Released on Valentine’s Day, 2025, Laila, starring Vishwak Sen, promised a unique blend of action, comedy, and drama but ultimately delivered a lackluster experience. Directed by Ram Narayan and produced by Sahu Garapati, the film fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise, leaving audiences underwhelmed and critics unimpressed.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Sonu (Vishwak Sen), a skilled makeup artist who runs a beauty parlor in Hyderabad’s Old City. The parlor holds sentimental value as it was a gift from his mother. Sonu’s life takes a dramatic turn when he helps a customer promote her husband’s cooking oil business, inadvertently landing himself in trouble. To escape the chaos, Sonu adopts the identity of Laila, a woman, leading to a series of comedic and action-packed events. However, the execution of this plot falls flat, with outdated twists and predictable developments.
Performances
Vishwak Sen, known for his energetic performances, tries his best to salvage the film. His dual role as Sonu and Laila showcases his versatility, but the poorly written script limits his impact. While his portrayal of Laila is commendable in parts, the character lacks depth and consistency.
Akanksha Sharma, playing the female lead, is reduced to a glamorous prop, with her character offering little beyond skin show. Abhimanyu Singh, as the comedy villain, manages to generate a few laughs, but his efforts are overshadowed by the film’s overall mediocrity. The rest of the cast, including Babloo Prithiveeraj and Vineet Kumar, deliver forgettable performances, further dragging the film down.
Technical Aspects
The film’s technical team fails to elevate the weak script. Leon James’s music is uninspiring, with only one song, Icchukundam Baby, standing out slightly. The background score is ill-fitting and often distracts from the narrative. Cinematography by Richard Prasad and editing by Sagar Dadi are strictly average, failing to add any visual appeal to the film.
Analysis
Laila suffers from outdated writing, poor character development, and an over-reliance on cheap humor. The film’s attempts at comedy often fall flat, with cringeworthy dialogues and body-shaming jokes that feel out of touch with modern sensibilities. The narrative lacks creativity, and the predictable plot twists fail to engage the audience.
The film’s biggest flaw lies in its inability to balance its masala elements. While it tries to cater to a mass audience with action, romance, and comedy, it ends up being a disjointed mess. The second half, in particular, feels dragged out, with unnecessary fight sequences and songs that add no value to the story.
Positives:
- A few comedy scenes involving Abhimanyu Singh.
- Vishwak Sen’s effort in portraying a dual role.
Negatives:
- Outdated and predictable storyline.
- Poorly written characters and dialogues.
- Overuse of vulgar and cringeworthy humor.
- Uninspiring music and background score.
Verdict
Laila is a disappointing addition to Vishwak Sen’s filmography. Despite his earnest efforts, the film’s weak script, poor execution, and outdated humor make it a forgettable experience. Laila is best avoided in theaters and can be skipped even on digital platforms.
Bottom Line: A misfire in every sense, Laila fails to entertain or impress. Vishwak Sen’s fans deserve better.
Rating - 1.5/5
