Leila

Leila is an enigmatic yet captivating Indian dystopian drama series that was released on Netflix in 2019. Based on Prayaag Akbar's eponymous 2017 novel, the series is directed by a trio of accomplished directors: Deepa Mehta, Shanker Raman, and Pawan Kumar.

Set in a near-future dystopia, Leila presents a chilling vision of the year 2047, where environmental devastation is widespread, and society is dictated by a stringent, oppressive regime. The setting for this story is the dystopian city-state of Aryavarta, which is positioned as a purified community and built on the vigorous principles of self-sufficiency, segregation, and, most markedly, purity.

The story largely revolves around Shalini, the protagonist, who embarks on a relentless journey within this harsh ideological framework. The setting presents a society where personal identity, social interactions, and communal life are defined strictly by caste, religion, and socioeconomic status. What makes Shalini's situation unique is her desperate quest for her daughter, Leila, from whom she was forcibly separated.

The character of Shalini is flawlessly portrayed by Huma Qureshi, one of Bollywood's versatile actresses. Her performance helps greatly in keeping the audience empathetic and singularly focused on her journey. Shalini was once a privileged woman living happily with her husband Riz, an architect of mixed caste, and their young daughter, Leila. However, in the drastically transformed Aryavarta, she becomes a disparaged and oppressed individual, subjected to systematic dehumanization.

The narratives are enriched by convincingly fearful performances from the supporting cast as well. The enigmatic and harsh character of Joshi, the architect of Aryavarta played by Rahul Khanna, offers a unique perspective on the ideology driving the totalitarian regime. Seema Biswas plays Madhu, a woman who is conflicted between her duties and her growing sympathy for Shalini. We also see characters like Bhanu, a lower-rank Aryavarta official played by Siddharth who plays a crucial role in Shalini’s journey throughout the series.

Leila does a commendable job of illustrating some deeply unsettling aspects of societal inequality, religious dogmatism, and authoritarianism. The six-episode series focuses on the concept of an ideologically absolute and discriminatory society. What sets Leila apart is how it paints this dystopia not as something born overnight, but a result of years of seemingly insignificant decisions and ignored injustices that escalate into the world of Aryavarta.

The audience is likely to appreciate the engrossing plot, strong performances, and well-developed characters that form the series' backbone. There are numerous moments that are designed to provoke thought and spark conversations on the themes and issues presented.

The series also shines due to its distinct, visceral visuals. The stark contrast between the sanitized, sterile areas for the privileged and the neglected, polluted areas for the "purity" violators is vividly depicted to deliver a strong societal commentary. The production and costume design also play a critical role in underscoring the dystopian environment.

The story unfolds with rhythmic precision and maintains a tight grip on your attention. With each episode lasting nearly 50 minutes, the series is paced in a way that each installment compounds the tension and dread of Shalini’s circumstance.

However, the series is not all gloom-doom and manages to weave hopeful threads throughout the narrative. These lie especially in the defiance and resilience of Shalini and the like-minded sympathisers who resist the oppressive system.

In conclusion, with its fascinating yet alarming depiction of a dystopian society, Leila stands out as a chilling, thought-provoking, and remarkably insightful series. It uses its dystopian backdrop and a mother's heartbreaking pursuit to explore grim themes and provide a haunting critique of society's potential future self.