Lootera: Movie Review

Lootera: Movie Review

Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Barun Chanda, Divya Dutta
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Producer: Anurag Kashyap, Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor

We told you how much we loved the theatrical trailer of Lootera. Finally, the movie released on Friday and all I can say is – this is definitely one Bollywood romantic movie this year which will stand out for its exceptional plot and performances!

*SPOILER ALERT*

Plot :

Based on O Henry’s short story, The Last Leaf, Lootera starts with an archaeologist Varun Shrivastav (Ranveer Singh) who arrives in Manikpur, a small village in West Bengal. With his confidence and charm he successfully impresses the Zamindar of the village and gets the approval to excavate the temple grounds. Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) is the only daughter of the Zamindar and starts developing some feelings for Varun. They get to spend some time together amidst ‘painting classes’, and voila! Pyaar hogaya! After little hesitation, Varun confesses his love for the young lady to her Dad and the marriage is fixed. But yes, things are good to be true because soon they discover that the archaeologist they know is actually a con who not only swept away her heart but also all the money, significant ornaments and expensive decorative arts from the house. Ouch! Varun’s real identity completely breaks down Pakhi and her father, who passes away upon hearing the news. The lovers separate, only to reunite by chance in Dalhousie.

Technicality:

Rarely do we find such romantic flicks these days which do not consist of any cheesy lines or scenes. Lootera is indeed a breath of fresh air in the romantic genre. The focus on the plot is very much intact throughout the movie and Vikramaditya Motwane has done a great job with the editing. The dialogues are really good and are apt with the film’s concept. The one that touched my heart was :

When Pakhi asked Varun, “Kya tumne mujhse kabhi bhi pyaar kiya hain”?
Varun does not respond. Pakhi says, “Mera dil rakhne ke liye .. jhoot hi bol dete”…

The background score and soft Bengali-inspired music helps the plot in creating a perfect ambience. The song “Sawaar Loon” stands out.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k8Aja80GQM]

The lead pair’s chemistry is unique in its love-hate nature. But one feels let down by the lack of more romance in the film. The first half of the film is really good but the second half is a little draggy towards the end. The pace of film might not work with the younger audience, who might just be yawning in the second half, and yearning for speed to the proceedings.

Actor’s take:

Ranveer Singh’s performance is first-rate in the movie and his presence is really felt throughout. But this movie belongs to Sonakshi Sinha. Sonakshi is very convincing as Pakhi, the beautiful, mischievous child woman who falls hopelessly in love with a handsome man she knocks down with her car. The best performance in her career, thus far! Barun Chanda dons the Zamindar role very well and Vikrant Massey who plays Ranveer’s accomplice in the film surely has a brighter future ahead. A talented Divya Dutta was wasted in the film, though.