As an Indian we are used to watch movies which are very commercial i.e. It must have item song, a story and a happy ending as well. But this beautiful Irani movie ‘Leila’ is certainly very different from Bollywood Cinema. If we first of all go onto the story Leila , Directed by Dariush Mehruji , the story revolves around Leila, living in modern day Tehran, with her husband Reza. Newlywed and very happy till the couple discover that Leila is infertile at which point her mother-in-law starts pressuring Leila to let her husband Reza, take a second wife. Reza is opposed to the idea, and tries to convince Leila that he is in love with her and can do with without a child. But Leila, under the constant pressure of her mother-in-law and gives in to the idea of her husband meeting potential brides. Given that they are partners in everything, Leila accompanies Reza on his trips to meet these potential second wives. There are some comic moments, when on the way back from the meetings Leila and Reza rip these women apart. But finally, one of those trips, Reza confesses that the woman was pretty, nice and hard to make fun. It is at this point that Leila’s world starts coming apart. She discovers she cannot handle sharing Reza after all. Leila is portrayed with a dignity and beauty which was very touching. Her quiet acceptance of what is coming, and her efforts to convice herself that she could actually stand sharing her husband reminded me of the quiet desperation that I have sometimes seen in Indian women. Different situations, but the same underlying story. The only difference I see is a happy ending. Till last movement of the story she does not accepts to go to her husband's house again. The story ends with Leila not accepting the his husband and his daughter. In spite of leaving his second wife Reza was not accepted by Leila. If I sight this in Indian prospective it must have ended as a happy ending. But this movie is beautiful not only the story but also the picturisation. The script is interesting and in spite of not more locations like Indian movies Director is able to continue the interest in the movie. The editing of the movie is interesting too. All emotions are depicted well by the actors in the movie. Overall I found this movie great not only regarding the story, script but it continues to build interest and picturisation, framing, cinematography everything is brilliant.
Prateek Pathak
Student
B.A in Media Studies
University of Allahabad
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