In our latest Creative Soul Club discussion which was in collaboration with The Read With Us Book Club, we explored the film Laapata Ladies, and the conversation was nothing short of illuminating. The film’s layered approach to themes of feminism and societal norms sparked an interesting conversation among our community members.
Collaborative discussion certainly helps uncover diverse perspectives!
Diverse “Happily Ever Afters”
One of the film’s most resonant themes was the idea that each person’s path to happiness is unique. The narrative contrasts the journeys of very different women, illustrating that “happily ever after” isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. This kind of portrayal emphasizes the freedom to define our own paths, rather than adhering to traditional expectations of success and contentment.
Gentle feminism through humour
Instead of loud declarations of independence, the film highlights how women navigate systemic constraints with subtle acts of defiance, personal choices, and small victories.
It uses humour to address the restrictive roles placed on women. This kind of tonality allows the film to tackle serious issues—such as women’s autonomy and societal expectations—without being overtly confrontational. The women’s resistance, often expressed through their banter, symbolizes a form of rebellion against patriarchal expectations.
For example, there is this scene where a character laughs about forgetting a favourite vegetable because she stopped preparing it as nobody else ate it in her family. This simple yet powerful moment underscores how women’s preferences can be overshadowed by putting everyone’s needs above their own. Another memorable scene was discussed where Phool, newly married, doesn’t know the address of her new home and Manjumai points out that even Chhotu, a young boy, knows where Salman Khan lives, but Phool is unaware of her own address. This moment subtly talks about the conventions of arranged marriages and the lack of agency given to women.
Critique of social norms
Our discussion also went into the film’s critique of societal norms. Many of us were impressed with Jaya’s ambition despite the grim realities she faced in a rural setting and her struggle to follow her dreams despite societal constraints.
On the other hand we also observed her struggle in certain areas despite her education and intelligence. Societal expectations and emotional dependencies persist, even among those who are otherwise empowered. Despite personal achievements, many still find themselves relying on others for validation or support, which sometimes we feel is alright.
Men breaking tradition in Laapata Ladies
One standout moment was Deepak’s unwavering support for Phool, which contrasted sharply with the judgment a woman who went missing would often face in society. Members compared this to stories like the Ramayana, where Sita had to prove her purity. In Laapata Ladies, Deepak’s belief in Phool broke away from that tradition, showing a more modern, compassionate perspective where women don’t need to prove their worth.
Also, Ravi Kishan, the gray character of the movie saw significant growth and didn’t go unnoticed by our viewers. His nuanced role provided a refreshing contrast to typical portrayals of authority figures in such films. He defied expectations of being patriarchal and showed that men can reform and be allies in feminist struggles.
Laapata Ladies brought to light personal reflections
Our discussion revealed how Laapata Ladies resonated on a personal level with many members, creating a space where they could share their own experiences. Real-life parallels emerged, with several members relating to the film’s themes—whether it was the cultural pressure to meet traditional milestones or the persistent gender gap. Each of us had either faced these challenges or knew someone who had, making the conversation feel deeply relatable and impactful.
The Creative Soul Club discussions always gives voice to diverse thoughts
We were thrilled to have this discussion after quite a while. A lot of talk and reviews on Laapata Ladies had been going around and the one hour we spent with our community brought to life so many perspectives and personal stories as people
These conversations offer more than just a space to analyze pop culture—they create a support system within our community where personal reflections and critical insights merge giving space to dialogues about the issues that matter to us all.
We need more movies/content that showcase the lived experience of women coming from different walks of life. Violence isn’t the only experience they have. They also have other experiences like wanting to do something the family does not approve of, being judged for being a housewife or living life on your own terms, etc. Freedom means a lot of different things to different women just the way it is seen in Laapata Ladies.
The right kind of storytelling can indeed illuminate and challenge our views of the world, right? That’s what Creative Soul Club discussions are all about.
