Lajja: AMAZING, but falls short from a masterpiece[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Lajja Forum ] Posted by Raj2k1 on September 06, 2001 at 11:20:11: Lajja film review: Synopsis: Lajja is about the plight of the women in this male -dominated world, it preaches the message that the honour and respect of the women has been disparaged right from the times of the Ramayana to the present day. Plot: Vaidehi(Manisha Koirala) is an emotionally tormented Indian woman living in New York, USA. Whose womanising husband, Raghu (Jackie Shroff) is a flirtatious 21st century mind set guy and is intimate with other women in front of her. This leads to Vaidehi abandoning her troubled relationship with Raghu and returning to India, together with her unborn child. Shortly afterwards, Raghu is involved in a fatal accident that renders him impotent(can no longer be a father). Whence Raghu finds out that Vaidehi is bearing his child, he asks her to come back. He arranges for her travelling and sets up two of his henchmen to ensure that she does come back . Vaidehi agrees to return and together with those two henchman she goes to the airport and before boarding the plane, contacts her personal doctor. The doctor tells her she is pregnant and warns her that Raghu only wants her back for her child, and she should stay back in India and sort out the entire issue with a solicitor. From this moment Vaidehi tries to back out from going with some excuses, however the henchmen insist she goes. Vaidehi goes to the toilet and from there she escapes from the window and boards and hides in a truck. Now Vaidehi's travels begin, where she encounters different forms of social injustices against women on her run, while her husband Raghu is trailing her and setting huge sums of cash for anyone that finds her - The story can be divided into 3 episodes from here on, which exploit the unfair and unjust social norms against women. Another degree of complexity added to this, is that each socially troubled women she meets has one of the many names of Sita, and Vaidehi is also one of Sita's name 1: The Wedding : - Based on the social injustice of dowry - Maithili (Mahima) is getting wed to her college sweetheart, but her wedding hangs on only one thing - and that is wether her father can pay up 5 lakhs in cash, on that very day. 2: The Ramayana - Based on the double standards of infidelity - Janki (Madhuri Dixit) is a small time theatre actress who is pregnant with her boy friends child, but is not married. She and her boyfriend are planning on getting married, but society provokes her boyfriend into questioning wether the child is really his. He lays down the condition that she aborts her child, that he suspects is not his, and only then they will get married. How does Janki respond ? - watch it and find out! 3: Ramdulari and the computer - Based on the disrespect against lower caste women Ramdulari(Rekha) is a mid wife of a village. The daughter of Gajendra Babu (Danny Denzongpa) , an evil high caste leader of the village, is in love with Ramdulari's son. For this act, it is Ramdulari who has to pay the price! 4: The revolt -The realisation The re-invention of the women.
Lajja is a fantastic specimen in recent history, women orientated women are scarcely produced in our film Industry, but even so this women orientated film has to be the most intelligent and original films in the history of Indian cinema. However Lajja is not an art film, it is a wholesome entertainer with a very powerful message. Lajja is a far cry from a masterpiece, it lacks the emotional intensity of other meaningful cinema that preach social messages(Astitiva, Satya, Shool). Although this is intentional, because as well as being the torchbearer to create awareness for the plight of the women, it is also an immensely entertaining film with extremely hilarious situational comic moments and great dance numbers. The plot is basically about the experiences and interactions of one socially injusted Indian women with other women throughout her travels. It is narrated episodically, with each chapter depicting a face of Sita and a different form of social injustice . The film's introductory scenes move at too rapid a pace, failing to add conviction and motive to the beginnings of Vaidehi (Manisha Koirala) travels. The following flaws arise in these scenes:
Vaidehi leaving for India, was almost instantaneous from the moment Raghu said, "leave, go back to India." I think this is rather a rushed excuse to create the setting for the film. It would have been better to show some more interaction between Manisha and Jackie before she decided on leaving him. Raghu's impotence Raghu is rendered impotent with one car crash, how that happens is anybodies guess. The scenes where Raghu finds out about his impotence, also lacked conviction. His father says "You can get all those women, but they will not be able to bear you a child" - suddenly Raghu is shocked and surprisingly even knows that he is now impotent. To come to terms with such drastic realities, five seconds is not enough,. Raghu seems to accept this reality from that dialogue alone. Vaidehi's escape The entire basis of Vaidehi's escape is laid on one telephone call to her doctor, who advises her not to go back to US, as they only want her for her child . There was no mention of killing her etc, so Manisha's escape from the Airport lacked a proper motive. Overall the introductory scenes were rushed, unconvincing and lacked motive. This was rather a naive excuse to create the set up for the film. Thereafter the movie flows fantastically well, with the different stories and chapters gradually unfolding. With each incarnation of Sita and story Vaidehi encounters, a sense of a family and emotional bond is created with that person and hence her efforts to provide emotional support and assistance to that person become very realistic and