Lantrani (2024) is an Indian Hindi-language anthology film directed by Gurvinder Singh, Kaushik Ganguly, and Bhaskar Hazarika. The movie, which consists of three distinct stories, explores deep-rooted issues in rural India, such as queer harassment, caste discrimination, and the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its unique premise and strong performances, the anthology received mixed reviews for its uneven execution.
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Movie Overview
| Movie Name | Lantrani |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 9 February 2024 |
| Directed by | Gurvinder Singh, Kaushik Ganguly, Bhaskar Hazarika |
| Story By | Durgesh Singh |
| Screenplay By | Durgesh Singh, Kaushik Ganguly, Bhaskar Hazarika |
| Dialogues By | [Not Specified] |
| Produced by | [Not Specified] |
| Starring | Johnny Lever, Jitendra Kumar, Jisshu Sengupta, Nimisha Sajayan |
| Cinematography | [Not Specified] |
| Edited by | [Not Specified] |
| Music by | Vinod K Ram, Indraadip Das Gupta, Abhishek Jain |
| Production Companies | [Not Specified] |
| Distributed by | Zee5 |
| Running Time | 99 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | [Not Specified] |
| Box Office Collection | [Not Available] |
Plot
Lantrani features three short films, each directed by different filmmakers, and tied together by their exploration of social issues in India:
- Hud Hud Dabang (Directed by Kaushik Ganguly): This story revolves around a low-level cop (played by Johnny Lever) who is tasked with escorting a prisoner (played by Jisshu Sengupta). The film touches on themes of prejudice and discrimination, with a satirical approach that later shifts into a more serious tone.
- Dharna Mana Hai (Directed by Gurvinder Singh): This segment features Jitendra Kumar and Nimisha Sajayan and focuses on caste discrimination. The story follows a newly elected Sarpanch from a marginalized community who faces obstacles in wielding real power, leading to a dramatic protest.
- Sanitized Samachar (Directed by Bhaskar Hazarika): Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, this segment portrays a struggling news channel that compromises journalistic integrity to survive financially. The satire explores the absurdity of modern media practices, though it has been critiqued for its execution.
Cast
- Johnny Lever as Deelip (Hud Hud Dabang)
- Jitendra Kumar as Gomti Devi’s husband (Dharna Mana Hai)
- Nimisha Sajayan as Gomti Devi (Dharna Mana Hai)
- Jisshu Sengupta as the prisoner (Hud Hud Dabang)
- Boloram Das as a news anchor (Sanitized Samachar)
Production
Lantrani brings together three National Award-winning directors who contribute their unique visions to the anthology format. The film was shot in different parts of India, aiming to authentically portray the small-town and rural settings that are central to its stories. The directors focused on creating a blend of satire and social commentary, though the film has been critiqued for its uneven tone and pacing across the three segments.
Sound & Music
The music in Lantrani is composed by Vinod K Ram, Indraadip Das Gupta, and Abhishek Jain. The soundtrack reflects the film’s varied tones, from the satirical to the poignant. The music serves as a backdrop to the film’s exploration of societal issues, enhancing the emotional depth of each segment.
Reception
The film received a mixed response from critics. While some praised its ambitious approach and the performances of its cast, others found the execution lacking, particularly criticizing the screenplay’s unevenness. The film’s attempts to tackle serious social issues through satire were seen as both a strength and a weakness, depending on the segment.
Critical Reviews:
- India Today highlighted the film’s unique storytelling but noted that it had both hits and misses.
- High On Films mentioned that the anthology had a promising premise but ultimately failed to deliver consistently across its segments.
- Times Now pointed out that despite the talent involved, Lantrani felt like a missed opportunity due to its half-baked execution.
Conclusion
Lantrani is a bold attempt to address critical social issues through an anthology format, combining satire with serious commentary. While it doesn’t fully succeed in its execution, it remains a noteworthy film for its ambition and the performances of its ensemble cast. Those interested in socially conscious cinema may find it worth watching, though it may not appeal to everyone.
For more details and to watch the film, you can visit Zee5 where it’s currently streaming.
