User reviews

Before I even watched it, i thought this film was yet another pseudo depiction of a section of society we don't really know of, their reality shown as a dramatic event in a one off feature. But it moved my guts upside down to see how real it was and made me squirm. The actors are extremely talented and show it in every scene. It's a must watch, it's a story of courage and pain and about bringing change in a rotten system.

We often ignore the completed life of prostitute. Movie depict the internal organization of prostitution. Police,pimps, customer all exploit the main earner of business. And the end, movie put forward the issue of legalisation of prostitution. Though not in explicit way but in indirect way.

Tikli and Laxmi Bomb is about an issue which we all are aware of but no one wants to talk about. Director and writer Aditya Kriplani has been brave on choosing this topic. While watching this movie you will feel that there is a lot of research done by the director. Aditya Kripalani has tried to deev dive into social issue of prostitution and the continuous struggle of prostitutes. It is because of his attempt to capture each and every aspect of this issue the movie feels a bit stretched especially the revolt of prostitutes against the system designed and ruled by men. The best thing about the writing and direction of Aditya Kriplani is that he is able to establish a connection between the characters and audience especially the lead cast Putul played by very talented Chitrangada Chakraborty . In scenes where Putul is being tortured and harassed by Police and goons the audience will start feeling for her. The audience will also feel happy where Putul is able to win over her rivals. The credit for these has to be given to both the actors and the filmmakers. The director has played very smart in the climax. The director choose to leave the ending very open to tell that the struggle of this section of society (Prostitutes) against the Patriarchy is an ongoing struggle and if there is any solution to this, then that is still to be found. So, all the moviegoers who would be hoping for a conclusive ending has to remain disappointed. The movie has got some violence but that has to be there as it was the need of the story. The director has managed to shoot the movie without any nude and sex scenes. Most of the sex and nude scenes are captured through gestures of hand and faces. This decision by filmmakers and director has to be applauded as shooting a movie based on prostitution without explicit sex and nude scenes is always going to be difficult. This saved the movie from any kind of vulgarity. The impression of movie will remain in audiences mind for some time after they left the theatre mostly because of the hard hitting approach the director has taken to deal with subject.

One of the unusual, extraordinary and exceptional piece of work flawless casting and each of the characters whether small or lead they have influenced and created impact in their own way background score totally engaging direction is fresh, and looks like actors are given liberty to portray it the way they want it

coming to the movie 2 lead characters: laxmi and tikli i am in love with them and ofcourse the movie...What a bond and performances...Each time they win or get success i felt very happy...Even the small characters like A.T , More , Shinde, Chaiwala have created their own area of victory there are many small punches only if u get it most of the corporate strategies are covered in very raw manner and u will be able to find it that the use of technology and offers are made to attract clients. many things to write

I recommend this movie strongly

Love the movie im from Puerto Rico but im in love with everything concerning with India makes my heart melt. But when i saw the picture of the movie something in me say you have to watch this movie and i was right i would never forget the faces of those lovely ladies in that movie you all girls makes a wonderful job and I feel like i know you from a lifetime Pd: sorry for my english a lot of love from this small island

I had read Tikli and Laxmi Bomb and having loved the book checked out the movie with cautious interest, because generally movie adaptations on favorite books are either a hit or a miss, seldom do they have a middle ground. It was such a surprise that I completely forgot about comparing it with the book when I was watching the movie. Very rare when an author manages to write a gripping book and then go ahead and make a movie that's equally immersive and engaging. Looking forward to reading more books and watching more movies made by Aditya Kriplani. Earthy, witty, and a dash of soul - this describes all his works.

Two sex workers, Tikli and Laxmi, decide to eliminate the middlemen (i.e. pimp and police) from their business and do direct deals. Will they be able to achieve the improbable in this male dominated world?

