In 2024, Kiran Rao’s Bollywood film Laapataa Ladies made waves for its bold narrative and impressive performances, but it also found itself at the center of a plagiarism controversy. The film, which has been accused of bearing striking similarities to the 2019 French short film Burqa City, has sparked intense debates about originality in Bollywood.
Laapataa Ladies Plot
Laapataa Ladies takes place in rural India in 2001 and explores the lives of two brides who are accidentally swapped during a train journey due to their veils. The film delves into themes of patriarchy, societal expectations, and identity, offering a fresh perspective on the struggles faced by women in a traditional society. The movie has been lauded for its narrative and the standout performances of its cast, which includes some notable Bollywood stars.
The Burqa City Short Film Connection
However, what’s caught the attention of critics and audiences alike is the striking resemblance between Laapataa Ladies and the 2019 French short film Burqa City, directed by Fabrice Bracq. In the Burqa City short film, a newlywed man accidentally brings home the wrong woman due to the identical burqas worn by women in the city. Much like Laapataa Ladies, Burqa City also explores themes of identity and societal norms, particularly the challenges of individuality in a society where conformity is imposed. Key moments from both films, including a scene where a police officer dismissively laughs at a photograph of a veiled woman, have led many to point out the uncanny similarities between the two stories.
Plagiarism in Bollywood
The controversy surrounding Laapataa Ladies has ignited a firestorm on social media platforms, with netizens accusing Bollywood of intellectual theft. Critics argue that the film borrows heavily from Burqa City, leading to accusations of plagiarism. This has overshadowed the film’s accolades, including its selection as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars and its success at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023.
Despite the praise for Laapataa Ladies’ performances and its nuanced approach to societal issues, the allegations of plagiarism have raised serious questions about the ethical boundaries of storytelling in Bollywood. The debate has sparked an ongoing discussion on the fine line between inspiration and duplication in the creative industry.
While many have criticized the film for its similarities to Burqa City, some viewers have defended it, arguing that Laapataa Ladies offers a unique take on the themes of patriarchy and identity within the Indian context. Supporters of the film suggest that while it may share thematic elements with Burqa City, it provides a fresh narrative and setting that distinguishes it from the French short film.
As Laapataa Ladies continues to garner attention, the plagiarism controversy remains a hot topic in Bollywood. Whether or not the film is a direct copy of Burqa City is up for debate, but what’s clear is that the conversation around originality in Indian cinema is more important than ever. With its official Oscar nomination and critical acclaim, Laapataa Ladies will continue to be a subject of discussion, especially when it comes to its creative inspirations and the ethics of storytelling.
