Movie Name:Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga
Critics Rating: 3 / 5
Release Date: February 1, 2019
Director: Shelly Chopra Dhar
Genre: Drama

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga Movie Review: At the time when LGBTQ community is gradually gaining acceptance in Indian society, which has always denied to leave behind its prejudice, Bollywood has come with a story that celebrates love. The feeling which cannot be defined and does not follow a set pattern. Our culture has always worshipped love but we, as a society, have narrowed our thoughts. We are not conditioned to think that there can be love apart from 'ladka-ladki ka pyaar'. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is a film with daring vision and all entertainment elements. It has an ensemble star cast of Rajkummar Rao, Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Brijendra Kalra, Seema Pahwa, Abhishek Duhan and all of them have delivered their best.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga has a treatment similar to mainstream Bollywood masala film but still, it stands out as it makes you reflect on your inner self and different types of prejudices we hold. The story travels from Delhi to Moga, a small-town in the state of Punjab and so does the playwright Saahil Mirza (Rajkummar Rao), who follows his muse Sweety (Sonam Kapoor). It is love at first sight for him. Unaware of Sweety's sexual orientation, Saahil, in search of inspiration for his stories and 'siyappa' in his life tries to get closer to her. However, her long-hidden and suppressed reality shatters his dreams but that doesn't stop him from extending a helping hand.

Directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar and written by Gazal Dhaliwal and Dhar herself, the story intermittently also brings out the issues of gender bias within the family. It also talks about sex roles with line such as 'ladke kitchen mein sirf cylinder uthane ke liye jate hain'. As this 'unusual romance' moves ahead, terms like family honour, bimari, abnormal springs up and we can totally feel it. The only solution to every issue related to a girl in the family is to get her married. The movie also underscores this.

The story also talks about dreams and aspirations that we usually set aside due to unavoidable circumstances and embrace what comes forth or to say go with the flow. Balbir Chaudhary (Anil Kapoor), owner of a garment industry, often sneaks into the kitchen in his spare time as he once aspired to be a chef. Chatro (Juhi Chawla), the caterer-cum-wannabe actress, who starts believing in 'live and let others live' post her divorce. Chatro is warm and lively. She is told that she isn't a good actress, to which she replies with all her energy 'practice makes a man perfect'. Saahil Mirza, son of a Bollywood producer, who decides to make his own path despite having all the luxuries of the world.

The script is plain, devoid of any risk, which is lifted by power-packed performances by its cast. Rajkummar Rao is endearing as ever; Anil and Juhi Chawla light up the screen with their appearance. Sonam Kapoor and her love interest Kuhu played by Regina Cassandra are pitch-perfect in portraying their emotions. Madhumalti Kapoor, Brijendra Kalra, Seema Pahwa offer comic relief. Abhishek Duhan looks convincing as hot-headed Sweety ka bhai, Bablu. The makers have chosen the actors quite wisely and that's why you would remain hooked to it.

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