Laxman Utekar | |
---|---|
Nationality | Indian |
Occupations | |
Years active | 2007–present |
Laxman Utekar is an Indian filmmaker, cinematographer and director known for his work in Hindi and Marathi films.
Utekar started his career as a cinematographer in Hindi cinema with films such as English Vinglish and Dear Zindagi . He made his directorial debut in 2013 with Tapaal . [1] He went on to direct the romantic comedy Luka Chuppi (2019) and the drama Mimi (2021).
Utekar started his career as a director of photography in Hindi cinema in 2007 with Khanna & Iyer. He then went on to work on English Vinglish , Dear Zindagi , Hindi Medium and 102 Not Out . He made his directorial debut in 2014 with Marathi film Tapaal . He then directed Lalbaugchi Rani (2016), a slice of life drama about a mentally challenged girl who gets lost in Mumbai.
Utekar first Hindi film as director was the romantic comedy Luka Chuppi (2019) which starred Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon as a couple in a live in relationship and the chaos ensues when their traditional families assume them to be married to each other. [2] The film received generally positive reviews and emerged as commercial success at the box office, with a total gross collection of ₹128.86 crore (US$15 million). [3] [4]
In 2021, Utekar directed and co-wrote with Rohan Shankar the drama Mimi . A remake of the Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychy! (2011). the film reunited him with Sanon, in the titular role of a young woman who opts to be a surrogate mother for a foreign couple. Following the non-existent theatrical releases due to COVID-19 pandemic, the film was released through the streaming services Netflix and JioCinema. [5] The film received positive reviews from critics, with Renuka Vyahare of The Times of India nothing that "it picks a relevant topic and turns it into an engaging, empowering and compassionate tale on humanity and motherhood". [6] Taran Adarsh wrote, “Mimi is a heartwarming saga, aimed at families and it will keep the audience thoroughly entertained.” [7]
† | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Year | Film | Director | Cinematographer | Language | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | Khanna & Iyer | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
2009 | Blue | Yes | Hindi | ||
2012 | English Vinglish | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
2014 | Tapaal | Yes | Yes | Marathi | [9] |
2016 | Dear Zindagi | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
2016 | Lalbaugchi Rani | Yes | Marathi | [10] | |
2017 | Hindi Medium | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
2018 | 102 Not Out | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
2019 | Luka Chuppi | Yes | Hindi | [8] | |
2021 | Mimi | Yes | Hindi | [11] | |
2023 | Zara Hatke Zara Bachke | Yes | Hindi | [12] | |
2024 | Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya | Yes | Hindi | ||
2025 | Chhaava | Yes | Hindi | [13] |