the audience also becomes engaged with that character.. This is very ingenious thinking on the director's part, as he is introducing each character, with humour, affection and heart warming situations so that the viewer establishes a bond with that character, yet later turns that into sorrow, grief, misery, shock and horror. I was very impressed with the composition of the plot, its parallels to the ancient epic Ramayana and the entire concept of the four faces of Sita are very intelligently derived . The scenes in the film have been very intelligently designed and narrated in a very path-breaking way. (Alice in wonderland type of narration) The transition from one episode to another is done extremely intelligently with the setup for the 2nd episode already placed in the previous episode. E.g - (Manisha's travel to the 2nd episode, is due to a letter she gets from Anil Kapoor in the first episode) Although I previously said the film lacks emotional intensity, I mean that in the sense of an overall message bearing product. However Lajja does have many intense moments, and I kid you not - Some scenes are so powerful, that your heart will start pumping faster, you may even shed some tears and be provoked into some serious thinking. The climax of the film is too far -fetched, it is obvious the director was attempting to end the film on a positive note, however it looked ridiculous. If going to the US was so easy, everyone would be doing it! All in all, Lajja is simply amazing, its told like an epic, the scenes have innovative design, it is unpredictable, entertaining, shocking and something to think about for us men. Plot rating - 8.5/10
Absolutely fantastic, right from the rolling of the introductory credits, to the end credits. Lajja is an extremely high quality film that could stand with its head high up when put aside a similar epic type Hollywood film. - Braveheart for instance. The beginning introductory credits are a highlight for the camera work of the film, it shows a night view, city scape of New York, capturing it in all of its splendour and beauty , while a dupatta(a red silky cloth) floats around on the screen to reveal the credits, accompanied with very soothing orchestral music. The cinematography is fantastic, and gives Lajja an epic look. It is very clear and the mood's and locations of the film have been captured beautifully . The cinematography shines the most in the song and dance sequences, Aa Hi Jaiye has been captured excellently , Sonali bendre's wedding song is heart warming and Badhi mushkil looks lavish. The lighting effects used during the Ramayana play, are extremely effective, as it conveys the emotional anguish in Janki(Madhuri). The action sequences are fantastically choreographed. I thought the use of that metal strip type weapon Ajay Devgan had, was very effective. It was indeed very spectacular viewing the action sequences. With all those aside, the most impressive of the technical effects is the sound effects and background music. The background score ‘s are truly amazing and add a degree of sophistication and emotion to that scene. The Kaun Dagar chorus, which acts as precursor to the unravelling of each episode in Lajja, is very effective and intelligently introspected The sound effects used throughout the film add that extra touch of magic to each scene, in particular the sound effects during the action sequences. The technical aspects are almost perfect, However Lajja could have done with better editing in the following scenes: The transition to the Badi Mushil Song.
One of the biggest strengths of Lajja, is the music. The music is so well integrated into the film that it seems seamless. The music itself is very mediocre, but the mind blowing picturization of each song, leaves an ever lasting impression. Song list: (In order of appearance) Aa Hi Jaiye: This is Urmilla's voluptuous and sizzling number . The song has been shot in a night club/bar in New York. This song is fantastically choreographed and Urmilla's oh so sensuous dance sets the screen on fire. The song is complete with a snazzy laser show, and smoke effects. The costumes are very lavish and alluring. This song also is integrated very well with the narrative and serves well as the set up for the next scene. Approx song time: 6 min 40 sec Saajan Ke Ghar Jaana Hain This is Sonali Bendre's wedding number. The song has been shot in the interiors of a home, where a wedding is taking place. The song integrates extremely well into the scenario and works effectively in depicting the story of that episode . The song picturization works well with the narrative. The dance has also been choreographed quite well. Sonali Bendre looks very traditional and her dance will be a memorable experience . Approx song time: 6 min 15 sec Badhi Mushkil This is the most memorable of all the songs and certainly the most lavish and cheerful. The song is danced out beautifully by Madhuri dixit, and Manisha who matches her every step. The dance step choreography is fantastic, and the expressions by Madhuri Dixit add a dimension of historic's to this song.. Approx song time: 6 min Appox total song time: 18 min 55 sec
