Lootera

My review: Lootera

"Lootera" is poetic portrayal of rustic love happening in the 1950's based on the short story of O.Henry, "The Last Leaf". It is a heart-touching story of love, betrayal, repentance and redemption.Though the subject seem a bit mushy Vikramadhitya Motwane, the director who has co-written the script with Bhavani Iyer has kept the mood bright throughout. The final shot of the movie would both bring in a tear or two along with a heart-warming smile in your face all at the same time, a rare feat that can be attributed to the writing and narration of the makers.

Movies like these are to be best enjoyed if they made in the pace that the makers have stuck to with "Lootera". The story unfolds at a slow pace and as it does it grows on the viewers. Though it might not be the cup of tea for the inattentive, restless, impulsive youth of today, but for those who enjoy movies that grows on you and remains in your mind for long after the movie is over, "Lootera" is the movie for you. 

Most of the time classics are those which take up a simple story or a theme, present to the viewers the same in an uncomplicated and lucid manner as a result which instead of being a passive onlooker they become part of the what is happening on screen. And any movie which evokes that kind of involvement from the viewers are sure to be remembered for a long time, irrespective of the its fate  at the box-office. "Lootera" can be classified as a classic in that sense.

A good script needs performers who can translate the maker's vision on screen with as much authenticity as possible. "Lootera" boasts of actors who have done their work brilliantly. Sonakshi Sinha in her best performance till  date is excellent as Pakhi whose character graph is etched out well. From a naive young girl with a comfortable lifestyle who is smitten by the mysterious Varun to a matured lady afflicted with a serious illness stung by betrayal and battered by losses, Sonakshi brings out the various shades of her character well on screen. Ranvir Singh is brilliant as Varun / Nandu, a character with grey shades. Rest of the cast have done their parts well.

Good writing and stellar performance from the cast is ably supported by excellent visuals, captured by Mahendra J Shetty, the cinematographer. Movie boasts of wonderful visuals. As the movie doesn't have much of dialogues, story is told mostly visually. Here the alliance of Mahendra and Vikramaditya has worked out well in presenting a visual poetry on screen.  

Amit Trivedi's background score is another pillar of strength for this movie. 

On the whole, "Lootera" is a must watch. 

Bottomline: Visual poetry. 

4/5