75. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga; movie review

EK LADKI KO DEKHA TOH AISA LAGA
Cert 12A
120 mins
BBFC advice: Contains references

Earlier this week I was proud that the England cricket captain put down the wind-up of an opponent by stating that "there is nothing wrong in being gay."
His comments hit headlines because, even in 2019, homophobia still needs to be stamped out.
I have noted very different attitudes towards gay people in world film.
In the Phillippines, for example, attitudes must be more liberal if their movies are anything to go by.
Meanwhile, Indian cinema has been incredibly insensitive to the LGBT community, often making the type of jokes which would rile Joe Root.
Indeed, its stereotypes are alpha-male, playing opposite very feminine female leads.
Therefore, Shelly Chopra Dhar has to be congratulated not only for breaking down barriers but creating a really engaging movie to make a much-needed point.
Sonam Kapoor also took a big risk by playing the central character, Sweety, who is trying to bat off the inevitable parental match-making because she is in love with another girl.
The first half of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga sees a struggling young writer (Rajkummar Rao) going to great lengths to vie for her affections without knowing her sexuality.
This conjures plenty of comedy moments which prompted laughs from Mrs W and myself as well as a good-sized crowd at Leicester Odeon.
Kapoor's real-life dad, Anil, plays her father who is very traditional in all spheres except his desire to cook which is scorned by mother (Madhumalti Kapoor).
All are oblivious to Sweety's truth except her brother (Abhishek Duhan) who aggressively tries her to change course.
Dhar's movie's serious point and prompted a few gasps from the audience but it is not po-faced.
Instead, it pokes a fair bit of fun at traditional Punjabi views and has a cast which is full of zest and keeps it largely light-hearted.
However, it won't be for the gags and songs that it is remembered. This could be a turning point for mainstream Indian cinema.
Let's hope so.

Reasons to watch: A rare boundary-pusher from Bollywood and good fun too
Reasons to avoid: It is all a tad twee at the finale

Laughs: Four from us - more for others in the audience
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 8/10

Did you know? This marks the first film collaboration between real-life father and daughter Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.


The final word. Sonam Kapoor: "I accepted Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga before I knew my dad was going to be offered it. For me, it’s always about the screenplay and script. Dad and I have been offered films together before. But nothing that was as compelling as this." 

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