Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007)

People are voting emotionally.

Disappointment for a huge fan!

A Brilliant Conflict

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

True it is a very old story, but the movie is done with class this time. The thing is it couldn't avoid the weak effect eventually.The "class" side; (Rani Mukherjee) looks so beautiful, giving a fine performance. (Konkona Sen Sharma) was unforgettable too. The cinematography made a colorfully dazzling image. The directing showed sensitive eye with smart vitality while being so rational as well (something I don't meet everyday in the Indian cinema). One of the songs, about transforming into a prostitute, was distinctly made; using shots for; spider's web, broken mirror, etc. that embodied the feelings of the lead at the moment in rare expressional way; being the most important thing this movie has.Now, the "weak" side; (Abhishek Bachchan)'s performance. And the character he played didn't help him as it was badly written (a lover boy who wears chic suits !). Which leads us to that script. Annoys me much the way the third act was written; OK, the heroine is someone, driven by bad circumstances, turns into a hooker, to separate from her family, which she supports, hiding her ugly truth. Now when her sister knows, she forgives her. When her mother knows, she forgives her. And when her lover knows, he – guess what – forgives her too and in one of the worst scenes I have ever seen in my life ! Before thinking that that is so-easy-it's-provocative, then wait till you know that the other conflict (some evil guy who wants to control the land of the heroine's father) finishes ridiculously in just one laconic moment, with (Abhishek Bachchan)'s character along with his brother putting their hands on that guy's shoulder, which ends up the movie suddenly !The old Indian cinema could deal with the same material in totally opposite way; overdone melodrama, loud tone, and sure big fight at the end where the 2 grooms beat up the hell out of (Prem Chopra) or (Amrish Puri) or whoever used to vex the leads back then! As you see, we have one cinema that mostly doesn't know how to be moderate. So it's whether hot-tempered or just cold !There is a nice scene in which the sister knows about her sister's job under the rain. That was effective. However, some scenes were, while nicely shot, highly predictable, and so reused from older movies; there is always an evil man who knows about the prostitute, blackmailing her for not telling her lover, her family, asking for big sum of money…etc. It's obvious by now that this is a movie where the problem is mainly in its script, not its direction or else.One very interesting point I must refer to. Remember how the character of the mom knew about her daughter's situation only by her heart, as if she has a telepathic relationship with her, being discerning when it comes to the fate of somebody she loves. These spiritual matters, supernatural for others, is so usual and natural not only in India, but in the eastern communities. I even believe that most of the moms got it, it's just the Western cinema that don't respect, or at least care much, about that in the first place.While being not the extravagantly hard melodrama, it wanted to be different, as merciful and so easy; yet to the extent of being extravagantly easy melodrama ! So yes, it's a fair show of colors and symmetry. But don't wait much from its drama. It can sum up one of the top dilemmas of the modern Indian cinema, where the irony is always on between tasty surface and weak substance.

This is not a must watch. But definitely worth your time. I don't know why this movie was so underrated. Excellent performance from every characters. Somehow, in the early scenes of 'happy days' I felt that Konkona as 'chutki' has outclassed Rani in performance! Also the acting of (by Taraana?) as the character 'sophie' needs mention. All in all everyone performed very well. Abhishek's entry as Kunal's elder brother in the end is predictable. The thing I most like is the simple happy ending. Usually, a movie with such high voltage drama ends in a certain way but this is not.So at least watch it for the sake of climax!

I can write a review for this movie in so few words that it will not even sound like a review. CRAP! Acting is brilliant from all the leading ladies. Guys have not much to do. This is where the good news ends. Its all downhill here on. The movie tries to portray that a girl, who wants to prove herself, and runs out of options, has nothing else to do, but turn to selling her body!! This is so demeaning, for women in general. And I am a guy, dunno what women feel about it. And also guys, in this situation, would do what? The movie could at least be set in another period, since this is not possible in current times. The songs are not good, and direction is average. People might be tempted to leave half way.

Parineeta was among the best films to come out from bollywood in the past five years or so. Pradeep Sarkar had become a highly renowned name with that one subtle masterpiece alone. And when Yash Raj roped him in to direct 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag', expectations were inevitable huge. And with the kind of star cast it boasted of, a quality offing was imminent. Alas, how you wish they had thought of making something worthwhile of their talents than this done and tested excuse of a story. I am not even bothering to write a synopsis as it would seem outdated even for a 70s audience. Each scene and sequence is ever-so-cruelly predictable. It does have its moments though. It is a beautifully presented film. The cinematography and the design and choreography are absolutely fascinating. The performances are top notch as well. Rani Mukerjee is excellent as you would expect, but she is betrayed by the film writer. Abishek Bachan and Kunal Kapoor have gone completely mental. How else could they have opted for such pathetically portrayed characters? Jaya Bachan shows her class but its Konkona Sen who shines. She comes as a whiff of fresh air in the otherwise dry and pointless enterprise. Sadly these glimpses of brilliance are not enough. Disappointing!