Wonderfully offbeat film!

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Coincidentally, I watched Lajja and Matrubhoomi on two consecutive days. Both dealt with the male dominated society in India, womans inability to change it, and how the disparity goes unnoticed by both. Life continues as it has been for centuries, unquestioned, unchallenged. Vaidehi too follows the status quo, compliant and submissive as the story develops. Her husband makes it clear that she is valued as a child bearer only, and once his progeny is delivered, she is of no use to him. This is her cue to flee for her life, encountering several women who suffer unnecessarily at the behest of society or man's perverted whims. Well written, very well acted, each encounter is examined through her eyes, as well as those around her. Who will see what is right or wrong? Who will stand up for their own women, which women will learn to stand up for themselves? So many stars, worth watching over again!

This is got to be a classic of Hindi cinema. It is so well done, technically and performance-wise and the selection of the top-class female cast alone is a reason to like this film. But most of all it did an outstanding job of taking on a serious issue and yet produce a powerful work of art that shines.Right from the start, it is chilly, that cry of Ramdulai and the sari floating in the wind. This nightmare dream makes it clear that this is not going to be fun. The most disturbing events are shot in a frightening detail, but this is not a plain documentary like Bandit Queen, but is more elaborate as a movie for the common people. Thus the message is deeply moving but still bearable even to the more sensitive audience. The comedy and the action are well executed to lighten up the message, but they never become a purpose in themselves, and they always help in delivering the message of humanity, empowerment, and hope. Marvelous, simply marvelous!I give this a 10/10 without the slightest doubt. It outshines even the greatest movies of recent years, such as Pinjar, Lagaan or Swades, Earth, Mission Kashmir, Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se. But Lajja is not for everyone. As a westerner I will say especially that this is not a beginner's film to Hindi cinema. If you don't have a fundamental love for India (yet), you should not watch this, instead watch Swades or Lagaan first.

Santoshi is one of the few Indian directors who can touch the reality to its core. The story of the character played by Rekha is based on true story, but all the other stories are also very much based on true stories to some extent. Technically the film is great. Scenes to watch out for: Mahima kicking the 'baratis' @$$. Madhuri's (one of her best performances to date) well, her complete part is gripping right from where she's introduced dancing to Madhubala's 'Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya' to where she cries out her heart for loosing her child. Rekha pleading for help while the villains try to rape her (specially whn she mentions that one of the guy was like his son). There are many many scenes in the film worth an applause. all the actors (including character actors) are amazing. Anil Kapoor is worth mentioning. His character gave a little comic relief in this tragic story along with Jonny Lever.

The core message is strong, the cast has given it their best shot, the packaging is excellent, but the screenplay is seriously over-dramatized and every cliche in the book on women's suffering in India has been over-used to the max.