There is one area where Lajja is a masterpiece, and that is the performances. Lajja is held together by the historics of Manisha, Mahima, Anil Kapoor , Madhuri, Ajay Devgan, Rekha and Danny and to a lesser extent Jackie Shroff.: Each character has strong author backed roles: WARNING: If you have not seen Lajja and plan on seeing it, then it is advisable to skip this section, as certain scenes have been described in detail. Manisha Koiralla: Manisha plays the central role of Valdheri , and has given powerful performances throughout the film.. Her accurate display of vulnerability and innocence, fits the role of Valdheri like a glove. Highlights: -When she screams to the berserk crowd that is tramping all over Janki ‘ She is pregnant!! ".. -When Bulwa is about to kill Raghu, the shock that registers on her face looks extremely natural. -Her speech at the end, which really puts Preity Zinta's speech in Kya Kehana to shame. The tears in her eyes, her facial expressions and her letting loose everything she has experienced in her travels is classic Jackie Shroff: Jackie plays the role of Raghu and although gives a competent performance, it is nothing path-breaking from his usual acting. . I simply felt the performances given by his peers really outshone him. Highlights: - His debate with Manisha, about the joys of life and live and let live - His facial expressions when Manisha saves him from being killed by Bulwa. Although he does not utter a single word, his expressions say everything. Mahima Choodery: Mahima plays the role of Maithili and has the most memorable performance in the film, her facial expressions and voice is extremely bubbly. Her most jaw dropping scene was her outburst at the wedding. This was completely unexpected and her dialogue and both deliveries were like a veteran. A performance that will be remembered for a long time. Highlights - Her outburst at the wedding. Anil Kapoor: Anil plays the role of a thief and he is the most charming experience in the film - he is a likable character, with a good heart . Anil's dialogues are fantastic and his acting is perfect. His cameo appearance adds some extremely funny comic moments in the film, and his dialogue delivery is flawless. Hightlights: - This dialogue: Where Manisha is running away from the police and Anil Kapoor pulls her into this building and then says, "Guvrao mut, main police nahin chor hu " (Don't worry, im not the police, im a thief!!) - this dialogue always registers a huge grin on my face whenever I remember it . Madhuri dixit: Madhuri is FIRE! - she plays Janki , a small time theatre actress. Her performance is the most claps worthy of them all, although everyone was fantastic, but Madhuri has that extra bit of magic that keeps the audience astounded . Highlights: - Her Ramayana scene , a complete silence breaks over the audience as they listen attentively to each and every one of her dialogues . The scene where she passes though the angry crowd, the expressions on her face are superb, which is expressionless with a slight hint of disgust. Then when she is insulted by the crowd, and while she gets closer to the ambulance, how the angry mob push and pull her around and then attack her , now her expressions turn into fear. She falls to the floor and is tramped all over and then the camera moves over to Manisha who screams, "Woh Maa banae walli haiinnn!!"(She is pregnant!!). This scene was extremely intense, and I almost cried as I thought Madhuri was going to be beaten to death. I had made such a huge emotional bond with her character, that my heart almost failed to see her go through that crowd.. Even now when I remember that scene, I feel overpowered. Ajay Devgan: Ajay plays the role of Bulwa , a tribal leader and the messiah of this film, and gives his career best performance. Ajay has displayed historics in this role and has some of the most excellent dialogues in the film. His accent for the film is extremely realistic and in particular his performance during the action sequences. Highlights : The action sequences. Ajay used that metal strip type weapon as if he's been using it for the past 10 years. His expressions during the action sequences are praise worthy.
Highlights: The scene where she tells a father that her child is a daughter and he is dismayed, and she ridicules him. And then later when the same father is drowning the child in milk, she comes to its rescue, the expression and anger registered on her face was remarkable. When she goes to inaugurate the computer, and then does Ariti with the mouse LoL.. . Where she goes berserk on Gajendra Babu's(Danny's) daughter, for falling in love with her son. Where she brings back the daughter back to Gajendra Babu, and he tells her to come to him ... Finally her rape scene, and this memory will stay with you after seeing the film. Rekha gives a mind blowing performance here, and how she pleas with pain for the people to leave her alone!! - she screams for help, she is helpless and she is doomed - There is no where for her to go. Her hops and skips backwards, while screaming and frantically guarding herself from every angle. make her look like prey and the finally when they pin her down with the Maanji(A traditional Indian stringed bed) and you could see her face underneath full of fear and knowing that no one is going to come to her help The rest of the performances are also fantastic. Danny is as ferocious as always, Johnny Liver and his side kick provides for some good comic moments. The cast in the wedding was also very good, the prostitute demanding her money, was excellent. I only have a nit to pick with Gulshan Grover, although he was extremely good and also quite comical in a sense, the scene where Ajay Devgan severs his two arms was too unrealistic. Seriously he just cut his 2 arms off, and Gulshan is registering no pain, in the contrary he's talking to Ajay, "Kill me, don't leave me like this" - and finally Ajay finishes him off. Overall the performances in Lajja are simply mind blowing, I have never seen such excellent performances before, Lajja is probably the best performance film in the history of Indian cinema. - Lajja is a masterpieces for just its performances and for the superb dialogues. Screenplay rating: 10/10 Summary Plot rating: 8.5/10 Overall rating: 9.4/ 10 or 94% Overall Lajja is simply an amazing film, its style is like Hollywood and its content is Bollywood, and the result, one of the greatest films to be produced in Indian cinema.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Radiosargam editor and Forum Administrator - Raj Johal
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