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Movie Overview
| Title | Lipstick Under My Burkha |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2016 |
| Runtime | 2h 12m |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Director | Alankrita Shrivastava |
| Produced by | Prakash Jha, JB Angels |
Movie Cast
| Actor | Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Ratna Pathak | Usha |
| Konkana Sen Sharma | Shireen Aslam |
| Plabita Borthakur | Rehana Abidi |
| Aahana Kumra | Leela |
| Shashank Arora | Dhruv |
| Sushant Singh | Rahim Aslam |
| Vikrant Massey | Arshad |
| Vaibhav Tatwawaadi | Manoj |
| Sonal Jha | Leela\’s Mother |
| Mayur More | Michael Jackson (MJ) |
| Jagat Singh Solanki | Jaspal |
| Anwar Khan | Abidi |
| Namita Dubey | Namrata |
Storyline
Four ordinary women, inflicted by silly societal norms, have to steal, lie, cheat and hide in order to lead the lives that they rightfully deserve.
Lipstick Dreams (2023) – Movie Summary & Timeline
Lipstick Dreams is a bold drama exploring the lives of four women in a conservative Bhopal neighborhood. Usha, a widow, navigates her erotic fantasies; Rehana, a college student, challenges societal gender norms; Leela, a beautician, struggles between love and family obligations; and Shireen, a married woman, confronts an oppressive relationship. Through secret desires, forbidden relationships, and acts of rebellion, each woman faces judgment, betrayal, and personal limitations. Ultimately, they discover solidarity, empowerment, and the courage to embrace freedom and self-expression. The film is praised for its strong female-led narrative, social commentary, and sensual storytelling.
| # | Scene | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leela’s Private Encounter | (15:23) Leela shares a secret intimate moment with her boyfriend Arshad while her fiancé awaits at the engagement hall, highlighting her inner conflict and forbidden romance. |
| 2 | Leela and Arshad’s Kiss | (1:28:20 & 1:40:20) Leela kisses Arshad at his home and later at a local fair, deepening their secret relationship and emotional connection. |
| 3 | Rehana Challenges Gender Norms | (Multiple) Rehana actively participates in protests against restrictive clothing bans, defies conservative dress codes at college, and questions traditional gender expectations. |
| 4 | Shireen’s Marital Struggle | (Multiple) Shireen navigates an oppressive marriage, secretly pursues employment, and confronts her husband’s infidelity and controlling behavior, reflecting the challenges faced by women in traditional households. |
| 5 | Usha’s Self-Discovery | (Multiple) Usha explores her sensual fantasies as \”Rosy,\” engages in discreet phone interactions with Jaspal, and gradually regains confidence and self-expression. |
| 6 | Festival & Resolution | (End) During the Diwali festival, the four women unite, reflect on their desires, and celebrate empowerment, solidarity, and personal liberation. |
IMDB Rating – 6.8/10
Where To Watch
Where To Watch
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Available to stream (Subscription Required) |
Note: Streaming availability may vary based on your region. Check Amazon Prime Video for official streaming or rental options.
Box Office Summary
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Day 1 [1st Friday] | ₹ 1.24 Cr |
| Total Net Collection | ₹ 19.16 Cr |
| Worldwide Collection Gross | ₹ 26.68 Cr |
| Overseas Collection | ₹ 0.73 Cr |
| India Gross Collection | ₹ 25.95 Cr |
| Budget | ₹ 6.00 Cr |
| Verdict | HIT |
Disclaimer: The box office figures presented above are compiled from various sources and independent research. These figures are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. DesiFilmi does not claim the ab
Facts & Trivia
Lipstick Under My Burkha is known for its bold portrayal of four women\’s secret lives, challenging patriarchy in small-town India. Here are some lesser-known facts about the film:
- The \”Burkha\” is Metaphorical: The film uses the burkha as a symbol for how many women veil their true selves and desires, not just a religious garment; only two of the four protagonists are Muslim.
- Censor Board Controversy: It was famously banned by India\’s CBFC for being \”lady-oriented\” with \”continuous sexual scenes\” and \”abusive words,\” sparking debate about censorship and patriarchal storytelling.
- Unresolved Endings: The film deliberately leaves many questions unanswered about the women\’s futures (e.g., Shireen\’s marriage, Leela\’s love life), emphasizing ongoing struggles rather than providing simple solutions, a point often missed by critics focusing on the cigarette symbolism.
- International Success vs. Indian Ban: The film won awards and opened festivals like the New York Indian Film Festival, even while facing a ban in its home country, highlighting a disconnect in cinematic appreciation.
- Focus on Realism: Director Alankrita Shrivastava wanted to explore the \”feeling of not being free,\” showing the internal and external struggles of ordinary middle-class women, a theme resonant beyond just radical acts.
- Beyond \”Item Numbers\”: The film contrasts its realistic portrayal of women\’s interior lives with the typical, objectifying \”item numbers\” prevalent in Bollywood, challenging the industry\’s portrayal of women.
