Rediscovering Romance: Laila Majnu (2018), writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood cinema, love stories have always held a significant place, each bringing its own rendition of romance. However, very few films capture the raw, devastating essence of love quite like Laila Majnu (2018), directed by Sajid Ali and co-written by Imtiaz Ali, a filmmaker known for his deep dives into the emotional complexities of human relationships. While Laila Majnu didn’t garner mainstream success upon its release, it has since emerged as a cult favorite, with audiences and critics alike revisiting its timeless exploration of love, longing, and the madness that both sustains and destroys.

The story of Laila Majnu is rooted in Persian folklore, where the tale of Laila and Qais has been passed down as an epic of unfulfilled love. In this modern-day adaptation, the film transports viewers to the breathtaking yet politically volatile landscapes of Kashmir, where the romance between Laila (Tripti Dimri) and Qais (Avinash Tiwary) unfolds. Unlike the fairytale romances Bollywood often idealizes, this one is fierce and complicated. Here, love is an unstoppable force, one that both exhilarates and devours.

The filmmakers chose to set the tale in a contemporary setting to explore how societal structures, family expectations, and personal limitations shape relationships. While Laila and Qais face the traditional obstacles of family opposition and societal norms, their struggles also reflect the inner battles people face in love—between desire and destruction, possession and loss. The film reimagines romance as a tumultuous journey, often painful but deeply poetic.

The film’s stars, Tripti Dimri and Avinash Tiwary, were relatively unknown in mainstream cinema at the time of release. However, their nuanced performances transformed the film into a visual and emotional feast. Dimri, who portrays Laila, imbues the character with a spirited charm, capturing both her impulsiveness and her vulnerability. Her transformation from a free-spirited girl to a woman tormented by unrequited love is mesmerizing, and her portrayal brings a rare authenticity to Laila’s character.

Avinash Tiwary, as Qais, brings an intensity and emotional depth that is unforgettable. Qais’s descent into madness as he becomes consumed by love is portrayed with haunting precision. Tiwary’s performance channels the pain and transcendence of a lover on the edge, delivering a portrayal that resonates long after the credits roll. Their chemistry is palpable, and they elevate the story beyond mere tragedy, giving it the weight of a timeless romance.

Laila Majnu bears Imtiaz Ali’s signature approach to storytelling—an exploration of unrestrained emotions, self-discovery, and love that defies reason. Unlike his previous films like Jab We Met or Rockstar, where the characters find a semblance of redemption, Laila Majnu offers no such reprieve. Ali’s script dares to dive into the futility and agony of love, embracing the darker aspects that Bollywood typically avoids.

Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali craft a narrative that revels in love’s intricacies and paradoxes. There’s a madness in Qais’s love for Laila that becomes his undoing, a trait that Ali boldly presents without judgment. Love, for Qais, is not a bond to cherish but a consuming fire. And Laila, in her passionate surrender to Qais’s madness, becomes an embodiment of unconditional love. It’s this emotional intensity that makes Laila Majnu a story that stays with viewers, haunting them with its undiluted portrayal of romance and heartbreak.

The film’s cinematography, helmed by Sayak Bhattacharya, adds a lyrical quality to the unfolding tragedy. The scenic beauty of Kashmir is juxtaposed with the turbulence of the characters’ inner worlds, creating an atmosphere that is as captivating as it is melancholic. The landscapes serve not merely as a backdrop but as a silent witness to Laila and Qais’s tragedy, enhancing the storytelling with their beauty and isolation.

Laila Majnu is further elevated by its music, composed by Niladri Kumar and Joi Barua. The songs are not mere interludes but integral parts of the narrative, underscoring the characters’ emotions and the poetic nature of their love. Tracks like “Aahista” and “Sarphiri” are rich in melody and melancholy, capturing the essence of yearning and unrequited love. The music breathes life into the silent moments of the film, allowing the audience to feel the characters’ pain and joy.

While Laila Majnu struggled at the box office due to its unconventional approach, it found a devoted following over time. Fans have hailed it as one of Bollywood’s most sincere portrayals of love in recent years, and it resonates with a generation of viewers who understand that love is as much about pain as it is about pleasure. Many cinephiles have returned to the film on streaming platforms, captivated by its emotional depth and unique perspective on romance.

In a landscape dominated by formulaic love stories, Laila Majnu stands as a rare gem, a film unafraid to embrace the complexities of passion, even if it leads to heartbreak. Its legacy lies in its refusal to offer a happy ending or easy answers, instead leaving audiences with a tale of love that, though tragic, is beautifully honest.

Laila Majnu is a film that defies conventional romantic storytelling in Bollywood, presenting a love that is both wondrous and devastating. Through breathtaking performances, stunning visuals, and a soulful soundtrack, it explores the idea of love as an all-consuming force, one that demands everything from those who experience it. The film has left an indelible mark on modern audiences, reminding them that, sometimes, the truest expression of love is not in possession but in surrender. As the years pass, Laila Majnu continues to be celebrated as a cinematic ode to the madness and beauty of unrequited love, securing its place as one of Bollywood’s most poignant and unforgettable romantic tragedies.