Leela begins where Dil Chahta Hai ends, literally considering that the common factor in both is Dimple
Kapadia as the older woman love interest. The only difference is that unlike any of the earlier two films like Mera Naam Joker or DCH, Leela is bolder and is not done away with as in the DCH. In some ways a mature love story.
 
Leela (Dimple Kapadia) is a visiting professor in an American University. Her mother’s death makes Leela eave the country for a brief while, leaving a so called perfect life with her poet-husband, Nashaad (Vinod Khanna) behind her. Once there her path crosses with that of Krishna a.k.a Kris (Amol Mhatre). Kris, a young Indian-American is a product of a single parent home. Kris tries to get closer to the alluring Leela because of a bet he

kinship with her. Both are lonely in their own. Both are trying to come to terms with their personal lives – Kris is infuriated on learning that his mother Chaitali (Deepti Naval) has a man in her life, while Leela burns with a restless sorrow, thanks to her husband’s infidelities. Leela now begins scrutinizing her so called perfect marriage with the philandering renowned poet and wants to start afresh. But before that she has to deal with the new situation that arises from her seeking solace and comfort in Kris’s arms.
   
Leela is a refreshing, not so mushy look at a older woman-young boy love story. Somnath Sen (the writer-director) should be credited for handling this relationship

it disturbing the one-sided love track of the boy. Very poignant is the scene where the morning after Leela and Kris make love, Kris is shown to be on seventh heaven, obviously in love, cherishing every bit of the emotion of a first love as well as the change in him after his sexual initiation. Cutting from the soft, slow fluid motion of Kris’s world to Leela, who has taken the step because of her husband’s philandering, is still hurting and brooding. The film has been very faithful to the one-sided love track even if it has been consummated, at the same time underlining the rich bond that Leela and Kris share – it is this relationship that is an eye-opener in more than one way. Each find their true selves through this relationship, even though it does not have a ‘happily ever after’ end. Music by Jagjit Singh is moody, suiting the film’s track. 

 
With a cast like Dimple, Vinod Khanna, Deepti Naval in it, one should have expected brilliant performances. Surprisingly, Dimple playing Leela seems indifferent in her performance. The truth is that one can’t imagine any other actress playing the desirable older woman. Vinod Khanna comes as a shock to the eyes. His appearance in a way suits the character - the crumbling remains of a debauched lifestyle. Deepti and Gulshan Grover do their bit where performance is concerned. But the show belongs to Amol Mhatre. He’s brilliant. One of the most underplayed, sensitive and yet la\yered performances comes from this debutant, considering he’s also surrounded by veterans. But he steals the show without even trying to do so. It’s not Leela that registers in your mind, but Amol.