‘Burqa City’ Creator Talks About Resemblances With Aamir Khan-Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’: Says He Felt Surprised and Disheartened
In the world of cinema, originality is everything. So when two films appear strikingly similar, it naturally sparks conversation and concern. Recently, Fabrice Bracq, the maker of the 2019 French short film ‘Burqa City’, has come forward to express his reaction after watching ‘Laapataa Ladies’, the 2024 Hindi-language film backed by Aamir Khan and directed by Kiran Rao.
The director didn’t hold back in an interview when talking about his reaction — stating that he was both "shocked and saddened" after noticing strong similarities in concept and visual storytelling.
Here’s a clean, point-by-point breakdown of everything that happened, what Fabrice had to say, the similarities spotted by audiences, and what this means for filmmakers across the world.
1. What is ‘Burqa City’?
-
‘Burqa City’ is a French short film, released in 2019, created by Fabrice Bracq.
-
The film’s plot revolves around a woman in a burqa who mistakenly gets confused with another, causing a chain of emotional and comic situations.
-
The movie is known for its strong message on identity, societal norms, and women’s freedom, told in a sharp and humorous style.
-
It received attention at various film festivals for its storytelling, direction, and bold themes.
2. What is ‘Laapataa Ladies’ All About?
-
Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, ‘Laapataa Ladies’ was released in 2024.
-
The story is set in rural India and follows two young brides who get accidentally swapped at a train station, leading to unexpected consequences.
-
The film uses humor, satire, and emotional depth to address patriarchy, gender roles, and women’s agency.
-
The movie gained praise in India and abroad for its charming yet impactful narrative.
3. Director Fabrice Bracq Shares His Reaction
-
Fabrice Bracq revealed that he only recently became aware of the Indian film’s existence.
-
Upon watching it, he immediately noticed visual and narrative parallels that closely resembled his 2019 film.
-
In his own words, Fabrice said, “I was both shocked and saddened by what I saw.”
-
He clarified that he wasn’t accusing anyone directly, but felt a need to speak up for the sake of creative integrity.
4. Which Scenes or Themes Seemed Similar?
Although neither filmmaker publicly listed scene-by-scene comparisons, audience reactions and Fabrice’s comments point to some key overlaps:
-
Central mix-up involving veiled women or characters with concealed identities.
-
Tone of comedy mixed with social commentary.
-
The way both films use misunderstanding to question cultural expectations placed on women.
-
Similar stylistic choices in framing scenes, especially those involving public settings and group interactions.
5. Why Fabrice Felt the Need to Speak Out
-
As an artist, Fabrice explained that he wasn’t looking for controversy, but rather, wanted awareness.
-
He said that filmmakers should be acknowledged when their ideas are reused or referenced, even unintentionally.
-
According to him, credit and respect for original work is crucial in a world where creative ideas spread quickly.
6. What Has Aamir Khan or Kiran Rao Said About It?
-
As of now, no official response has been made by Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, or their production team regarding Fabrice’s claims.
-
The Indian film industry often sees global influences in storytelling, and many believe this could simply be coincidental inspiration.
7. What Are Viewers Saying Online?
-
Social media platforms have seen a rise in posts comparing clips and story summaries of the two films.
-
Some netizens agree with Fabrice and believe the similarities are too strong to ignore.
-
Others argue that themes like identity swaps or mistaken identity are universal storytelling tools and may not necessarily indicate copying.
8. Legal Angle — Is There a Copyright Issue?
-
At present, there is no legal case or copyright claim filed against the makers of ‘Laapataa Ladies’.
-
For a lawsuit to proceed, Fabrice would need to prove direct copying, access to his film by the Laapataa team, and substantial similarity.
-
However, Fabrice appears to be more focused on raising awareness than initiating legal action.
9. Why This Discussion Matters in Cinema
-
This incident has reopened the debate on originality vs. coincidence in storytelling.
-
With streaming platforms making global content more accessible, it’s possible for creators to subconsciously get influenced by films they've seen years ago.
-
Many film experts believe that transparency and credit can go a long way in maintaining trust within the global creative community.
10. Fabrice’s Closing Words
-
Fabrice concluded by saying he respects the talent and passion behind ‘Laapataa Ladies’.
-
He emphasized that his goal was not to attack, but to share how the situation made him feel as a filmmaker.
-
“When something you've worked hard on resembles another work without any nod or mention, it hurts,” he said.
Final Thoughts: A Chance for Global Dialogue
This moment isn't just about two films—it’s a larger conversation about creative boundaries, influence, and respect among artists around the world. While it’s unclear whether the similarities were intentional, the impact on Fabrice Bracq is very real. At the same time, 'Laapataa Ladies' continues to win hearts for its strong message and storytelling.
In the end, perhaps the best outcome would be an open conversation between both creators — a dialogue that could inspire collaboration rather than conflict in the world of international cinema.
Would you like a side-by-side visual comparison of the two films or a timeline showing the release and development of both? Let me know!
