Oct 19, 2007 12:03 PM
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LCMD was a much awaited film moreso because it comes from the Yashraj Banner. The effort by Pradeep Sarkar touches the heart but there are still lacunae that could have the made the film a pacier affair. The first half builds the journey of Badki(Rani) from Varanasi to Mumbai. A lower middle class family is in the throes of financial crisis because the egoistic father(Anupam Kher) has a tiff and his pension is stopped. His haveli is also in legal dispute with his younger brother(Tinu Anand) and his son. The mother(Jaya) stitches clothes to feed the family while the frustrated father just laments the absence of a son in the family. In this background and growing problems, Rani decides to go to Mumbai and work for the family and prove herself to be no lesser than a boy. She lies that she has secured a job in Mumbai. After landing she faces many problems so typical of Mumbai- of stay, of work. Not able to adjust to the work she is thrown out everywhere she goes as she is not educated and cannot speak in English. Tired she meets a boss who promises her work only after she sleeps with him. She calls her mother but in a weak moment Jaya asks her to do whatever but earn and not come back to Varanasi. She sleeps with the boss but he later refuses to give her work. She then turns into a high class esc*rt and makes loads of money. Meets Abhishek in Switzerland and abandons him for a "call".
The family is happy with the money they get and all the needs are fulfilled.The problem starts when Chutki(Konkona) gets a job at Mumbai and comes to stay with her sister. She falls in love with her colleague Kunal Kapoor at work and both wish to get married.One day when she finds out what her sister is doing she realizes that the family has enjoyed her wealth but had not cared for her all the while. The marriage of Konkona is fixed at Varanasi but Jaya asks Rani not to come lest the relatives wag their tongues and the marriage is cancelled .But Konkona insists that Rani come to Varanasi.
Cut to varanasi- Elder brother of Kunal, Abhishek also reaches for the marriage and proposes to Rani. Rani refuses saying that she is not fit for him. On the insistence of Konkona and Jaya she reveals her background as an esc*rt. Abhishek insists on marrying her and the efforts of Tinu and his son to make public the background of Rani are thwarted by the two brothers.
The movie has good performances by Rani who is beautiful and goes through the role with the usual ease. She is one of the finest actresses in the bollywood scene today. Konkona as her strong willed sister is equally good and complements Rani's performance. Anupam and Jaya are veteran's at delivering cameos. Abhishek and Kunal are like whiffs of fresh air when thefilm starts getting monotonous.
The music is just about okay and could have done better. The film is based on performances. The first half is more on the heavier side and could have done well with some lighter interludes.There are some lessons to be learnt . One prepare for your retirement well in advance and Girl or boy does not make a difference.
