In a move to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court of India, an exclusive screening of the Hindi film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024. The event will take place at the auditorium of the Supreme Court’s administrative building complex, C-Block, and will feature in attendance some of India’s most notable figures in cinema, Aamir Khan, and Kiran Rao.
The screening is scheduled to run from 4:15 pm to 6:20 pm, with the entire judiciary of the apex court, their spouses, and members of the registry present. Bollywood luminary Aamir Khan, who produced the film, and the renowned director, Kiran Rao, are expected to interact with the attendees, adding a personal touch to the exclusive gathering.
A circular issued by the Supreme Court highlighted the importance of this event, stating, “As part of the activities organized during the seventy-fifth year of the establishment of the Supreme Court of India, the movie ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which is based on the theme of gender equality, will be screened on Friday, August 9, 2024, in the Auditorium, C-Block, Administrative Building Complex. Kiran Rao, who has directed the movie, and Aamir Khan, the producer, will also be present during the screening.”
The film ‘Laapataa Ladies’ addresses vital social issues, primarily focusing on gender equality. It’s a theme very much in alignment with the progressive judiciary’s efforts to promote equity and justice within the Indian societal framework. Kiran Rao, who returns to the director’s chair after 14 long years, shared her vision and the motivation behind the film in a recent interview with PTI. “Honestly, this story could have gone in any direction. It could have been any other genre. When we were writing this, we were conscious that while we are touching upon several issues, the idea is to entertain and make it an accessible and a fun journey,” she explained.
Rao emphasized that the film aims to be both realistic and engaging without tipping into the often grim depictions of women’s safety. “Audiences have been conditioned to expect the worst, especially when it comes to women’s safety. But my film, while realistic and grounded, doesn’t go there,” she said.
. “I feel there’s a lot of goodness in the world. When we look at our lives, we realise there are so many people around us who give us hope and love. We’re surrounded by people we admire, and we don’t see enough of them on screen,” she added, hinting at an optimistic narrative approach.
The director admitted that maintaining a light and accessible touch was challenging but saw it as an opportunity to showcase characters who are both flawed and relatable. “I saw it as an opportunity to show flawed and familiar characters who are ‘lovable and real,'” she stated. This nuanced portrayal aims to present content that is heartfelt and reflective of genuine human experiences.
The screening of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ serves as a testament to the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to stay relevant and engaged with contemporary social issues. The choice of this particular film also underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing gender equality, an issue of paramount importance in today’s socio-political climate.
Bollywood icon Aamir Khan’s involvement adds significant weight to the event, as he is a well-known advocate for social issues through both his films and his public endeavors. His presence, along with Kiran Rao, is anticipated to spark meaningful dialogues post-screening, offering valuable insights into the making of the film as well as the critical issues it addresses.
The Supreme Court’s decision to screen ‘Laapataa Ladies’ not only marks a celebratory milestone but also shows the judiciary’s intent to influence and inspire through cultural mediums. It’s a reflection of the court’s broader outreach and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a balanced and just society.
Such events, combining the power of cinema with judicial influence, underscore the Supreme Court’s multifaceted role in the Indian social structure. The screening of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is more than just a film showing; it’s an event that bridges the gap between justice and societal narratives, reinforcing the core values of equality and fairness that the apex court stands for.
With inputs from various agencies, the anticipation around this screening is a testament to the film’s impact and the significance of the occasion.
