LEKHA SHANKAR

‘LOOTERA'  is the second film of  talented, young Indian director Vikramaditya Motwane ,whose debut movie ‘Udaan’ was screened at the prestigious Cannes Festival in 2010.

While that film dealt with a volatile father-son relationship, this film deals with a close father-daughter relationship, and is loosely based on the O Henry short story ‘The Last Leaf.’

Motwane's pulled off another well-made film, although the two sections of the movie almost seem like two different genre- movies! The'yre totally different,in terms of theme, tone, characters, visuals. The first half is a grand, warm, old-world romance ,while the second half is a taut, cold,murder –mystery thriller!  

The music,cinematography are arresting, as also the performances, in particular lead-actress Sonakshi Sinha (daughter of famous action-hero 'Shotgun' Shatrughan Sinha) , who has a dream-role and sinks her teeth deeply into it. An excellent springboard for this attractive and talented actress.

Actor Ranveer Singh does not have the looks of  a Bollywood hero, and also has the disadvanatage of a bad voice. But he has been noted for his off-beat roles (' 'Band Baaja Baraat', ‘Ladies vs Ricky Behl' ). His is a challenging role in this film ,as it's an intense 'gray' role , but he’s not good enough.

The film,in its two diverse parts,  resurrects some genre  films of old, including  those of Satyajit Ray and Hitchcock.

It certainly is an innovative addition to Hindi cinema,and Motwane is a talent to watch out for.

======================================================================.