Lootera - 2013

Introduction 

Vikramaditya Motwane's innovative picture 'Lootera,' which is about humans navigating a world where trust is brittle and repercussions are upsetting, takes us on a mesmerising journey where love and betrayal collide. The Last Leaf by O. Henry served as the inspiration for the picture, which unfolds with grace, elegance, and a hauntingly beautiful story. The story takes place in early 1950s India, which was torn between the demands of freedom and the lingering effects of colonialism. A gifted and mysterious archaeologist named Varun Shrivastav, played by the alluring Ranveer Singh, arrives in the sleepy village of Manikpur to unearth its rich historical riches in this unstable environment.

Table of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Casting

• Crew

• Character analysis

• Songs

• Box office collection

• Awards

• Interesting facts

Details

Plot 

The tragic love story 'Lootera' takes place in the 1950s. Archaeologist Varun moves to Manikpur and develops feelings for the creative young woman Pakhi. Varun, however, is a part of a nefarious plot to steal Pakhi's family's valuables. Varun is assumed to be dead when the truth is revealed, breaking Pakhi's heart. Years later, Varun makes a repentant comeback, forcing Pakhi to choose between forgiveness and retaliation. Love, betrayal, and redemption are themes that are explored in this visually magnificent and emotionally compelling story.

Release

Play

'Lootera' was a highly anticipated film that captivated cinephiles and Bollywood fans equally with its intriguing plot, talented cast, and imaginative director. The film, produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, was released in India on July 5, 2013.

The marketing campaign for the film focused on conjuring a sense of nostalgia and mystique, luring viewers into the enchanting 1950s world. Promotional materials, such as posters and trailers, highlighted the film's breathtaking cinematography, which captured the vintage charm and magnificence of the era.

'Lootera' received widespread praise from both critics and audiences upon its release. The film was praised for its captivating narrative, immaculate production design, and emotionally stirring performances. The compelling performances of Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha as their respective characters immersed the audience in the emotional turmoil of their voyage.

The release of 'Lootera' signified a major turning point in the careers of its performers and crew. It cemented Vikramaditya Motwane's reputation as a competent director with a distinct sense of storytelling. The nuanced performances of Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha were praised, demonstrating their versatility as actors.

Reviews

'Lootera' is a cinematic masterpiece that profoundly affects the audience. Vikramaditya Motwane's direction is flawless, immersing the audience in a visually striking and emotionally charged narrative. Sonakshi Sinha excels with her nuanced performance, while Ranveer Singh delivers a career-defining performance. 'Lootera' is a must-see for movie buffs in search of a timeless tale of love, duplicity, and redemption due to its exquisite production design, evocative music, and compelling storytelling.

With magnificent visuals and a melancholy undertone, 'Lootera' illustrates the complexity of human emotions and relationships. The film explores the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one's choices. As Pakhi confronts her past and Varun battles for his redemption, their journey becomes a potent examination of the enduring power of love and the human capacity for change.

In 'Lootera,' love is put to the test, ties are severed, and spirits are redeemed. This film reminds us that despite heartbreak and betrayal, there is hope for healing and the possibility of discovering solace in the most unexpected locations.

Casting 

• Sonakshi Sinha as Pakhi Roy Chaudhary

• Ranveer Singh as Varun Srivastava a.k.a. 'Vijay' Atmanand 'Nandu' Tripathi

• Barun Chanda as Zamindar Soumitra Roy Chaudhary

• Vikrant Massey as Devdas 'Dev' Mukherjee

• Arif Zakaria as A. K. Bajpai

• Adil Hussain as Inspector K. N. Singh

• Divya Dutta as Shyama

• Shirin Guha as Devyani

Crew

• Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane

• Produced by Anurag Kashyap, Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor and Vikas Bahl

• Cinematography by Mahendra J. Shetty

• Edited by Dipika Kalra

• Music by Amit Trivedi

• Written by Bhavani Iyer

Character Analysis

• Varun Shrivastav (Ranveer Singh):Varun is a complex and enigmatic character in 'Lootera.' As an archaeologist, he is driven by a passion for uncovering historical treasures, but beneath his charming exterior lies a deep secret. Ranveer Singh delivers a mesmerizing performance, portraying Varun's internal conflict with finesse. He captures the character's vulnerability, charisma, and the weight of his remorse, making Varun a compelling and multidimensional protagonist.

