Ravi Kishan Decodes Laapataa Ladies Success In Times Of Dhurandhar, Border 2 - 'If Rs 5 Crore Film Went To Oscars...'

Ravi

Kishan, films like Laapataa Ladies give hope to Indian films at global platform. The seasoned actor, who played a memorable role in the 2023 film that became India's official entry to the Oscars that year, says such content-driven cinema sets an example against the high budget productions. Kishan is currently working on his new film, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! Fun on the Run, inspired by the hit TV show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. Apart from Hindi movies, Kishan has over a career spanning more than three decades, has achieved a successful run in mainly Bhojpuri cinema. In Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain's movie version, he plays a quirky role of a one-sided lover.

Ravi Kishan compares small films like Laapataa Ladies with Dhurandhar, Border 2

Ravi Kishan looked back at Laapataa Ladies, made at a humble budget by Kiran Rao, and starred Sparsh Shrivastava, Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Chhaya Kadam among others. Drawing parallels to small-budget successes, he told India Today, "If the film gains momentum by the 6th, it will be historic – much like how the movie Laapataa Ladies, made on a small budget of Rs 5 crore, went all the way to the Oscars. It would set an example that while big-budget films like Dhurandhar and Border 2 exist, small-budget projects like this one can also thrive, allowing every kind of filmmaker to survive."

Bollywood's filmmakers who stick to common-man stories

Calling the success of such small films encouraging, the 56-year-old actor added, "This is the beauty of the industry: there was a time when the films of Basu Chatterjee and Hrishikesh Mukherjee coexisted with those of Yash Chopra, Raj Khosla, and Manmohan Desai. Massive productions and Amol Palekar’s simpler films both found success."

Laapataa Ladies' uniqueness

Laapataa Ladies, also called Lost Ladies for international market, is set in 2001 rural India and follows the story of two young brides in rural India, Phool and Jaya, with stark opposite ideologies. After they accidentally get swapped on a crowded train due to their identical red attire and veils (ghoonghat), the film explores their separate, comical, yet profound journeys of self-discovery as they navigate new lives, confront patriarchal norms, and find their voices despite being separated from their intended husbands. The movie won hearts for blending humour with social commentary on women's agency and identity.

Ravi KIshan in Laapataa Ladies

Ravi Kishan plays the role of Sub-Inspector Shyam Manohar, a witty, tobacco-chewing, yet compassionate police officer investigating the case of the two missing brides, played by Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta. The actor even won several awards and accolades for his striking portrayal.