Where negative roles in Hindi cinema are concerned, actresses were often cast as vamps (Bindu and Aruna Irani have often played such roles) who would tag along with the villain. A change took place in the early 90s bad girl roles were better written rather than limited to the clichéd vamp. Examples include Amrita Singh's Roma in 'Aaina' or Naghma's Nagma in 'Bewafa Se Waffa'. However, it is 'Laadla' that one witnesses an evil woman carry the entire film.
While many have complained about the dialogues being offensive to women, I don't think they were meant to be taken seriously. These dialogues only took place between Raju and Sheetal and, arguably, Raju may have said those things to provoke Sheetal rather than degrade women. Otherwise, why would he be romantically involved with an independent, self-sufficient and professional woman like Kajal? However, in the very end, we see Sheetal settle down as a housewife while Raju goes to work. So does a woman have to give up all her professional responsibilities in order to be the good wife? Then again, it is no one other than Kajal who is running Sheetal Industries. Perhaps this was Sheetal's compromise for having stolen her boyfriend.
'Laadla' is obviously not devoid of flaws. The cinematography, editing, sound effect and lighting are below average. I enjoyed most of the songs though but their placement is somewhat random. The writing too is contrived in many places. Sheetal's sudden transformation to become a housewife so easily and Raju choosing to stay married to Sheetal are few examples. I can understand that this was done so as to cater to the audience (since the majority of Indian viewers only accepted happy endings).
'Laadla' is entirely dominated by Sridevi and what a powerhouse performance it is. One can easily forget everything else in 'Laadla' because of this one actress's character. Such is Sridevi's presence, such is her intensity, her charisma, that she mesmerizes the audience with one of the most memorable performance by a lead actress in a negative role. Sheetal is one powerful, ambitious and vicious woman who stops at no cost to have it done her way and as Sheetal, Sridevi breathes fire like a dragon.
Raveena Tandon deserves special mention for being brave enough to share screen with the one and only. She brings charisma, humour, beauty, dedication and integrity to Kajal and holds her own.
Sridevi's Sheetal has unblocked the path for female antagonists in future cinema. Since then more such characters became available for actresses to expand their range. Examples include Rekha in 'Khiladyon Ka Khiladi', Kajol in 'Gupt', Urmila Matondkar in 'Pyar Tune Kya Kiya', 'Bhoot' and 'Kaun', Juhi Chawka in 'Arjun Pandit', Manisha Koirala in 'Yugpurush' and 'Dil se', Mahima Chaudhry in 'Films', Raveena Tandon in 'Aks', Preity Zinta in 'Arman' and Sridevi once again in 'Judaai'.
While many have complained about the dialogues being offensive to women, I don't think they were meant to be taken seriously. These dialogues only took place between Raju and Sheetal and, arguably, Raju may have said those things to provoke Sheetal rather than degrade women. Otherwise, why would he be romantically involved with an independent, self-sufficient and professional woman like Kajal? However, in the very end, we see Sheetal settle down as a housewife while Raju goes to work. So does a woman have to give up all her professional responsibilities in order to be the good wife? Then again, it is no one other than Kajal who is running Sheetal Industries. Perhaps this was Sheetal's compromise for having stolen her boyfriend.
'Laadla' is obviously not devoid of flaws. The cinematography, editing, sound effect and lighting are below average. I enjoyed most of the songs though but their placement is somewhat random. The writing too is contrived in many places. Sheetal's sudden transformation to become a housewife so easily and Raju choosing to stay married to Sheetal are few examples. I can understand that this was done so as to cater to the audience (since the majority of Indian viewers only accepted happy endings).
'Laadla' is entirely dominated by Sridevi and what a powerhouse performance it is. One can easily forget everything else in 'Laadla' because of this one actress's character. Such is Sridevi's presence, such is her intensity, her charisma, that she mesmerizes the audience with one of the most memorable performance by a lead actress in a negative role. Sheetal is one powerful, ambitious and vicious woman who stops at no cost to have it done her way and as Sheetal, Sridevi breathes fire like a dragon.
Raveena Tandon deserves special mention for being brave enough to share screen with the one and only. She brings charisma, humour, beauty, dedication and integrity to Kajal and holds her own.
Sridevi's Sheetal has unblocked the path for female antagonists in future cinema. Since then more such characters became available for actresses to expand their range. Examples include Rekha in 'Khiladyon Ka Khiladi', Kajol in 'Gupt', Urmila Matondkar in 'Pyar Tune Kya Kiya', 'Bhoot' and 'Kaun', Juhi Chawka in 'Arjun Pandit', Manisha Koirala in 'Yugpurush' and 'Dil se', Mahima Chaudhry in 'Films', Raveena Tandon in 'Aks', Preity Zinta in 'Arman' and Sridevi once again in 'Judaai'.