- As Laila Majnu completes six years today, we write why the film's recent release in theatres and the love it got was a kind of poetic justice for its makers and its fans.
Six Years Of Laila Majnu: As I sat in the theater watching Laila Majnu and bracing myself for the scene where Qais lays eyes on Laila after four long years, a man beside me whispered to his friend, 'Watch this scene.' Later, as I exited the theater, I overheard a woman gushing to her friend, 'Why didn't I watch this film sooner? It's incredible!' This is what it means to experience 'Laila Majnu' on the big screen – a shared catharsis for those who've cherished this film for years, long before its cult status, for the minority who saw its beauty when the world didn't. Now, Instagram reels overflow with fans who've finally witnessed it in theaters, many of whom missed it in 2018.
How it is for Laila Majnu fans to watch the film in theatre
'Laila Majnu' was a whispered secret for years, a film cherished by a dedicated few. When released, it was a box office failure, over the years the film reached its audience and now has a cult fan following. The film's re-release in Srinagar ignited a nationwide demand, and on July 7, it reappeared in theaters across the country. Its re-release felt like a long-overdue homecoming. This time, it's not just a movie – it's a validation of the enduring love of its fans. Theaters are now filled with a diverse audience—die-hard fans reliving cherished moments and newcomers discovering the emotional tale of love.
For the film’s fans, it is not just like watching any movie for the first time, it is more like reliving the emotions. Those people are introducing friends to the heart-wrenching tale, so they can feel what they feel.
Watching Qais, Laila, every scene, and every song in the theatre is a collective experience of all those who have been watching, re-watching, and recommending this film to others since 2018. Avinash Tiwary, who masterfully portrayed Qais, thanked the viewers, saying it's personal for the audience too. He wrote, “Thank you for all the love... I have always believed there is a huge segment of audience that doesn't raise its voice... but Jo nahi bolte,Woh jab Bolte hain toh Kya Kamaal Bolte hain! Thank you to the audience...This is your victory...I know it was personal for you.”
He's right; this film has become an emotion over the years.
Why Laila Majnu deserves all the love
The love for the film is not misplaced, there is a reason it has got immense love over the years and has now been re-released. Despite Avinash and Triptii's growth in their careers and appreciation the have received for their recent works, the love they've got for Laila Majnu remains uniquely special. In a recent press conference, they expressed feeling vindicated by the film's current success, a sentiment echoed by fans who've cherished it for years. The heartbreak of its initial underappreciation has finally healed, not just for the lead actors but for the entire Laila Majnu family – the fans who've loved and advocated for it.
Here’s why the film is getting its recognition which was long due:
Love and longing is a universal language
Love is a universal language. The tale of Qais and Laila's love story, masterfully woven by Sajid Ali, resonates deeply with audiences. As we witness their journey, we see reflections of our own experiences - the rush of first love, the ache of longing, and the heart-wrenching pain of separation. We find ourselves in Qais's heartache and Laila's tender yet resilient heart, torn between love and family.
Music
Laila Majnu would not have been Laila Majnu without its music. The melodies of Niladri Kumar, Joi Barua, and Alif, perfectly complemented by Hitesh Sonik's background score, transport us to a world of intense emotions and longing. The music album is a timeless masterpiece, a treasure trove of emotions that never fade.
Performances
Since 2018, Avinash Tiwary has proved his mettle as an actor ample of times now. The actor is phenomenal in Laila Majnu, his transformation from a carefree lover to a heartbroken, depressed soul, and finally, to being consumed by a divine love, stays with you long after the credits roll. Triptii Dimri, with her sensitive performance, brings Laila to life. Despite being bound by familial ties, her love for Qais shines through, making our hearts ache for the star-crossed lovers.
Laila Majnu’s resurrection in the theatres proves that sooner or later art and artists get their due. For all the fans who have carried the film all this year in their heart, it is a chance to rectify what they didn’t do in 2018 – making the film a box-office success. This film is a reminder that true love and art can never be denied their rightful place.
(PS: The writer has watched Laila Majnu several times over the years)