Shevaal Singh
Vikramaditya Motwane’s ‘Lootera’ is a timeless tale of old world love. It is a film would with deep essence and it would undoubtedly be prejudice to call this cinematic brilliance a film – it is nothing short of motion picture poetry. ‘Lootera’ sends electric shocks through the heart which makes it generously appreciated for its connection to the heart .The story was adapted from O’Henry’s tale called ‘The Last Leaf’. Vikramaditya Motwane solidifies his golden touch to ‘Lootera’ as he has in countless films. Motwane has totally proved with his second film after ‘Udaan’ that he is here to stay in this industry… forever.
This tale of love story is set in 1953 in a small village called Manikpur in the West of Bengal. ‘Lootera’ begins with a magical touch. With Durga Puja in the backdrop and scenes from the Ramayana being enacted the Roy Chaudhuri family is introduced to us. Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha who is a young, beautiful girl who lives with her father- the former Zamindar (landowner)played by Barun Chanda. Varun Shrivastav (Ranveer Singh) performs as an architect who comes to Manikpur with his friend Dev (Vikrant Massey) in his pursuit for finding a lost society. Pakhi and Varun’s stolen glances transform into love but Varun faces the inescapability of breaking her heart and going away. The journey of these star-crossed lovers is what forms the intricate foundation of ‘Lootera’.
Casting two actors who are known for anything but delicacy is a huge risk that the director had taken which has undoubtedly pays. If Sonakshi has to her credit films like ‘Rowdy Rathore’, ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Son of Sardaar’ – each one of which is known for only its masala content and Ranveer is recognised for his hasty Dilli-da-launda-ish roles in ‘Band Baaja Baarat’ and ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’. No one might have been able to trust that these were the two individuals playing Pakhi and Varun. While the former is at times shy, revels in stealing glances and gazing at her beloved- the latter is soft-spoken, respectable and brings out the essence of valour and true love.
Sonakshi Sinha strides into the shoes of Pakhi and lets her character conquer everything else. Ranveer Singh leaves countless jaws down with his performance. Not once for a moment does one feel that these are actors have made a handful of films. ‘Lootera’ is that life-defining moment that every single actor sees himself or herself achieve someplace in the course of his her journey to fame. The supporting cast is tremendously praiseworthy as they help boost the acting of the leads. Old-time Bengali actor Barun Chanda plays Pakhi’s affectionate father to superiority. Vikrant Massey- Varun’s friend with his love for Dev Anand plays his part well. The faultless act by Adil Hussain as the police officer has been . Divya Dutta and Arif Zakaria, in their short roles are very impressive.
Amit Trivedi’s music is absolutely appealing with songs like ‘Sawaar loon’, ‘Monta re’& ‘Shikayatein’ each and every song to be particular is surrealistically beautiful. The most stunning part of the film is the cinematography by Mahendra J Shetty whom merits a standing ovation. From the rural countryside of Bengal to the sun setting scenery somewhere on the endless fields to the unspoiled white snow in Dalhousie to the last leaf on Pakhi’s tree – each and every scene of ‘Lootera’ is pleasure to the eyes. Without this the film would have been dull. There are scenes were the pace slows down but the film is alive through its superior beauty of its silent moments these can be overlooked. The movie makes your heartbeat with pure love. ‘Lootera’ is one of those delicately created tales of true love and interweaves great acting and a superb tale of love and old-world charm. The movie gets a 10/10 from me. Lootera is a must watch this season.
