An incurable romantic Laila (Tripti Dimri) is quite used to the attention that men shower on her. She regales and blushes at all the adulation that comes her way, except for when she’s under the watchful eye of her conservative family.
Qais (Avinash Tiwari), on the other hand, is a spoilt brat who seems quite taken by Laila’s exquisite beauty from the first time he set eyes on her. Sparks fly, and all this against the picturesque Kashmir ki vaadiyaan.
That’s the recipe of a perfect love story, but then, will there be a happily ever after?
The all consuming power of passion is a recurring theme in Imtiaz Ali films. Here he co- writes the screenplay along with his brother Sajid Ali who also marks his directorial debut.
The story of star-crossed lovers is an age-old formula, but although the trajectory that ‘Laila Majnu’ follows may not be new, the story gets a refreshing makeover.
Laila and Qais are doomed to fall in love while their families fulminate almost on cue. An age-old khandaanon ke beech ki dushmani comes up and the cruel destiny separates the two. Laila is forced to marry Ibban. Sumit Kaul here deserves a special mention for his pitch-perfect performance as the slimy suitor.
Now while the first half is beautifully shot, with the blue and green hues taking over the screen, the fact that the volatile political situation in the valley isn’t even so much as hinted at does seem rather incongruous .
However, the soul of ‘Laila Majnu’ lies in the tragic mental breakdown of Qais and how quickly his world turns upside down. Avinash Tripathi who did a good job in the delightful little film ‘Tu hi Mera Sunday’ here brings such a degree of emotional truth to his experiences and his downward spiral that it will feel real and familiar even to those raised in different circumstances .
The aching grief poignantly and expertly portrayed by him is the film’s biggest strength. Tripti Dimri by comparison has a far limited role but her innate charm and luminous smile keeps her performance buoyant.
‘Laila Majnu’ isn’t without its flaws. The pace at times is too indulgent and most of the ensemble cast are given stereotypical roles. E.g. Parmeet Sethi as Laila’s emotionally manipulative dad deserved more screen time but is relegated to the margins. Also there are just too many songs and not all of them work, yet this epic romance has an endearing intimate quality to it.
I give it 3 Quints out of 5.
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