts a solitary life. But soon after, Varun returns to her life, so to know what happens then, watch this masterpiece from the cinematographic lab of Vikramaditya Motwane. Well, although script of "Lootera" is the rough adoption of O. Henry's 'The Last Leaf' but Vikramaditya Motwane too has invested ample amount of innovation in the story, in order to make it a captivating saga. And above all, special kudos for Motwane for the choice of ground ( the era of 50s) that he picked up to embed his story, because without that, may be "Lootera" wouldn't have carried that mesmerizing appeal.
Although while observing the onscreen proceedings many a times you may feel that "Lootera" don't have anything new to offer, but believe me it has an edge on the captivation front. After seeing Vikramaditya Motwane's previous cine delights like "Udaan", "Dev D" there is no point in doubting the story telling ability of this otherwise talented cine conceptualiser, and with "Lootera" he has taken the milestone even ahead of it's previous state.Inspite of Lootera's being a somewhat period film, while penning down it Vikramditya has not only blended it with a new age cinema, but at the same time has effortlessly succeeded in keeping the real spirit of the movie alive.Hitherto "Lootera" was carrying a tag of a romantic drama based in 50s era, but in reality it turns out to be much more than that and with constant twists and turns keeps you asking for more. Besides a well crafted initial narration even the extended climax of "Lootera" thoroughly adds to the appeal of the movie.
Before unfurling the technical aspects of "Lootera", I would like to make a mention of the fact that " screenplay of Lootera is simply top notch". Well while making a period film which has it's roots embedded in the classic's era, it's always very difficult to recreate and authenticate the milieu of the years that have gone by. But even on that front Motwane has not only succeeded, but has excelled.Be it the milieu of Bengal or soothing landscape of Dalhousie, everything has looked so authentic that for those almost two and a half hour you start living the onscreen proceedings. And besides those material cine necessities, Motwane has thoroughly succeeded in creating an abstract environment around the onscreen proceedings too.Be it the use of that sepia hue to showcase the classic era or the light modulation to showcase the solitariness of female lead or even those classic songs of Hemant Kumar every thing is used with such an adroitness, that you never feel like taking off your eyes of the big screen.
Even the unhurried and smooth pace at which narration of the movie flows ahead, compels you to fall in love with the onscreen proceedings. And besides all these the passion of a relationship that Vikramaditya has thoroughly succeeded in painting on the celluloid is simply spellbinding.Cinematography of Mahendra Shetty and editing of Dipika Kalra, further magnifies the over all elegance of "Lootera" which wouldn't have been so classy without the stupendous cinematographic contribution of these two ace cinematographic sorcerers.It looks like before crafting those melodious carols for "Lootera", Amit Trivedi not only apprised himself with the spirit of movie, but literally dabbled himself into this mesmerizing tale. Be it "Shikayatein", "Sanwaar Loon" or Ankahee every track of "Lootera" not only succeeds in uncovering the onscreen emotions, but at the same time redoubles the same. So tons of accolades for Amit for this praise worthy effort.
Undoubtedly it's the marvelous script of "Lootera" which deserves a major chunk of credits, but at the same time there is no denying the fact that, even in performance department none of the onscreen performers have left any stone un-turned to make "Lootera" a worth loving cine cantata.And if we go by the individual performances then the movie totally belongs to shotgun doll, Sonakshi. Be it that innocence, child like charm or even the passion for one's lover, Sonakshi has thoroughly succeeded in doing a thorough justice to each and every shade of her character. In fact it won't be wrong to say that it's Sonakshi who shoulders the movie till its culmination by her spellbinding acting potential.
As far as Ranveer is concerned then, he somewhere lacked the ability which could have made his character of Varoon a memorable one. Although Ranveer in many frames tries to make his character look more authentic, but in spite of his honest efforts he somewhere down the line looks hesitant and captivated with in his psychological blocks. Besides these two leading stars of "Lootera" even the supporting cast of the movie makes an honest effort in order to contribute positively to the onscreen proceeding. Be it Virat Massey, Barun Chanda, Adil Hussain or Divya Dutta (in an extended cameo), each one of them thoroughly succeeds in registering their presence at the power of their acting prowess.Well as far as BO potential of "Lootera" is concerned then probably it may fall short on earning front, but, at the same time there is no denying the fact that it has got the mesmerizing appeal to charm you.
To sum up, "Lootera" is a "written from heart" kind of love saga, which is high on emotions and passion and has got all the relevant condiments to impress you. So don't miss it.
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