Tikli & Laxmi Bomb has an interesting premise backed by some terrific performances from Vibhawari Deshpande and Chitrangada Chakraborty. Even Suchitra Pillai as Manda leaves a mighty impression in a small role. But all the positive is whiled away by the sluggish pace and lethargic editing which makes this two hour thirty minute film a tedious watch.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

The plot of the film is gripping. It is a thought provoking film, makes one think of the society, its structure deeply and makes you question it. A actors did a terrific job, they keep you at your toes till the very end. The simplistic approach of story telling makes the film relatable. The director beautifully captures the characters and their emotions, which makes it humane. Its a film to learn from. A must watch.

No doubt that everyone performed their character so well. Apart from that nothing much seems well to me. The length and pace of whole film is so loose that sometimes it's not that engaging. Writers focused so much on realism that they forget to add the magic of cinema. This is more like a documentary than a fictional film.The film may be thought provoking on social issues but falls flat in the screenplay department. Cinematography also seems very immature in between. The climax is very underwhelming and shows no efforts on the whole build up of the entire story.

This movie opens your eyes like know other Indian film I have seen. It's a little shock to the system but it really shows the growth of the industry. It's real, it's gritty and it's different. You feel for the characters and you are pulling for them all the way. The design and style is amazing and really fits the story. Thank you for making this movie it's a difference maker in the world of Indian film making.

Having read the book, and already interacted with Aditya, Vibhawari, and Chitrangada in the past, when I saw updates on social media about the film being screened at the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2018, I could not have missed it. And talk about the power of cinema, the impact of which doubles when it's good cinema that few scenes into the film, and my mind isolated from all the premature impressions.

Tikli and Laxmi Bomb (TALB) is a powerful story that revolves around the lives of two sex workers. But does the plot focus on misery? No. Sadness is one of the many emotions that they experience, just as how it is for you and I - their world doesn't function around it. And so where one would expect a grievous touch to the said subjective content, TALB subjects you to the odd similarities that a prostitute's life struggles possess with any other woman's. A strong knock at the door of omnipresent patriarchy, it uncurtains the reality of the sex world, where men exploit women at every step, be it in the face of client, pimp, contractor, or police.

Laxmi, the protagonist, has been in the trade for two decades. And though time led her to make peace with the environment outside, but it's the in-head war that keeps her at unrest. Gestures that reflect a faint senior aura, but innocent and naïve from within, her simpleness would often find a window out of her coyness. And something about those hidden layers will make you want to hold her hand and look forward to what next. The entry of the young and cheerful Putul a.k.a Tikli, who's half of Laxmi's age, brings with it a spark of revolution in the trade, and if you look at it beyond your sight, also in Laxmi's personal life. Which makes it an interesting watch to find how they together challenge the prevalent system, and fight for their safety and the right to self-run a corporate.

The characters touch your heart, and the woman-to-woman connect that they draw without your conscious realization will have your heart quiver in the scenes zooming in on a man touch 'her' without consent. Engrossed in their stories, you will find yourself experiencing their pain and laughter. But most important, their struggle to combat the patriarchal violence that draws a parallel with the feminist movement, will strike a chord in you.

Aditya has done a commendable job whether it is about the conception of the story, or his maiden attempt at screen direction. The way the characters are conceived, it will give you an insight of the thought that has gone in the plot. I could recall him saying, "The kind of reach films have, it is a platform that needs to be explored for the betterment of our society". He clearly didn't write TALB driven by the thought that he ought to bring a change, which by the way would have distorted the whole point - he simply chose to address an issue and let his words and direction take action. And in my raw opinion, the opportunity of having the audience at your disposal couldn't be served better.

Parting thoughts? The two and a half hours made me go through a whirlwind of emotions, and I stepped out of the theatre with too many tabs (still) open in my mind. And needless to say, totally in sync with the director's thought chain - "The story of Tikli and Laxmi Bomb speaks of a revolution that may seem too far-fetched in reality, but it hopes to at least plant the desired revolutionary seed in the minds of people."

