Lootera - Movie Review

Vikramaditya Motwane's second coming (after the coming of age debut in 'Udaan') 'Lootera' is out on the big screen and is garnering quite a bit of positive reviews and critical acclaim.

Starring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead, the first half of the film is set in the 1950's West Bengal, in the backdrop of the implementation of the Zamindari Abolitions Act.

Pakhi (Sonakshi) is the adored and protected daughter of the Zamindar of Manekpur (Barun Chanda). Pakhi collides (literally) with a government appointed archaeologist on a mission, Varun (Ranveer), who ends up being a guest, subsequently at the Zamindari haveli. Slowly but surely, the two fall for each other, even as the effects of the new legislation takes a toll on the Zamindar's assets, who resorts to Varun's help to trade some of his prized possessions. On the verge of getting married, circumstances force Varun to leave Pakhi and Manekpur only to meet her under completely different circumstances in the second half, set in Dalhousie.

I will refrain from giving away any spoilers, as the travel from Manekpur to Dalhousie is itself worth the money you spend.

The backdrop of Manekpur is beautifully etched with lot of attention to detail on the period props and fashion. The script is brilliant, aided by some first rate performances, especially by Barun Chanda and Vikram Massey, playing Varun's friend.

Its only when the scene shifts to Dalhousie, the writing starts gradually deteriorating and unfortunately hits rock bottom towards the end. The Writer-director in search of the (inspired) poetic ending, loses control of the lead characters, their emotions and lets the screenplay meander to a tame end, which reflects in the performances as well. Pakhi's portrayal when she meets Varun again and her emotions and reactions seem unconvincing and confused, after one point in time. I could sense the same with the fellow audience as well, which could pretty much be the movie's undoing.

(The disappointment in my case could also be because I knew the twist in the tale much before it presented itself, thanks to Mr.William Sydney Porter, and was waiting for it to arrive! If you have no clue of what I am talking about, you may enjoy the second half better).

Ranveer and Sonakshi play their parts well and are effective as Varun and Pakhi. Adil Hussain as the cop is adequate and Divya Dutta's role hardly warrants a mention.

Mahendra.J.Shetty's cinematography is easy on the eyes and apt.

Amit Trivedi

Amit Trivedi, who calls the music of Lootera, his tribute to Pancham da, delivers a brilliant performance with the songs and the background score. You will remember 'Sawaar Loon', 'Monta Re' (my personal favorite based on the traditional baul music) and 'Zinda Hoon Yaar' long after you are finished with the movie.  Barring a few instances where it is a little dominant on the dialogs, the background score (particularly the portion leading to the intermission) is one of the better scores I have heard in recent times.

My Verdict: Watch it if you like soft romantic dramas with fine performances and for the brilliant first half. The 'Lootera' ends up a couple of notches below what could have swept you off your feet.