Lajja

Lajja

This movie is very gripping and strong. It portrays a sense of loneliness yet unity among women. In other words, a woman (Manisha) feels neglected and goes on a journey to escape it. On the way, she finds women in similar situations and Manisha sees how they handle it. The woman Manisha portrays wants to prove that all women are united and just don't know how to express their feelings of neglect in a way that men and society will not condemn them. The characters in this movie are totally independent albeit linked. Manisha was a little unbalanced at first but as the movie continued her character became stronger and more patriotic. She seemed to be in search of self identity and whether she can escape prying eyes of men. Rekhaji was the most dominant character. She showed that even elder women are subjected to harassment. Her part left the audience wondering if there is any justice for women. Maduri was really interesting. Her role was vivacious yet serious. Mahima was also wonderful. She was given a small role yet powerful. Ajay Devgan balanced the movie. He wanted to show that not every man wants women to be treated like this. The movie is a little slow but the direction was well rounded and beautiful. It is a little biased but when Ajay Devgan enters he balances the equation. A couple of the songs were melodious and it was integrated with the story making it hard to fast forward some of the slow parts. Each scene tends to take some time to come to the point but the climaxes were well done.

Coincidentally, I watched Lajja and Matrubhoomi on two consecutive days. Both dealt with the male dominated society in India, womans inability to change it, and how the disparity goes unnoticed by both. Life continues as it has been for centuries, unquestioned, unchallenged. Vaidehi too follows the status quo, compliant and submissive as the story develops. Her husband makes it clear that she is valued as a child bearer only, and once his progeny is delivered, she is of no use to him. This is her cue to flee for her life, encountering several women who suffer unnecessarily at the behest of society or man's perverted whims. Well written, very well acted, each encounter is examined through her eyes, as well as those around her. Who will see what is right or wrong? Who will stand up for their own women, which women will learn to stand up for themselves? So many stars, worth watching over again!

Rajkumar Santoshi should be lauded for the subject he takes on, and deserves praise for not being faint-hearted about it. He is not afraid to show, literally, what happens to women in India. That being said, Santhoshi suffers a bit from his 'evangelism': like anyone who has found a true and important message, he tends to over-scream himself a bit: we hear dramatic strings suggesting dire traumas even when manisha in the beginning suffers just minor mishaps compared to the very real trauma we see later on. This overdoing it especially hinders the beginning of the film. The ending of the film is also completely unbelievable: why would Manisha return to Jackie Shroff? Why would Shroff have changed his views of womanhood? I guess its a Bollywood thing to give movies a happy ending, even though I know plenty of them that don't end happily. Then again, a realistic ending would probably have been too much - and in that sense, Santoshi should be excused somewhat for his mishaps, since any medium could not portray the real-live horrors he wants us to see. That said, I think praise should be given to Anil Kapoor and Ajay Devgan for really doing their job really well: they are true supporting actors, and they provide a sparkle of light and hope in a world which is for the rest completely dark. These two characters help Santoshi to make clear that not ALL men are bad, but he also gives these men sufficient lack of depth and somewhat above human proportions to make clear that us men still have some way to go before we are up to a normal, civilized standards. he makes them heroes somewhat, and intendedly so, since I guess he wants to inspire little Indian boys to be like them. The best acting however is done by the ladies. There's not much I can add to what has been said already: Mahima Chaudhary is able to keep it up, Manisha starts off a bit awkward but ends up very impressive - but the most impressive acting is done by Madhuri and Rekha: I can't decide whose performance I found better, but thankfully, I don't have to choose. Madhuri was good since she..well, dear god, she's always good! Completely natural, completely in character, and bringing that unique fire and spirit that is hers to every role. From the moment where she interrupts the Ramayana (and to be sure for western viewers, the revolt of the crowd thereafter isn't so unbelievable!) to speak her mind until she gets trampled by the angry crowd, she's just....goddess-like. And mind the little details she puts in her role: when Manisha wants to pick her up after she's been battered, Madhuri at first is also scared of Manisha: I actually felt the mortal fear she portrayed at that moment. And Rekha...wow! Let me rephrase that: WOW!!!! The moment she finds out her son was dating a higher caste girl, who happens to be the daughter of the village bad guy, she bursts out so...WOW!!!! It had my blood curdling, definitely. And then the rape-and-death scene. What made it so strong is that Rekha was actually able to portray how even the closest of friends suddenly become strange beasts: rapists and murderers. She pleas for mercy whilst at the same time she just literally bleeds mortal fear - true mortal fear. Her rendering of Ramdulari is truly, honestly of epic proportions - and I am talking Greek tragedy, Euripides-play epic proportions. Add to that the fact that this scene is based on true events - and you understand that after this scene, the movie has basically ended. But it didn't end: Santoshi made place for one more speech by Manisha (good call) and some weird scenes (bad call). But the attempt at a happy ending and the crappy job Santoshi does at it, does give you time to recover from what you've just witnessed. The sheer idiocy in it allows you to just barely smile at the friends you've watched it with again and be able to talk about what you just witnessed. And when you do, realize: what you've just witnessed is everyday reality still.

