Movie Review: Laila (2025)
Language: Telugu
Genre: Action Comedy
Director: Ram Narayan
Producers: Sahu Garapati
Actors: Vishwak Sen, Akanksha Sharma, Abhimanyu Singh, Babloo Prithiveeraj
Rating: 2.5/10
Released on Valentine’s Day 2025, Laila is a Telugu-language action comedy directed by Ram Narayan. The film stars Vishwak Sen in a dual role, aiming to blend humor, drama, and social commentary. Despite its ambitious premise, the film struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike, facing criticism for its outdated humor and lack of narrative depth.
Plot Summary
Sonu Model (Vishwak Sen), a celebrated makeup artist, finds himself entangled in conflicts with a local thug, Rustum (Abhimanyu Singh), and a corrupt police officer, SI Shankar (Babloo Prithiveeraj). To escape their wrath and protect his mother’s legacy a beauty parlor Sonu adopts a female persona named Laila. This transformation leads to a series of comedic and chaotic events, as Sonu navigates challenges while maintaining his disguise.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Ram Narayan attempts to craft a narrative that intertwines comedy and social themes. However, the execution falls short, with the screenplay prioritizing exaggerated theatrics over meaningful storytelling. The film touches upon themes like gender fluidity and societal stereotypes but fails to explore them deeply, resulting in a disjointed narrative that lacks cohesion.
Performances
Vishwak Sen delivers a charismatic performance as Sonu, showcasing his versatility. However, his portrayal of Laila lacks conviction, with the transformation feeling superficial. Akanksha Sharma, as Jenny, adds glamour but is underutilized, serving primarily as a supporting character. Abhimanyu Singh stands out as Rustum, bringing energy to his role, while Babloo Prithiveeraj’s portrayal of SI Shankar adds to the film’s chaotic humor.
Technical Aspects
The film’s technical elements are a mixed bag. Richard Prasad’s cinematography captures the vibrant settings effectively, while Leon James’ music complements the film’s tone. However, the visual effects, particularly during comedic sequences, appear subpar, detracting from the overall viewing experience. The editing by Sagar Dadi could have been tighter to enhance the film’s pacing.
Strengths
- Vishwak Sen’s energetic performance as Sonu
- Abhimanyu Singh’s compelling portrayal of Rustum
- Vibrant cinematography captures the film’s setting
Weaknesses
- Outdated and crass humor that fails to elicit genuine laughter
- Superficial exploration of potentially meaningful themes
- Underdeveloped characters, particularly the female leads
- Subpar visual effects and inconsistent pacing
These issues significantly impact the film’s overall effectiveness, leading to a disjointed and unsatisfying experience.
Final Verdict
Laila aspires to be a youthful entertainer blending comedy and social commentary but falls short due to its reliance on outdated humor and lack of narrative depth. While the film boasts energetic performances, particularly from Vishwak Sen and Abhimanyu Singh, these are insufficient to compensate for its shortcomings. Viewers seeking meaningful storytelling or innovative comedy may find Laila lacking.
Recommended for
Fans of Vishwak Sen are interested in his diverse roles, and viewers who enjoy action comedies with a focus on slapstick humor. However, those seeking nuanced narratives or contemporary humor may want to explore other options.