The images of primal violence that Santoshi presents in ‘Lajja’ are difficult to forget. The joyous laughter of Madhuri Dixit as Janki and Rekha as Ram Dulari stays with you even as their gender-based adversities unfold. The film captures the anguish and humiliation of these women, eliciting a strong reaction from viewers.
The film’s message should not be dismissed due to the intensity of its depiction of women’s lives. Santoshi’s work reveals the extreme situations faced by women in many regions. His ability to integrate humor within the theme of brutal oppression deserves recognition.
Some critics have overlooked the clever combination of humor and pain within the Mahima Choudhary segment, considering the anti-dowry theme to be overemphasized. This critique misses the film’s satirical intent. Anil Kapoor’s comedic portrayals in the film are not meant to be taken literally. The father’s anguish, however, carries a profound weight.