Leila - 2019

Leila

Leila is a dystopian web series that explores the darker side of society and the effects of religious extremism. Set in the near future, the series follows the story of a mother who is desperately searching for her daughter in a world that is controlled by a totalitarian regime. The regime is based on a puritanical religion that enforces strict moral codes, and everyone must conform or face severe consequences.

The lead character, Shalini, is portrayed by Huma Qureshi, who delivers a powerful and emotional performance. Throughout the series, we see her journey from a dutiful wife to a determined mother who is willing to do whatever it takes to find her daughter. She travels through the city, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, and slowly uncovers the truth about the regime and her daughter's fate.

Leila is a thought-provoking series that tackles important themes such as identity, freedom and the power of religion. The world of Leila is both brutal and beautiful, with stunning cinematography that captures the desolation of a dystopian future. The series also highlights the dangers of religious extremism and how it can lead to a society that is devoid of love, compassion, and humanity.

Table of Contents

• Details
• Plot
• Release
• Reviews
• Cast
• Crew
• Character Analysis
• Behind the Scenes
• Controversy
• Interesting Facts
• Conclusion
• How to Book Personalised Celebrity Video Message on Tring?

Details

Plot

The story revolves around the journey of a mother named Shalini, who sets out on a quest to find her missing daughter named Leila, after being separated from her for years.

In this world, the government has imposed strict laws and policies to maintain order, including restrictions on the type of food people can eat, the books they can read, and even the people they can associate with. The ruling regime is headed by a man named Rizwan, who is depicted as a charismatic but ruthless leader.

As Shalini embarks on her search for Leila, she encounters many obstacles along the way, including government forces who will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power. Despite the danger, she refuses to give up her quest, even when she discovers that her daughter has been living a prosperous life under the regime.

Throughout the series, Shalini faces many challenges and ethical dilemmas and must navigate through a world that is hostile to her and her beliefs. As she continues her journey, Shalini learns more about the regime and the motivations behind its leaders, as well as the extent of their control over the population. She also forms alliances with other rebels and begins to understand the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of extreme adversity.

Release Date

Leila was released on Netflix. Its six episodes were launched on the 14th of June, 2019. 

Reviews

Some viewers have praised the series for its captivating storyline, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. They have appreciated the show's ability to delve into issues such as religious fundamentalism, class inequality, and women's rights with sensitivity and nuance.

However, other viewers have criticized the series for its slow pace and weak characters. They feel that the show lacks the depth and complexity required to explore the complex themes it tackles and that the characters are underdeveloped and lack dimension. Some viewers have also expressed disappointment with the production quality, citing poor editing, sound, and visual effects.

Critics have also been divided in their reviews of the series. While some have praised the show's ambition and bravery in tackling such sensitive and important issues, others have criticized its execution and storytelling, feeling that the series falls short of its potential. Some have expressed disappointment with the show's reliance on stereotypical depictions of religious fundamentalism and lack of nuance, while others have appreciated its efforts to shine a light on these important topics.

Hindustan Times' Rohan Naahar rated the show 4/5 and stated, "What the show cannot achieve in terms of streamlined storytelling, it more than makes up for with the sheer audacity of its ideas and for having the bravery of following through on them."

Cast 

• Huma Qureshi: Shalini
• Siddharth:  Bhanu
• Leysha Mange: Leila
• Seema Biswas: Madhu
• Rahul Khanna: Rizwan Chaudhary
• Sanjay Suri: Joshiji
• Arif Zakaria: Guru Ma
• Ashwath Bhatt: Mr. Dixit
• Indu Sharma: Mrs. Dixit
• Pallavi Batra: Kanika
• Anupam Bhattacharya: Mohan
• Akash Khurana: Mr. Rao
• Jagjeet Sandhu: Rakesh
• Prasanna Soni: Ashish
• Neha Mahajan: Pooja
• Adarsh Gourav: Naz Chaudhary

Crew

Leila, the popular web series, is directed by Deepa Mehta, who is known for her creative and unconventional storytelling style. She has been a prominent figure in Indian cinema for over three decades and has won several awards for her work. Her previous works include Earth, Water, and Fire, which are considered to be masterpieces in world cinema. With Leila, she brings her unique vision and style to the web series format.

The writer of the series, Urmi Juvekar, has created an imaginative and thought-provoking story that explores the themes of identity, society, and humanity. She is known for her work on other web series and has been praised for her writing skills and ability to create characters that are complex and relatable.

The cinematographer of the series, Johan Heurlin Aidt, has been a part of several international projects and has won awards for his stunning cinematography. He brings a sense of visual richness to the series, and his shots are breathtaking. He captures the mood and atmosphere of the story with an exceptional eye for detail and beauty.

Leila is a remarkable web series that is directed, written, cinematographed, and produced by a talented team of professionals. The combination of their unique visions and skills has created a captivating and unforgettable experience for the audience.

Character Analysis

Shalini: A woman searching for her daughter in a dangerous and oppressive world. Shalini demonstrates how a mother will go to great measures to protect her children. Despite her difficult journey, Shalini never lost hope. She is a fighter and always finds a way to persevere in the face of adversity. She is fiercely independent and refuses to let anyone dictate her life or control her future. 

Bhanu: Bhanu is a ruthless and cunning security agent working for the government in the dystopian world of Aryavarta. He is tasked with hunting down the protagonist of the series, Shalini,

Rizwan: Rizwan is a complex and morally ambiguous character. While he is a loving father and devoted husband, it becomes evident that his loyalty is deeply intertwined with his political ambitions. 

Behind the Scenes

PlayOne of the major challenges the crew faced was building the dystopian world of Leila. The show’s creators wanted to create a world that was believable and felt real but also one that was visually stunning. The production design team worked tirelessly to create the various sets, props, and costumes that make up the world of Leila. They researched various sci-fi films and books to get inspiration and put their own unique spin on things.

Another challenge was the visual effects. Leila is filled with stunning visual effects that help to bring the world to life. The VFX team worked hand in hand with the production design team to make sure that the visual effects were in line with the overall look and feel of the show. They used a combination of practical and digital effects to bring the world of Leila to life.

The cast of Leila also had to put in a lot of hard work to bring their characters to life. They worked with the director and writers to understand their characters and bring a sense of realism to the performances. The actors spent countless hours rehearsing and getting into character, and the results are evident on screen.

Controversy

One of the biggest controversies surrounding the show is its depiction of religious and ethnic divides. The regime in the show is portrayed as a Hindu nationalist government, and the majority of the characters are from lower castes and minorities. This has led to criticism from Hindu nationalist groups, who have accused the show of promoting anti-Hindu sentiments.

Interesting Facts

• Leila is based on the same-named book by Indian novelist and journalist Prayaag Akbar.

• The series is set in the year 2047.

Conclusion 

Overall, Leila is a must-watch for fans of dystopian fiction and those who enjoy series that explore the dark side of society. The series is available on popular streaming platforms, and its six episodes make for an intense and captivating viewing experience.

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