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Beauty of the female gaze


Bhojpuri cinema luminary, Ravi Kishan, steps into an unfamiliar yet rewarding scenario in his latest on-screen venture under the directorship of Kiran Rao. Known for his extensive body of work across numerous film industries, Kishan graces the storyline of “Laapataa Ladies”, sharing the rare experience of working with a woman director and celebrating Rao’s intricate attention to detail.

“Laapataa Ladies” is a narrative woven around the unforeseen circumstance of two brides being inadvertently swapped on their voyage to their new husbands’ villages. Filmed against the backdrop of Madhya Pradesh, the storyline delves into the consequent chaos and the ensuing search led by Kishan’s character – a whimsically astute police officer entrusted with locating one of the misplaced brides.

The approach Rao took to materialize this social comedy has struck a chord with Kishan, who deems the experience refreshingly insightful. “Kiran ji brought a fresh perspective to the set, and her direction was both insightful and collaborative. Her attention to detail and creativity added depth to the storyline,” he asserts. Kishan values his role as a director’s actor, one who thrives under the clear vision and guidance provided by the filmmaker. He attributes the ease of portraying his character to Rao’s precise understanding of the story and its characters, mirroring her directorial prowess.

Although Kishan’s character was initially set to make a brief appearance, the creative team had a change of heart, recognizing his thespian potential. The role was then significantly expanded, shaping a more complex and prominent figure within the narrative. Sources reveal that despite the character’s simplicity in early drafts, the conviction was strong amongst the team that an actor of Ravi Kishan’s caliber deserved a more substantial role. With confidence in his dramatic artistry, the creative team enriched his character portrayal, to which Kishan promptly and enthusiastically consented.

Kiran Rao, whose directorial foray began with the critically acclaimed “Dhobi Ghat” in 2011, has not only summoned the actor’s versatile talent but also provided an environment where Kishan’s character could evolve beyond its original conception. Ramos’ intuitive filmmaking and Kishan’s seasoned acting skills promise an engaging and humor-filled exploration of societal norms in “Laapataa Ladies.”

The industry stalwart cherishes this as one of his most pivotal works – a testament not merely to his adaptability as an actor but also to the unique sensitivity a woman director can bring to the set. Kishan’s seasoned career has prepared him for a wide spectrum of roles, and it is within such innovative and directed projects that he finds spaces to reinvent and immerse himself entirely.

As the anticipation around the film’s release grows, both audience and critics alike are eager to witness the dynamic that has unfolded between Rao’s meticulous vision and Kishan’s richly crafted performance. “Laapataa Ladies” is not simply a depiction of a societal comedy; it heralds a celebration of the artistic synergy born from a shared commitment to storytelling. With Kishan’s acknowledgment of Rao’s unparalleled detail-oriented direction, the film promises to leave an indelible mark on the canvas of Indian cinema.