Did 'Laapata Ladies’ copy 'Burqa City'? French director responds

The popular Indian film Laapata Ladies has found itself at the center of controversy, after a viral video claimed its storyline is remarkably similar to the 2019 Arabic short film Burqa City.

The debate gained momentum as the video compared scenes from both films, leading to widespread accusations of plagiarism on social media. The matter became even more sensitive after Laapata Ladies was selected as India's official entry for the 2024 Oscar Awards.

French director Fabrice Bracq, who directed Burqa City, has now responded to the allegations in an interview with Indian media.

“When I read the story of the film, I was immediately shocked, and when I saw the full film, I was in a state of surprise and shock,” he said.

“Although the story has been adapted from an Indian perspective, many scenes, characters, and messages are similar to my short film.”

Fabrice pointed out specific elements that he believes are directly lifted from Burqa City, “The kind-hearted, simple-minded husband who loses his wife, the second husband who is cruel and abusive, the scene at the police station with a corrupt officer and his two colleagues, and the scene where shops are searched by showing a picture of a burqa-clad wife—these are exactly the scenes from Burqa City.”

He added that both films carry a central message related to women's freedom and feminism.

“The main message of both films is based on women’s freedom and feminism,” he noted.
On the other hand, Laapata Ladies writer Biplab Goswami has firmly denied the plagiarism claims.
“The story is completely original. I registered its summary with the Screenwriters Association in 2014, which is five years before the release of Burqa City,” he said.

Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapata Ladies was released in 2024. The film tells the story of two brides who are mistakenly switched during a train journey.