Lootera

There is this huge fantasy inside my mind that if, somehow, I was a citizen of the 1950s-1970s world. I am always amazed by these era of the past. In fact, any era before the 1990s excites me. be it the 1800s or the century of Great Indian Emperor Ashoka. Sometimes, I wish we could be back to those period and stop using computers and Internet altogether. But I am typing this article on a computer on an Internet connection. Such an Irony.

 (Courtesy : Wikipedia)

I love reading Historical fiction; Kane & Abel, by Jeffrey Archer, is my favourite. And if I am to mention a fictitious historical movie, Lootera comes to my mind. It is regarded as one of the best films of 2013. Lootera means Robber and is an adaptation of the 110 years-old Short Story, The Last Leaf by American Writer O.Henry. The Story beautifully creates the stage of 1950s, just a few years after Indian independence. India was undergoing through humongous changes in policies, law and way of life. 

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

Fashion, as shown in the movie, portrays Varun (Ranveer Singh), wearing loose fitting trousers raised so high with Double Breasted shirt having Shoulder Straps and densely oiled back brushed hair. Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) wears the eternal Saree and Blouse with Collars and sleeve reaching the elbows. Her Zamindar father (Barun Chanda) is adorned with kurta and Dhoti. We have Inspector KN Singh (Assam's own  Adil Hussain) who starts a goose chase of Robber Varun, who betrays Pakhi and loots her father. Singh is seen wearing overcoat and half sweater with a Hat resembling the time when hat was still a common part of fashion.

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

The Vintage Chevrolet cars are a treat which adds to this lively era. The Splendid Bunglows of the Zaminder, having inner open space with intricate designs in the entire mansion reminds that such are a rare case today.

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

The major break was the scene where a movie is played on a projector and displayed on a screen in an open space, akin to today's Drive-in. The rural people sitting cross legged in rapt attention, with the Zamindar and his family in chairs along with guests. That time Cinema was a rarity, it was a celebration, an opportunity to relish the pleasure of entertainment.

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

When Pakhi has an Asthma attack, Varun treats her with a huge scary injection. It reminded me of the scars my elders have on their arms. Every infrastructure be it an injection or a car was limited during that time.

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

The background score and music of the film reflects the taste of the people of that era.I think every era has their own musical scene. It would be unwise to favour a single one.  Yet Lootera's music is such a delight to the ears that you will just keep on your headphones on for hours.

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

The Camera was THE VINTAGE, I must say. It clicked a picture of Pakhi and Varun sited on either side of a sofa. It shows that even when there was love brimming between them, they were shy to sit close together even for a photo unlike the intimacy we have seen in recent decades.

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

Coming to The Last Leaf connection, it dramatically shows Varun attaching a drawn leaf to a tree so that ailing Pakhi, who believes she will die when the last leaf falls, does not fall at all. They still love each other after all the mishaps. Though killed by KN Singh, Varun saves Pakhi's life as an act of final repentance by giving her hope with the artificial leaf. 

(Courtesy: Indian Nerve)

I regard this film by Vikramaditya Motwane as a masterpiece in the Indian Film Industry. It still kind of makes a feel good factor and an inspiration to create quality content.

Until then. See you fellas. Signing off.