'' LAILA MAJNU '' LARKS : FILM HONOURS

 

Nostalgic Journey : Imtiaz Ali's Laila Majnu, made a triumphant return to theatres on August 9. This modern retelling of the classic Persian Love Story transplants the picturesque yet troubled valleys of Kashmir.

When it first graced screens in 2018, Laila Majnu may not have set the box office on fire, but like a fine wine, it has aged beautifully.

The film marked the Bollywood debut of Triptii Dimri, who has since become one of the industry's  sought-after talents. Paired with the brooding intensity of Avinash Tiwary, their onscreen chemistry crackles with electricity of first love.

The lovers' struggle against familial opposition becomes a metaphor for the larger conflicts that have plagued the region.

The film's visual palette is a feast for the eyes, capturing the ethereal beauty of Kashmir's landscapes.

From snow-capped mountains to blooming gardens, the scenery becomes a character in itself, mirroring the passionate highs and devastating lows of Laila's and Qais's romance.

But it's not just the visuals that make Laila Majnu worth revisiting. Ali's screenplay deftly navigates the fine line between reverence for the original tale and contemporary relevance.

The addition of Qais's sojourn in London adds a globalised dimension to the story, reflecting the realities of a diaspora caught between the two worlds

The World Students Society thanks Manahil Tahira.