Laapataa Brides - Veiled Secrets

 

Laapataa Brides

Hindi, 2024

Directed by Kiran Rao

Stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Chhaya Kadam, Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's a case of mistaken identity when, in a train full of veiled newlywed brides, a groom picks up the wrong one, leaving the right one to fend for herself.  Laapataa is a family friendly, beautifully written and presented  comedy with screwball elements, and many layers of subtle messages about women, marriage, and finding oneself in it all.

Most impressive among the actors is Ms. Kadam as a grouchy old woman with a very good heart who is ought to teach a lost young bride how to take care of herself.  Ms. Goel, as that young bride, is most convincing in playing the role with innocence and a subtle, childlike excitement about it this unexpected misadventure.

Among the actors, I found Mr. Kishan as the dirty but well intended cop the most interesting.  The role requires a certain over the top eccentricity, but Mr. Kishna brings it out in such a way that it is believable.

Believability is what makes the heartwarming comedy come to life.  We are presented with a strong message that despite all their faults, human beings can be truly good to one another if we simply learn to empathize.