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Vikramaditya Motwane’s critically acclaimed romantic drama, Lootera (2013), starring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha, is set for a theatrical re-release on March 7, 2025. Inspired by O. Henry’s classic short story “The Last Leaf,” the film joins the growing trend of Bollywood classics returning to the big screen.
Ranveer Singh & Sonakshi Sinha led Lootera to re-release on 7th March
Lootera holds a special place in the hearts of many, lauded for its music, the performances of Singh and Sinha, the stunning cinematography, and Motwane’s distinct directorial style. The film marks Motwane’s second feature film after the success of Udaan (2010).
The film is set in the 1950s, against the backdrop of the Zamindari Abolition Act and India’s nascent independence. The story revolves around a charming con artist (Singh) posing as an archaeologist who falls in love with the daughter (Sinha) of a Bengali zamindar. The second half of the film takes inspiration from O. Henry’s poignant tale, “The Last Leaf,” weaving a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption. In the narrative, Pakhi, the daughter of an aristocratic family, falls for a visiting archaeologist. However, she is unaware of the secret that could potentially destroy their relationship.
The film was produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, and Vikas Bahl. Amit Trivedi composed the music and background score, with Amitabh Bhattacharya penning the lyrics, and Mahendra J. Shetty handling the cinematography.
Critical acclaim and commercial context:
Upon its initial release, Lootera received widespread praise for the performances of Singh and Sinha, with Sinha’s role considered a career highlight. Motwane later clarified that the film, despite initial expectations for strong box office returns, was a financially sound venture.
Sonakshi Sinha’s transformation:
Sonakshi Sinha discussed the challenges of portraying a Bengali woman in the 1950s. The film’s designer, Subarna, meticulously researched the fashion, hairstyles, and makeup of the era to ensure authenticity. Sinha’s makeup was kept minimal, reflecting the style of the time, with just kajal, kumkum, and a touch of lip colour. Sinha described it as her most challenging acting experience to date. Every aspect of her portrayal, from appearance to performance, had to be rooted in a period unfamiliar to her.
Ranveer Singh’s character:
Motwane aimed to capture a blend of styles for Ranveer Singh, drawing inspiration from the iconic actors James Dean and Dev Anand.
Currently, Lootera is available for streaming on Prime Video and JioHotstar.