Lakshmi (2014 film)

Lakshmi

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor
Produced by Nagesh Kukunoor
Elahe Hiptoola
Satish Kaushik
Written by Nagesh Kukunoor
Starring Nagesh Kukunoor
Monali Thakur
Satish Kaushik
Shefali Shah
Ram Kapoor
Gulfam Khan
Music by Tapas Relia
Cinematography Chirantan Das
Edited by Sanjib Datta
Release dates
Running time
 104 minutes
Country India
Language Hindi

Lakshmi is a 2014 Hindi social problem film, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. The film deals with the harsh realities of human trafficking and child prostitution, which continue behind closed curtains in rural areas of India. It was earlier expected to release on 17 January 2014, but got delayed due to censorship issues.[1][2]

The film Won Best Film - Mercedes Benz Audience Award, for Best Narrative at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on 13 January 2014.[3] The film released on 21 March 2014.[4] The film was screened official selection at Toronto Reel World, Washington DC, New York Indian and Melbourne Indian Film Festivals.[5] It would open the 16th London Asian Film Festival in June 2014.[6]

Plot Synopsis

Lakshmi, a 14-year old girl is kidnapped and sold into prostitution. Thrown into this horrific, inhuman world where she is raped and brutally beaten she struggles to survive with the help of the other girls and her own will to never give in. [7]

Cast

Production

Director Nagesh Kukunoor was inspired to make the film after visiting some NGO's in India, where he met victims of human trafficking.[8]

The film is produced by both Nagesh Kukunoor, his long-time collaborator Elahe Hiptoola who worked with him on all his films since Hyderabad Blues, and also by renowned actor Satish Kaushik. Kaushik stated the marketing campaign for the film was geared towards keeping "in tandem with the theme of the movie." The producers are planning to have private screenings of the film for Non-Governmental Organizations to promote awareness of the heinous crimes depicted in the film. They also hoped the film would be backed and sponsored by actor Salman Khan, who runs his own personal NGO called Being Human.[9]

The trailer for the film was released on 21 October 2013.[10]

Release and reception

The film was first viewed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in November 2013, which found some scenes "objectionable" and slated it to be next viewed by a revising committee. However, till early January the film did not receive a viewing by committee and thus missed its 17 January Indian premiere date.[11]

Ahead of its release in India, the film has its premiere on 13 January, at the 2014 Palm Springs International Film Festival,[12] where it received critical acclaim and won the Audience Award for Best narrative feature, which is based on viewers' votes.[13]

References

  1. ↑ "Theater Release of Lakshmi". Times of India. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  2. ↑ "Lakshmi Release Delayed". The American Bazaar. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  3. ↑ "Lakshmi wins Audience Award". India West. Retrieved 2014-01-13.
  4. ↑ "Lakshmi". Times of India. Retrieved 2014-03-09.
  5. ↑ Luminosity Pictures
  6. ↑ "Lakshmi to be opening film of 16th London Asian Film Festival 2014". IANS. news.biharprabha.com. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  7. ↑ "Lakshmi Plot". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  8. ↑ "Kukunoor’s ‘Lakshmi’ to Premiere at Palm Springs Film Festival publisher=Indian West". 22 December 2013. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  9. ↑ "Lakshmi Production". glamsham. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  10. ↑ "Lakshmi Trailer". YouTube.com. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  11. ↑ "'CBFC has no time to see my film'". Mumbai Mirror. 8 Jan 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  12. ↑ "Nagesh Kukunoor’s Lakshmi to premiere in US at Palm Springs International Film Festival 2014". Bollywoodlife.com. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  13. ↑ "Kukunoor's Lakshmi wins award at Palm Springs festival". Hindustan Times. 14 January 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-18.

External links