Imtiaz Ali, the man behind romantic films like Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met, Tamasha and Jab Harry Met Sejal, is back with a new film, Laila Majnu - a take on the classic love story from the Arabian Peninsula of Qays ibn al-Mullawah (Majnu) and Laila. Just that, the new Laila Majnu is directed by Imtiaz Ali's brother Sajid Ali and written by both brothers. The trailer of Laila Majnu released on August 7 and has got a good response.
The Sajid Ali directed film seems to have a distinct touch. Whether that is Imtiaz Ali's trademark touch, we shall see in the film. It is a new version of Laila Majnu is set in Kashmir. The film stars newcomers Avinash Tiwary as Kais also known as Majnu, the not-so-good-looking hero (as he says in the film) and Tripti Dimri as Laila.
Romeo and Juliet or Laila Majnu, the story remains the same - of a girl and boy deeply in love and whose families oppose their union. The lovebirds have to tackle both sides of the family, the violence and hatred. Will they survive?
The 1976 Laila Majnu film, directed by H S Rawail and starring Rishi Kapoor and Ranjeeta, may be difficult to beat with its scale, direction, and music by the late Madan Mohan and Jaidev, with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. It's a classic one cannot touch. But we think Sajid Ali is not even trying that. The new Laila Majnu seems on a smaller scale and a different version.
Recently we saw a tragic love story in the Jhanvi Kapoor-Ishaan Khatter film Dhadak, the remake of Marathi blockbuster film Sairat. It had a similar story of opposing families, like in the versions of Romeo and Juliet, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak or Ek Duje Ke Liye. Dhadak review: Janhvi Kapoor makes smashing debut, Ishaan Khatter is charming!
And now here's another tragic tale (we hope there's a happy ending) in Laila Majnu. Let's see how viewers receive it. Laila Majnu is produced by Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Motion Pictures and Pi Films. The film releases on September 7, 2018. Watch the trailer of Laila Majnu here and tell us if you like it!
