Burqa City Director Fabrice Bracq Discusses Surprising Parallels With Laapataa Ladies

New Delhi is buzzing with controversy surrounding Laapataa Ladies, India’s official Oscar entry for 2024. The film has been accused of plagiarism following striking similarities with the 2019 Arabic short film Burqa City. A viral video sparked intense discussions as viewers noted overlapping plot points, particularly highlighting the characterizations and pivotal scenes shared between the two works.

Fabrice Bracq, director of Burqa City, expressed dismay over the parallels, stating, "Even before watching, I was surprised by how closely the pitch matched. Upon viewing, it was shocking to see many elements of my short film, adapted yet unmistakably present." He pinpointed key aspects such as the contrasting husbands and the portrayal of a corrupt police officer, mirroring plots from Burqa City.

Moreover, he drew attention to significant scenes where the kind husband searches for his wife, showcasing an image that evokes the original story’s themes, leading to a narrative twist centered on women’s emancipation, a core message for both films.

In response to the allegations, Laapataa Ladies writer Biplab Goswami asserted that his story is “100% original,” claiming he had registered his synopsis in 2014, well before the Arabic film’s release. As discussions unfold, many are left questioning the boundaries of inspiration versus imitation in the creative industry.