Laapataa Ladies’ Accused of Being Copied from Arabic Film ‘Burqa City’
Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which was India’s official entry to the Oscars 2025, has been accused of being copied from the 2019 Arabic film ‘Burqa City’. The accusations have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many users expressing their disappointment and disgust at what they perceive as a blatant case of plagiarism in the Indian film industry.
For those who may not be familiar, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ is a drama film that explores the lives of four women from different walks of life, who embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The film, directed by Kiran Rao, stars Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles. The film received widespread critical acclaim and was touted as one of the best Indian films of the year.
However, a closer look at ‘Laapataa Ladies’ has led many to draw parallels with the Arabic film ‘Burqa City’, which tells the story of a group of women who band together to fight against social and political oppression in their city. The film, directed by Hany Abu-Assad, explores themes of feminism, activism, and resistance in a society where women are often marginalized and silenced.
Some of the similarities between the two films are quite striking. For instance, both films feature a group of women who come together to challenge the status quo and fight for their rights. Both films also explore the themes of identity, belonging, and empowerment. Furthermore, both films have a similar narrative structure, with the characters embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Reacting to the accusations, social media users have taken to Twitter and other platforms to express their outrage and disappointment. “There is nothing original about Bollywood anymore,” tweeted one user. “Even the Ravi Kishan police station scene seems heavily inspired,” tweeted another. “Shameful. This is embarrassing,” wrote a third.
The accusations of plagiarism have also sparked a wider conversation about the lack of originality in Indian cinema. “Plagiarism in India is not a new concept,” wrote one user. “We’ve seen it time and time again, from ‘The Lunchbox’ to ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’. It’s time for our filmmakers to think outside the box and come up with something original.”
The news has also sparked a heated debate among film critics and industry insiders. “This is not the first time that an Indian film has been accused of plagiarism,” said film critic, Anupama Chopra. “What’s worrying is that our filmmakers seem to be too quick to borrow from other cultures and not quick enough to acknowledge the sources of their inspiration.”
In response to the accusations, the makers of ‘Laapataa Ladies’ have yet to comment. However, it’s clear that the film industry has a long way to go in terms of originality and creativity. As one user succinctly put it, “If you’re going to copy someone else’s work, at least have the decency to give them credit. It’s not too much to ask.”
