Finding that balance of logic and magic

Aamir Khan with Kiran Rao

Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies, which sees her return to direction almost 13 years after Dhobi Ghat (2011), has a premise that is as fascinating as it is unusual - a rural young man's life takes a tumultuous turn when his new bride is unexpectedly switched. The social comedy is written by Sneha Desai, who has penned many popular TV shows, including Pushpa Impossible and Wagle Ki Duniya. She says that the film was started during the lockdown when comedy was the need of the hour. "The central idea was from Biplab Goswami, who submitted it for the Cinestaan India's Storytellers Competition. Aamir Khan, being on the jury, selected the story and offered it to me to develop the screenplay and dialogues. The storyline was so rich that crafting the first draft was swift. After that, we delved into the process of refining it further," recounts Desai.

The movie premièred at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival

That's when the director came in, bringing her insight and sensitivity into the story that has been brought alive on screen by Sparsh Shrivastava, Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel. Desai shares, "Kiran ma'am possesses remarkable sensitivity and wisdom as a filmmaker. She has a clear vision about the kind of narratives she wants to be part of. Her approachable nature instantly put me at ease. Together, we fine-tuned the script and characters, ensuring each had a distinct arc and impact."

Writing a social comedy when our society is so sensitive cannot be easy. The trick then lies in the fine balance. "A social comedy requires a delicate balance. Humour should naturally emerge from the characters, their interactions, and their situations. India's diverse socio-cultural landscape offers ample material to draw from. The key is to avoid being contrived, and authenticity is crucial. This film is a mystery, thriller, and social satire, all woven into one."

With Laapataa Ladies, Desai has not only found her debut feature film, but also mentors in Rao and producer Aamir Khan. Describing Khan as one of the "most astute producers", she says, "Aamir sir was involved in every aspect, from story development to marketing strategies. His feedback is thorough, and rooted in both logic and creativity. He strives for a perfect balance between rationale and magic. Kiran ma'am and Aamir sir have been nurturing mentors, guiding me with care."