Cert 12A
136 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence and a gory image
Nowadays, it is rare that I get to hear the excellent Mark Kermode/Simon Mayo Friday afternoon film slot on Radio Five Live.
But yesterday I was tempted to send in my views on Lootera because it was in the top 10 UK box office chart but the dynamic duo had not received a single comment about it.
It's a shame films such as this don't receive publicity outside of the traditional Bollywood audiences because I think there would be plenty in it for Westerners.
Basically, it begins as a conventional love story but gathers in depth and goes from a light drama to a dark thriller.
Set at the time of Partion in the 1940s, it surrounds the daughter (Sonakshi Sinha) of a rich landowner (Barun Chanda).
Her father is in denial over fears that, following the expulsion of the English, his land will be taken by the Indian government and much of it handed to the local people.
But, as the pressure grows on him, a young archaeologist (Ranveer Singh) arrives.
He organises a dig nearby and, while the work is taking place, Sinha's character falls in love with him.
However, is the affable stranger all that he seems? Pretty soon, we realise he is not.
The soundtrack of Lootera plays second fiddle to two quality performances from Sinha and Singh.
But it is none the worse for the lack of singing and dancing. In fact, it would have distracted from the gently creeping tension.
Director Vikramaditya Motwane builds the momentum of the film beautifully and it successfully rekindles the memories of a bygone age and boasts some wonderful cinematography.
I would have advised Kermode and Mayo that it is a winner.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: blood rather than vomit.
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/5/10