• Pakhi Roy Chaudhary (Sonakshi Sinha):Pakhi is a spirited and artistic young woman who falls deeply in love with Varun. Sonakshi Sinha brings grace and vulnerability to her portrayal of Pakhi, capturing her innocence and her emotional journey. From the vivacious and free-spirited girl to the heartbroken and determined woman seeking justice, Sonakshi's performance is both captivating and emotionally resonant.

• Zamindar Roy Chaudhary (Barun Chanda): Zamindar Roy Chaudhary is Pakhi's father, a wealthy landowner. Barun Chanda brings gravitas and authority to the character, portraying him as a strict yet caring patriarch. His performance highlights the conflicts faced by a father trying to protect his daughter while dealing with the consequences of Varun's actions.

Songs

Box Office Collection

During its theatrical run, 'Lootera' brought in a respectable amount of money at the box office. The movie was praised for its artistic merits and storytelling, but it didn't have a lot of commercial success.

When 'Lootera' opened in theatres on July 5, 2013, it had a lot of competition because it had the same release date as other movies. The unique plot and the movie's niche appeal may have also restricted its appeal to a wider audience, contributing to its comparatively poor box office results.

Although exact amounts may differ, 'Lootera' is said to have made around 34 crore (around $5 million) globally. While the movie didn't become a blockbuster, it did amass a devoted following and continue to be praised for its fine craftsmanship and moving narrative long after it was first released.

Awards

Interesting Facts

• 'Lootera' is loosely based on O. Henry's short story 'The Last Leaf,' showcasing the adaptation of the classic tale into an Indian period drama.

• The film marked the second collaboration between director Vikramaditya Motwane and actor Ranveer Singh, who previously worked together in the critically acclaimed film 'Band Baaja Baaraat.'

• Ranveer Singh underwent a physical transformation for his role in 'Lootera.' He lost a significant amount of weight and changed his hairstyle to portray the character of Varun convincingly.

• Sonakshi Sinha, known for her mainstream commercial roles, surprised audiences with her portrayal of Pakhi in 'Lootera.' The film showcased her versatility as an actress, earning her critical acclaim for her performance.

• The movie's title, 'Lootera,' translates to 'Thief' in English, foreshadowing the element of deception and betrayal in the storyline.

• The film's cinematography, done by Mahendra J. Shetty, received widespread appreciation. The beautifully composed frames and the vintage aesthetic of the film added to its visual appeal.

• 'Lootera' features a soul-stirring soundtrack composed by Amit Trivedi. Songs like 'Sawaar Loon' and 'Zinda' became chartbusters and added emotional depth to the narrative.

• The film's production design meticulously recreated the 1950s era, capturing the essence of the time period. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and props contributed to the film's authentic and immersive experience.

• Director Vikramaditya Motwane drew inspiration from classic Hollywood films and Indian literature while crafting the narrative of 'Lootera,' infusing it with a timeless and poetic quality.

• Despite its moderate commercial success at the box office, 'Lootera' gained a cult following over the years. It has been recognized as a hidden gem in Indian cinema, admired for its artistic merits, compelling performances, and emotional depth.

In conclusion, 'Kesari' is a powerful and stirring movie that vividly depicts the remarkable historical narrative of the Battle of Saragarhi. The film honours the bravery, sacrifice, and steadfast spirit of the 21 Sikh troops who confronted overwhelming odds with its potent performances, magnificent images, and compelling narrative. The captivating and uplifting performance by Akshay Kumar as Havildar Ishar Singh shows the character's development from an obedient soldier to an unflappable leader.

The production design, visual effects, and meticulous attention to detail in the movie accurately reproduce the ancient environment and transport the audience to the untamed landscape of Saragarhi. The music and background score enhance the emotional impact, which perfectly capture the spirit of valour and patriotism. 'Kesari' skillfully strikes a balance between the characters' individual experiences and the greater historical background, producing an engrossing and moving cinematic experience.

'Kesari' is ultimately more than just a military drama. It honours the unbreakable spirit of the human spirit and shows the strength of bravery, community, and sacrifice. It has an enduring impact because it serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by the warriors who fought for the principles and ideas they cherished. The Battle of Saragarhi will live on and continue to inspire future generations because of the pride and admiration that 'Kesari' instills via its narration.