WEB DESK: In a surprising twist for critics of Ranbir Kapoor’s controversial film Animal, Netflix viewing figures reveal that Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies has surpassed those of the former.
Laapataa Ladies, a comedic tale about two brides who accidentally switch places at a train station post-wedding, premiered in theatres on March 1 and later on Netflix. According to Firstpost, the Aamir Khan production has garnered an impressive 13.8 million views on the streaming platform. In comparison, the global blockbuster Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, accumulated 13.6 million views in its first three weeks on Netflix before dropping out of the top 10 in week four.
Starring Sparsh Shrivastava, Pratibha Ranta, Nitanshi Goel, and Ravi Kishan, Laapataa Ladies has been particularly well-received in the UK since its OTT debut. The film’s unique take on relationships, coupled with its engaging storytelling, has resonated with audiences. Both viewers and critics have praised the film for its character depth and nuanced portrayal of relationships.
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One viewer expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “It’s become very popular in the UK. All my local friends loved it. They have only watched movies like Bahubali. So proud when they talk about Laapataa Ladies.” Another user echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This movie deserves all the attention.”
Meanwhile, Animal, featuring Bollywood heavyweight Ranbir Kapoor, has sparked debate due to its portrayal of toxic masculinity and harmful behavior. Despite its star power, the film’s themes have been contentious. Ranbir Kapoor defended the film, stating that the characters were meant to provoke dialogue and discussion.
The success of Laapataa Ladies on Netflix highlights its strong word-of-mouth reception and underscores the appeal of its unconventional narrative.