Laila Movie Review
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Rating: 2/5
Starring: Vishwak Sen, Akanksha Sharma
Director: Ram Narayan
Producer: Sahu Garapati
Music: Leon James
Cinematography: Richard Prasad
Editor: Sagar Dadi
Review:
Mass Ka Das, Vishwak Sen, is back on the big screen with his latest film Laila, which has made its way to theaters amid some controversy. While it had a certain level of curiosity surrounding its release, does it live up to expectations? Here’s our take on the film.
Plot:
Laila revolves around Sonu (Vishwak Sen), a beauty parlour owner who is adored by the women in his neighborhood. However, his life takes a turn when he runs into trouble with local rowdy Rustum (Abhimanyu Singh) and SI Shankar (Babloo Prithviraj). To escape their threats and complications, Sonu decides to adopt a new identity—Laila. The film follows Sonu’s journey as he navigates life in this new guise and how the transformation affects him.
What Works:
- Vishwak Sen’s Effort: Vishwak Sen’s choice to take on the challenging role of Laila (with a lady’s disguise) is bold and commendable. He does put in a decent effort, and his performance as Laila is passable, though not exceptional. He tries to bring something new to the table, but the weak script and underdeveloped character hinder his full potential.
- Abhimanyu Singh’s Performance: Abhimanyu Singh adds some much-needed life to the film, especially in the second half, where his moments of comic relief offer slight respite from the film’s lackluster pace. His presence is among the few redeeming qualities in an otherwise predictable narrative.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Weak Storyline: The film’s biggest drawback is its outdated and unoriginal storyline. The plot feels recycled, following a predictable formula without adding anything fresh or unique to the mix. While there was potential for the film to be a comedy, it falls short due to crass humor, weak dialogues, and lack of substance.
- Underdeveloped Characters: Vishwak Sen’s character transformation from Sonu to Laila is not convincing enough to form an emotional connection with the audience. The screenplay doesn’t offer adequate justification for his drastic change, and the film’s narrative feels forced and underdeveloped.
- Missed Emotional Depth: One of the most disappointing aspects of Laila is the absence of an emotional core. Despite the premise, there’s very little emotional investment in the characters or their arcs. Akanksha Sharma’s role is minimal, and her presence is mostly restricted to songs that fail to make an impact. Most of the characters feel one-dimensional and lack depth.
- Forced References: The film also includes some unnecessary references to Chiranjeevi, which seem forced and out of place, further detracting from the overall experience.
Technical Aspects:
- Direction & Screenplay: Director Ram Narayan’s approach feels directionless, and the screenplay lacks the necessary structure to make Laila an engaging watch. The story’s potential is undermined by weak execution and subpar writing.
- Music & Cinematography: Leon James’ music does little to enhance the film’s atmosphere. The cinematography by Richard Prasad is average, and while the editing is crisp, it doesn’t do much to improve the flow or impact of the movie.
- Production Values: The production values are decent but not enough to elevate the film’s overall experience. The film feels like it missed the opportunity to leave a strong visual impression.
Final Verdict:
Laila is a tedious and poorly executed film that fails to live up to expectations. Despite Vishwak Sen’s best efforts, the weak script, crass humor, and lack of emotional depth make it a forgettable and uninspiring experience. The film never fully connects with the audience, and the underdeveloped characters, coupled with directionless storytelling, fail to provide a meaningful payoff. Laila ultimately falls flat and doesn’t justify its existence.
Rating: 2/5
Reviewed by: FilmyJosh Team