Laila Majnu (dir. Sajid Ali)

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In a musical performance by Javed Bashir, he sang, “kisi ne aa kaha Majnu tujhe Allah bulata hai, toh Majnu josh-e-wahshat mein ajab kissa sunata hai, Are nadan! bhala ye Qais Khuda ke paas kyun jaye, Khuda ko gar zarurat hai toh Laila ban ke aajaye”

This shaayari is exactly how I would frame Laila Majnu, a movie by Sajid Ali and a story by Imtiaz Ali. Only Ali can bring out the innately immortal romanticism and mysticism situated within a mortal love story. The legend of Laila & Majnu has seen countless adaptations during the centuries of its existence. This movie, however, attempts to capture the true essence of the star-crossed lovers; a love so unbound from human conditions that it transcends its human existence.

Avinash Tiwary, our Qais, our Majnu, has attempted to put his very best into his performance. He captures the maddened and misunderstood Qais who only sees Laila. His dialogue delivery in a transcendent state, makes us believe just how unconditional love must be that even the beloved isn’t needed for its realization. Tripti Dimri, is an appealing embodiment of Laila; in her tenderness for Qais, and in her rage to burn down the world which hurt Qais and their love.

The movie shot in Kashmir, is an apt geographical choice for its narrative. A love story situated in the serenity and heavenly beauty of the small towns of Kashmir. It synchronizes with the narrative in its natural omnipresence and purity, away from the loud and disruptive chaos of the rushing urban. The lyricism and musical compositions work their way into the narrative like silk, smoothly flowing and highlighting the enchanting storyline.

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The most Imtiaz Ali thing about this narrative is that it captures the epitome and magic of human emotions; the colours of love in their deepest shades staining the rational human existence. The narrative asks the viewers to not just look beyond the surface but to dive deep and get lost in depth for this is the true meaning of life. Laila and Qais, lose themselves within love and transcend the regulations, the rationality of a mortal world which confines them. Theirs is a love story which begins with the end because the end is not the full stop but an ellipsis.

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