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

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."

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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 !!!

It's the kind of movie that sucks you in almost from the first frame onwards. I found myself totally invested in the two main female characters and was rooting for them all throughout this splendidly-made movie.

The story is gripping and the cinematography does it able justice. What I loved the most is that it always felt very raw, very real. Kudos to everyone that worked on this movie...we need more films that can address gender inequality in such a humane and compassionate manner.

The film is thought provoking. Makes you question the society and its structure deeply. Its dark and hard hitting. The performances of the actors keeps you at your toe throughout the film. The director's simplistic way of story telling makes it more humane and relatable. Its progressive, educational with brilliant perfomances. A must watch.

Just watched the movie... N I'm stumped. It's not the first movie of its kind and yet it is. Lot many talented directors and actors have portrayed or attempted to portray the characters of Sex workers in India. But never has it been captured they way This one has been. It shows the rawness and the plight like it's happened with someone I know. And the captain is nothing without his crew... Hence lot of the credit also goes to tikli and Laxmi who have been able to portray like no other. Brilliant and outstanding. Take a bow team!

When we talk about system change in india, we automatically shift towards the top down approach. When a person tries to bring a change from the bottom, we say its a revolution! This movie tweaks the meaning of system change and talks about how we can combine revolution and system change. A hard hitting movie which speaks out the realities of the streets. It helps you visualize how small acts can bring change and inspires you for the same. The storyline and acting both are commendable! kudos to the crew and hopefully we will have more such movies in future....

I just completed watching Tikli and Laxmi bomb and I couldn't keep from writing this review. What a beautiful piece. It made me laugh and cry all at once but most of all it was honest and vulnerable, deep down I knew that a happy ending wasn't coming but I was so desperately hoping for one. It's like how we really want to know that at the end it all settles down but it doesn't and the world goes on with or without us in it but what matters is what we do here while we can. And you've done so much, so beautifully. As a writer I've learnt being brutally honest today. Thank you for the movie, it was a wonderful experience watching it.

Stunning Storyline with impactful performance!! Worth to watch.

Tikli and Laxmi Bomb is an iconic piece of work. The script and direction is commendable. The story revolves around the miserable lives of prostitutes in our country but at the same time it also focuses on the courage and sisterhood these woman show. Hats off to the whole team.

Extremely well made movie. So real and facts of the girls living in the streets of Mumbai making a living for their self. Amazing work done by all cast and crew and special shout out to the debutant director Aditya. Kudos to the team and all the best.

An eye-opening tale of a small scale revolution which is led by woman who wants to make justice a reality for them. Neither an exaggeration nor an understatement, the movie grips audience by making them validate to the actions of those women as they are not born out of desires but out of necessity. The movie neither tries to sympathize nor victimize the women, it clearly showcases the insanity of male mindset which are convenient enough to sympathize women but intolerant about their progress. Movie deals with themes like money implies power and vice versa. Characters like laxmi, tikli and the gang truly deliver the emotional aspects of human as an essence in the purest form. The interrelationships between the characters are nicely written and no dialogue or scene is excess to the whole. A goldilocks idea of movie I'd say. Involving the message, the ending rightly comments on the scope of the society we live in, I appreciate the filmmaker for not making it idealistic in the end. The closeness to reality is where the beauty gets in, the harsh reality that unfolds about the patriarchy in our society as well as the believable aspect of the fiction being cohesive makes it a movie worth your time. Support the film

The story of this movie has been written with thorough research on the subject, without titillation, a truthful & nuanced portrayal of the Red Light ecosystem in context of the sex workers , middle men & law enforcement . Editing is so taut that you would not want to leave it unfinished except for very few portions which seem to be over stretched . All actors have put their best foot forward. Dont be surprised if you feel repulsive towards the dark characters & sympathy towards the victims. It also serves as a lesson to the common man ,a lesson on hope & grit. The director is a definitely a better version of the highly talented madhur bhandarkar so you can imagine what movie must be like. I recommend it as Must Watch.

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.