Name: Ek Kori Prem Katha (2024)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Social
Released: 2024-04-05
Rating: 6.0
Cast: Akshay Oberoi, Poonam Dhillon, Raj Babbar, Darshan Jariwala, Khanak Budhiraja

When Sabhyata falls in love with the village chief's son, she decides to fight against the Kori ritual, in order to have a happy and respectful married life.

Ek Kori Prem Katha (2024)

Times of India

Based on true events, the film is about women in Lakshmangadh, Uttar Pradesh, suffering at the hands of a misogynistic pradhan, Thakur Ramdev Singh (Raj Babbar), and the prevalent malpractice called Kori Pratha (virginity test). The chieftain thinks these regressive customs protect the village from epidemics and other catastrophes, so much so that he doesn’t flinch even when a hapless and helpless newlywed woman dies by suicide after failing agnipariksha.
The pradhan’s son, Laad’ Laddu’ Singh (Akshay Oberoi), marries a fiercely independent woman, Sabhyata (Khanak Budhiraja), who protests against the malpractice and continues to work as a bus driver. The consequence is a rift between the much-in-love couple and Sabhyaa being forced to leave the house. The rest of the movie is about whether she can free the village of this practice and reunite with her husband.
Writers Nishant Bhardwaj, Arvind Chaudhary, and Gayatri Manish’s narrative is straightforward and follows a logical storyline. However, it falls short in the storytelling department and does not make for a compelling or engaging watch. Chimnay P Purohit keeps the ship steady with his direction, especially in portraying the characters and conveying a thought-provoking message. Despite being a graduate, Sabhyata takes up a job as a bus driver to be in the male bastion. Laddu makes an entry riding a bike like a stud, but when the camera pans out, he is on a tractor because he is happier taking the ‘backseat’ and letting the woman be in charge. Curious as this may seem, it’s done without seeming forceful.
The film does not paint the villagers as villains (not even the pradhan) but as people stuck in time and accepting age-old rituals without questioning them. Akshay Oberoi is likable as Laddu and does well as an aimless young man or someone who finds a voice and strength later. Khanak Budhiraja delivers a serviceable performance and passes off as a strong young woman. Veteran actors Raj Babbar and Poonam Dhillon also stand out.
The movie does have a bold voice that virginity must not determine a woman’s ‘chastity’ or dignity and answers important questions about hymen breakage. But it turns too idealistic towards the end.
Ek Kori Prem Katha’s heart is in the right place, but its execution lacks the power and narrative punch.

Ek Kori Prem Katha - Official Trailer | Khanak Budhiraja, Akshay Oberoi, Raj Babbar, Poonam Dhillon

Ek Kori Prem Katha - Official Teaser | Khanak Budhiraja, Akshay Oberoi | Chinmay Purohit

Ek Kori Prem Katha (2024)

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