Tikli and Laxmi Bomb

Having read the book, and already interacted with Aditya, Vibhawari, and Chitrangada in the past, when I saw updates on social media about the film being screened at the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2018, I could not have missed it. And talk about the power of cinema, the impact of which doubles when it's good cinema that few scenes into the film, and my mind isolated from all the premature impressions.

Tikli and Laxmi Bomb (TALB) is a powerful story that revolves around the lives of two sex workers. But does the plot focus on misery? No. Sadness is one of the many emotions that they experience, just as how it is for you and I - their world doesn't function around it. And so where one would expect a grievous touch to the said subjective content, TALB subjects you to the odd similarities that a prostitute's life struggles possess with any other woman's. A strong knock at the door of omnipresent patriarchy, it uncurtains the reality of the sex world, where men exploit women at every step, be it in the face of client, pimp, contractor, or police.

Laxmi, the protagonist, has been in the trade for two decades. And though time led her to make peace with the environment outside, but it's the in-head war that keeps her at unrest. Gestures that reflect a faint senior aura, but innocent and naïve from within, her simpleness would often find a window out of her coyness. And something about those hidden layers will make you want to hold her hand and look forward to what next. The entry of the young and cheerful Putul a.k.a Tikli, who's half of Laxmi's age, brings with it a spark of revolution in the trade, and if you look at it beyond your sight, also in Laxmi's personal life. Which makes it an interesting watch to find how they together challenge the prevalent system, and fight for their safety and the right to self-run a corporate.

The characters touch your heart, and the woman-to-woman connect that they draw without your conscious realization will have your heart quiver in the scenes zooming in on a man touch 'her' without consent. Engrossed in their stories, you will find yourself experiencing their pain and laughter. But most important, their struggle to combat the patriarchal violence that draws a parallel with the feminist movement, will strike a chord in you.

Aditya has done a commendable job whether it is about the conception of the story, or his maiden attempt at screen direction. The way the characters are conceived, it will give you an insight of the thought that has gone in the plot. I could recall him saying, "The kind of reach films have, it is a platform that needs to be explored for the betterment of our society". He clearly didn't write TALB driven by the thought that he ought to bring a change, which by the way would have distorted the whole point - he simply chose to address an issue and let his words and direction take action. And in my raw opinion, the opportunity of having the audience at your disposal couldn't be served better.

Parting thoughts? The two and a half hours made me go through a whirlwind of emotions, and I stepped out of the theatre with too many tabs (still) open in my mind. And needless to say, totally in sync with the director's thought chain - "The story of Tikli and Laxmi Bomb speaks of a revolution that may seem too far-fetched in reality, but it hopes to at least plant the desired revolutionary seed in the minds of people."

Tikli and Laxmi Bomb is about an issue which we all are aware of but no one wants to talk about. Director and writer Aditya Kriplani has been brave on choosing this topic. While watching this movie you will feel that there is a lot of research done by the director. Aditya Kripalani has tried to deev dive into social issue of prostitution and the continuous struggle of prostitutes. It is because of his attempt to capture each and every aspect of this issue the movie feels a bit stretched especially the revolt of prostitutes against the system designed and ruled by men. The best thing about the writing and direction of Aditya Kriplani is that he is able to establish a connection between the characters and audience especially the lead cast Putul played by very talented Chitrangada Chakraborty . In scenes where Putul is being tortured and harassed by Police and goons the audience will start feeling for her. The audience will also feel happy where Putul is able to win over her rivals. The credit for these has to be given to both the actors and the filmmakers. The director has played very smart in the climax. The director choose to leave the ending very open to tell that the struggle of this section of society (Prostitutes) against the Patriarchy is an ongoing struggle and if there is any solution to this, then that is still to be found. So, all the moviegoers who would be hoping for a conclusive ending has to remain disappointed. The movie has got some violence but that has to be there as it was the need of the story. The director has managed to shoot the movie without any nude and sex scenes. Most of the sex and nude scenes are captured through gestures of hand and faces. This decision by filmmakers and director has to be applauded as shooting a movie based on prostitution without explicit sex and nude scenes is always going to be difficult. This saved the movie from any kind of vulgarity. The impression of movie will remain in audiences mind for some time after they left the theatre mostly because of the hard hitting approach the director has taken to deal with subject.

One of the unusual, extraordinary and exceptional piece of work flawless casting and each of the characters whether small or lead they have influenced and created impact in their own way background score totally engaging direction is fresh, and looks like actors are given liberty to portray it the way they want it

coming to the movie 2 lead characters: laxmi and tikli i am in love with them and ofcourse the movie...What a bond and performances...Each time they win or get success i felt very happy...Even the small characters like A.T , More , Shinde, Chaiwala have created their own area of victory there are many small punches only if u get it most of the corporate strategies are covered in very raw manner and u will be able to find it that the use of technology and offers are made to attract clients. many things to write

I recommend this movie strongly

Before I even watched it, i thought this film was yet another pseudo depiction of a section of society we don't really know of, their reality shown as a dramatic event in a one off feature. But it moved my guts upside down to see how real it was and made me squirm. The actors are extremely talented and show it in every scene. It's a must watch, it's a story of courage and pain and about bringing change in a rotten system.

The best thing about this movie is the ending was totally unpredictable. It's the type of movie which could be a theatrical release but of course they would lose some freedom in order to do that coz u have to add some masala in Bollywood movies so that it can be a commercially hit. It's a pure piece of a work. Recommend.