Looking for a movie that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking? Look no further than “Lantrani,” a compelling anthology film that takes you on a satirical journey through the heart of rural India.
Story
“Lantrani” isn’t your typical feature film. Instead, it presents three distinct stories, each directed by a National Award-winning filmmaker and focusing on a different social issue plaguing rural India. The beauty lies in the variety – from bureaucratic absurdity to caste discrimination and the perils of media manipulation.
Cast & Crew
| Director | Story Title | Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Kaushik Ganguly | Hud Hud Dabangg | Johnny Lever, Jisshu Sengupta |
| Gurvinder Singh | Dharna Mana Hai | Jitendra Kumar, Nimisha Sajayan |
| Bhaskar Hazarika | Sanitized Samachar | Sanjay Mahanand |
Review
The film kicks off with “Hud Hud Dabangg,” a powerful story by Kaushik Ganguly. Johnny Lever, a veteran comedian, delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as a kind-hearted policeman tasked with escorting a prisoner. The journey forces him to confront his own biases and the absurdity of the system. This first story sets the bar high, balancing humor with a poignant message that lingers long after the credits roll.
The second story, “Dharna Mana Hai” by Gurvinder Singh, tackles caste discrimination. Jitendra Kumar shines as a supportive husband who stands by his wife, a newly elected Dalit Sarpanch (village head) struggling to gain respect in a prejudiced society. Their silent protest, a powerful symbol of resistance, unfolds beautifully without a single word spoken.
The final act, “Sanitized Samachar” by Bhaskar Hazarika, takes a hilarious yet critical look at the media. A struggling local news channel desperate for funding accepts sponsorship from a dubious hand sanitizer company. While the story exposes the dangers of fake news and media manipulation, the ending feels slightly weaker compared to the others.
Verdict
“Lantrani” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a captivating triptych that sheds light on the social issues plaguing rural India, leaving a lasting impression long after the final scene.