If not Panchayat 3, Jitendra Kumar's Lantrani promises comedy, streaming now on ZEE5: Watch teaser!

"Lantrani" is an anthology film that weaves together three distinct stories by award-winning filmmakers Kaushik Ganguly, Gurvinder Singh, and Bhaskar Hazarika. The film delves into important issues facing India, including queer harassment, caste discrimination, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite some ups and downs, "Lantrani" offers a realistic and thought-provoking watch for the weekend.

The first film, "Hud Hud Dabang," directed by Kaushik Ganguly, features an unlikely pairing of actors Johny Lever and Jisshu Sengupta. Their on-screen chemistry, though unconventional, delivers a powerful narrative that seamlessly blends slapstick comedy with social commentary. The film sheds light on the harassment faced by the queer community, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Acting as the thread that ties the anthology together, "Hud Hud Dabang" embodies the essence of yin and yang, with Johny Lever's effortless delivery of dialogue complemented by Jisshu Sengupta's emotive performance as a queer character.

The second film, "Dharna Mana Hai," directed by Gurvinder Singh, explores the story of Gomti Devi, a scheduled caste woman who challenges societal norms after being elected as a Sarpanch. Despite its minimal use of dialogue, the film captivates viewers with its compelling narrative and strong performances by Jitendra Kumar and Nimisha Sajayan.

While "Dharna Mana Hai" stands out as the strongest film in the anthology, it falls short of its full potential due to pacing issues in its screenplay.

The final film, "Sanitized Samachar," directed by Bhaskar Hazarika, revolves around a news channel on the brink of closure during the Covid-19 lockdown. Despite its important subject matter, the film suffers from execution flaws, failing to fully engage the audience. However, it redeems itself with a memorable concluding scene.

Overall, "Lantrani" offers a poignant exploration of contemporary Indian issues, presented through three distinct lenses. Despite its shortcomings, the anthology delivers a compelling and relatable viewing experience, making it a worthwhile choice for a weekend watch.