The core message is strong, the cast has given it their best shot, the packaging is excellent, but the screenplay is seriously over-dramatized and every cliche in the book on women's suffering in India has been over-used to the max.

I must admit I expected more from Raj Kumar Santoshi. While this film is being praised in some circles, I found it tedious and sermonizing. The acting is over-the-top, barring some fine work by Ajay Devgun. The actresses are all good woman oppressed by an unjust society. Almost all the male figures (barring our three heroes) are vicious caricatures. The scenes at Mahima's wedding are almost too much to bear. I understand the social value of such films, but surely they shouldn't be THIS black and white. Madhuri shines in a brief appearance and makes the proceedings partially palatable. Overall 3/10

This is got to be a classic of Hindi cinema. It is so well done, technically and performance-wise and the selection of the top-class female cast alone is a reason to like this film. But most of all it did an outstanding job of taking on a serious issue and yet produce a powerful work of art that shines. Right from the start, it is chilly, that cry of Ramdulai and the sari floating in the wind. This nightmare dream makes it clear that this is not going to be fun. The most disturbing events are shot in a frightening detail, but this is not a plain documentary like Bandit Queen, but is more elaborate as a movie for the common people. Thus the message is deeply moving but still bearable even to the more sensitive audience. The comedy and the action are well executed to lighten up the message, but they never become a purpose in themselves, and they always help in delivering the message of humanity, empowerment, and hope. Marvelous, simply marvelous! I give this a 10/10 without the slightest doubt. It outshines even the greatest movies of recent years, such as Pinjar, Lagaan or Swades, Earth, Mission Kashmir, Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se. But Lajja is not for everyone. As a westerner I will say especially that this is not a beginner's film to Hindi cinema. If you don't have a fundamental love for India (yet), you should not watch this, instead watch Swades or Lagaan first.

The Hindi directors are brilliant in depicting gory authenticity that an ordinary viewer is horrified to see on the screen, when even the thought of the same is difficult to fathom. The rape scene of the character of Rekha is something that will haunt any one with a conscience, not only her true portrayal but the ugliness and heinout extent of the crime. The movie has several parts to it each with its own pathetic ending. Madhuri Dixit, Urmila Matondkar have done a formidable job. But the ace is Rekha, whose perf. is truly to the core of the character. She is shown her true potential here. If you have a long day and looking for pure entertainment in the nature of Song&Dance number, this is a movie to avoid, since the brute violence is baffling and lingers and lasts long after the movie.

Santoshi is one of the few Indian directors who can touch the reality to its core. The story of the character played by Rekha is based on true story, but all the other stories are also very much based on true stories to some extent. Technically the film is great. Scenes to watch out for: Mahima kicking the 'baratis' @$$. Madhuri's (one of her best performances to date) well, her complete part is gripping right from where she's introduced dancing to Madhubala's 'Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya' to where she cries out her heart for loosing her child. Rekha pleading for help while the villains try to rape her (specially whn she mentions that one of the guy was like his son). There are many many scenes in the film worth an applause. all the actors (including character actors) are amazing. Anil Kapoor is worth mentioning. His character gave a little comic relief in this tragic story along with Jonny Lever.

Her Excellency Great Madam Urmila Matondkar has performed the best song of her life time. Aaye ye Aajaiye. Music is very good. His Excellency Great Mr. Jackie Shiroff has done very well in this song. An excellent song. Thanks and Regards.