Laila Majnu Review –  Much to appreciate!

We watch films for many reasons. To be entertained, to be told a story, to be visually delighted, or to enter a new world that we may have not seen before. “Laila Majnu” is a modern retelling of a legendary story. This is an innocent film. What some may call cliché’s can also be called nostalgic. There is a nostalgic feel to this film, blended with a certain visual poetry. It’s as if the filmmaker is trying to make us understand love in the best way that we are capable of understanding it.

The film starts of with two characters falling in love. How do they fall in love? Well, what better that a few moments, followed by a beautiful song and a montage sequence to create an emotional build up? Cliché? Well, when done right, it works! There are a couple “Maine Pyar Kiya” references, indirectly telling us that from our childhood till now, love is what we are made to believe it is, and that is absolutely fine.

The main strength of this film is that it has chosen the perfect ambience and tone. Kashmir just feels and looks right for this kind of story. The other strength is the way in which the love is developed. The level of innocence in the beginning portions of a love story can often pave a successful path towards an interesting arch towards chaos, tragedy and insanity. A film with this story requires love of an innocent level. The third strength of this film is the lead actor, Avinash Tiwari. He is in total control of his character and is one of the more promising debuts in recent times.

All the technicalities from the cinematography, editing and sound is very nice, with the cinematography being the highlight. If one was to point out at one flaw, then it would have to be that towards the end it seems as if the film was rushing to come to the conclusion. Suddenly the pace felt off. But these are minor blemishes in a film that is largely competent. One may argue that the second half portions that delve into the darkness seem too far-fetched, but many times those who are in love behave in far-fetched ways. That is what makes love powerful.

Overall, “Laila Majnu” is worth a watch.

Rating: 3 stars