Spanning time, poet, lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar’s “Lekin” is an adaptation of “Kshudhit Pashaan /The Hungry Stones,” a short story by the Bard of Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore. Set amidst a desert where time stands still, the movie revolves around Sameer (Vinod Khanna), an archaeologist who strikes up an otherworldly bond with a wandering woman, Reva (Dimple Kapadia). He initially mistakes her for a gypsy camping on the grounds of a palace where he is on assignment. Later, as she opens up to the curious curator, he realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye and that he might have known her in another life.
“Lekin…” unfolds at a leisurely pace yet there is never a wasted moment. The film engrosses viewers as equally as the male protagonist in uncovering the truth behind the mysterious heroine who appears, subsequently disappears much like a spirit, albeit with fresh wounds that are real to the touch. Thus, it excels at thinning the line between real and imagined. Occasions such as a lantern vanishing from the locked premises, only for Sameer to see a faint floating light (resembling a will-o’-the-wisp) and discover it in Reva’s possession add to the air of mystery. Furthermore, Sameer’s compelling conversations on the intersection between spirituality, destiny, science and the supernatural further the film along. Conversations with supporting characters—such as a professor specialising in paranormal phenomenon and later a sceptical doctor who believes in rationality—impart depth to the ghost story as it unfolds.
Another Time-Spanning Venture
The movie is also devoid of generic jump scares and modern effects, with just simple editing techniques and camera blocking employed to intensify its eery atmosphere.
Singer Lata Mangeshkar (who also backed the movie as a producer) lends her melodious voice to the compositions by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, with meaningful lyrics penned by Gulzar himself. These consist of Raag Mand, soulful Rajasthani folk music which emphasises “Lekin’s” core themes of separation and longing. While “Yaara Seeli Seeli” is the track with most repeat value, I found the lyrics of “Main Ek Sadi Se” similar to “Sau Baras” from “Haunted 3D,” another time-spanning venture in the horror genre. That film released two decades later and also depicted a selfless hero’s attempts in liberating a trapped spirit and helping her attain closure centuries after her demise. Â
Middle Ground Between Fantasy and Mystery
Vinod Khanna delivers a nuanced performance as the gentlemanly yet perturbed protagonist, drawn to the arresting Reva but simultaneously questioning his own sanity, often resulting in him inviting danger to his own life. Dimple Kapadia is transfixing as Reva who is literally lost in the sands of time. She infuses an enigmatic aura to the tragic heroine who holds Sameer in her thrall, follows him, yet is herself haunted by shadowy spectres which won’t allow her to cross over to the other side of the desert. Khanna and Kapadia’s chemistry is another highlight. Amjad Khan appears in an extended cameo in one of his penultimate roles (he passed away the following year), as the endearing Shafi, Sameer’s concerned friend. This performance is poles apart from his most iconic role of the tyrannical, fearful dacoit Gabbar Singh from “Sholay.” Beena Banerjee as Shafi’s wife, Sharda, who lends Sameer an amulet that ultimately pays dividends, and Moon Moon Sen as Pammi leave an impression in small but pivotal roles too.
The relationship between Reva and her sister Tara (played by Hema Malini) feels underdeveloped although this is but a minor inconvenience.
Overall “Lekin…” manages to finds a middle ground between fantasy and paranormal mystery, making it a perfect (halfway to) spooky season watch
*”Lekin…” is available to watch on Youtube.