Few days back at the Kolkata International Film Festival 2017, I had the distinct pleasure of watching this gem of a movie. A hard hitting depiction of the nitty-gritty's of the sex working trade in India, the movie was beautifully designed to make you feel uncomfortable and question one's moral high ground. Every new generation inevitably questions the practices of older generations as they always bring something new to the table as to how things should work and this was beautifully inculcated in the film. Although the film was a bit on the longer side (I heard that the theatrical release will be a shorter version), it being backed by a solid cast , never makes you lose interest and it is one movie that makes you feel about something long after it is over- a quality that is rare these days. Even though I have seen Chitrangada act many times before, I never realized what a wonderful actor she is and now I can't wait to see what she does next 🙂 I hope everyone gets a chance to watch this movie whenever it gets its theatrical release .

No one knows, why Bollywood makes movies which either demonize men or glorify prostitution. To put it bluntly, this movie has both and they have made it as disgusting as possible.

The story starts off with an old prostitute in her 40s in Mumbai. She is dedicated to her pimp Mhatre. Another young prostitute named Putul aged 22 enters the business under Mhatre and starts questioning why prostitution has to be run by a man and this triggers both of them to start running their own business without any man.

This sets them on a mission to setup a prostitution business run by women. Frankly, the notion of any type of prostitution in a movie is cringe inducing and vile. Whether it's run by a man or woman in the movie, prostitution is bad. I speculate, the message this movie tries to convey is that, prostitution should be legalized in India in an indirect way.

Yet, the movie seems to have been made with a profound need to showcase, this ugly predicament. Usually a movie where these women are liberated from this kind of life and rehabilitated would have been more acceptable to the audience. That would have conveyed a different message of ending solicitation & pimping. Rather, they made a movie which seems to show them taking up the additional role of a pimp. The reason being that they don't want to be manipulated by men. As usual, the demonization of men is a recurring theme in movies like these since, they cannot come up with any other factor causing women to struggle & suffer.

I found the characters in this movie boorish & crass. Frankly, I don't like the theme of prostitution to take center stage in any story. The language used by the characters in the movie is absolutely preposterous, profane & abusive.

Wouldn't recommend watching this movie.

Stumbled upon this movie as I was researching for something related to sex workers' life.

Mainstream media shows them as the helpless or even hopeless part of the society mostly. While I haven't yet met any of them personally, there is this hope or say a juvinile belief that they are better than this.

This movie gave me just what I was looking for! Sex work is only another profession among many, and one of the oldest ones at that. But the general prejudice and the lack of legal acceptance has made it one of the most challenging paths to walk on. Maybe it's because of this, the women involved will also come around as some of the toughest individuals.

This movie is a glimpse into that 'world', if I may. Watch the trailer, know better if you would like it or not. But I think if one were to just choose it even without the trailer, there won't be any regrets later.

*NOTE: There's another movie by similar name "Laxmi Bomb". Do check out the review text to know if it's Tikli and Laxmi Bomb by Mr. Kripalani, or just Laxmi Bomb.

When I heard about Tikli and Laxmi Bomb, I was like meh. How good can a movie about prostitutes be, really? Yeah yeah, you're going to say 'hey, pretty woman was about a prostitute, and that was an iconic movie.' To which I'll say, 'Yes, but that had Julia Roberts and that Richard Gere fellow. This film has mostly unknown people, except the drop dead gorgeous Suchitra Pillai.' And so, with my finger on the remote just in case I wanted to switch to something more entertaining like The Office, I started watching it. Man oh man. It's something else, this movie. The plot is lovely, the dialogues are tight, the characters are all people you'd remember long after the movie is finished. Which begs the question, will there be a second part to this? The answer to which I can only hope, will be yes. Please Mr Director?

After two rounds of the movie and one round of the book and the finale this morning with another round of the movie ...

We all need to watch storytelling from the real World .. a book written with honesty and presented with integrity on screen. Vibhavari Deshpande and Chitrangada Chakraborti are actors, I feel, Aditya Kripalani kept in mind when he wrote the book. There couldn't have been any other who could do it !!

"sisterhood over everything else". Entertainment can be real and have real alarms about our social environment. Hats of Sweta and Adi and Team TALB the movie for such an an honest piece of work ... hats off !!!

This is a true gem of artistic cinema with amazing performances by the leads. Neither exaggerating nor over-sentimentalizing the lives of people involved in the oldest trade known to humanity. But what is inspiring and heart-warming is the mini-revolution by the women for the women! The men in this trade though integral part of these women's lives, they are equally indifferent and even intolerant and un-supportive of any kind of freedom in their lives. The movie never seemed to be pedantic or preachy and even though running for 2.5 hrs is mostly nicely written and holds an audience attention. The ending is superb ensuring a realistic finish rather than an idealistic one.

Kudos to the writer & director Aditya Kripalani and to all producers for bringing such lively and realistic story to the contemporary bollywood. I sincerely hope that soon we can have wide releases for such movies in our country and across world (and not just end up being part of international festivals). There is a new hope in our storytelling as much as these women brought change and hope in their lives!

One of the unusual, extraordinary and exceptional piece of work flawless casting and each of the characters whether small or lead they have influenced and created impact in their own way background score totally engaging direction is fresh, and looks like actors are given liberty to portray it the way they want it

coming to the movie 2 lead characters: laxmi and tikli i am in love with them and ofcourse the movie...What a bond and performances...Each time they win or get success i felt very happy...Even the small characters like A.T , More , Shinde, Chaiwala have created their own area of victory there are many small punches only if u get it most of the corporate strategies are covered in very raw manner and u will be able to find it that the use of technology and offers are made to attract clients. many things to write

I recommend this movie strongly 4 out of 5 found this helpful

The best thing about this movie is the ending was totally unpredictable. It's the type of movie which could be a theatrical release but of course they would lose some freedom in order to do that coz u have to add some masala in Bollywood movies so that it can be a commercially hit. It's a pure piece of a work. Recommend.

Stunning Storyline with impactful performance!! Worth to watch.

Got a chance to watch Tikli and Laxmi Bomb at the Jaipur International Film Festival. From the word go, the movie moves and then keeps on moving at a faster pace in the trajectory it is set out to, right till its last breath. Thats what movies should do - be loaded with content, with a narrative which takes you on a journey of the protagonists ; their struggles, their goals, their failures and successes .. keeping in mind how life it, this graph should be filled with its ups and downs and thats exactly what happens in this film, which is I was thoroughly entertained watching it. With the right mix of sarcasm, black humor, pain, self preservation and some gems of human psychology and philosophy, the film will find its way in a thinking mans "Films to watch" list.

The 2 heroines are the pillars of the movie .. Tikli played by Chitrangada is the more bubby and instantly likable one and you root for her cause almost immediately. Laxmi played by Vibha is the perfect mentor character ably pushing her new found protege and not in a rush to outshine her. But it is her journey which has more depth which only comes when lifes pain has carved its niches in you. That comes across in her battle with herself. The last scene with her breaking down is heart wrenching !

Aditya Kripalani has done justice to the original novel written by him and not let time evolve the story. The credit for the camaraderie you clearly see in the two lead characters can only be credited to him and his adeptness at knowing natural human emotions. This is his big strength and it shows without making a mockery of it by dramatising any aspect of the connect the two come to share in their journey. It feels natural.. it feels real and yet its entertaining. just like life !

Based on one of Aditya's best books, this movie is a tight slap on the patriarchal system. In a very natural way, Vibhawari and cast has managed to portray the life of sex workers wonderfully onscreen. Won't say much and I shall insist everyone to watch the movie instead.

For me, this film initially seemed like a light-hearted story of two women who bond over the work and the backgrounds that they share. But believe me, it is anything but that. The relationship between Tikli and Laxmi, being the strongest link in the film leaves enough space for the other characters to shine, my favorite being Tsamchoe and MT. You get engrossed in these beautiful characters who seem so innocent it's almost difficult to believe what they do for a living. It was hard for me to part this film as it creates an impact you have no control over. Loved it!

This movie is really amazing wow concept With grt direction and Actors lovely movie everyone should watch and promote....