Gulmohar movie review

Exploring the complex nature of family bonds, filmmakers have been attempting to portray the intricacies of family dynamics for years. Recent successful examples include Shakun Batra's "Kapoor & Sons" and Asim Abbasi's heart-wrenching Pakistani film "Cake". The latest addition to this list is "Gulmohar", a film that uses a bungalow as a metaphor for a family that has branched out like the members living in it.

Written by Rahul in collaboration with Arpita Mukherjee, "Gulmohar" is a personal and intimate experience that captures the essence of almost every Indian household, which was once held together but has now split into nuclear homes. The film represents every voice in a joint family structure, including those with power, those who witness silently, those who are vocal, and those who are oppressed.

The minute details added to the writing breathe life into the film's characters. Arun, the head of the family played by Manoj Bajpayee, is a stubborn man who is connected to the house he is about to leave. While he wants to embrace change and move on with the world, he is still resistant. He is a man who is yet to accept Gurgaon as Gurugram, so the change in homes is much bigger for him. Through his struggle, we see the urbanization of Delhi, the cost of living in a posh locality, and how it can affect people's pockets.

The film includes a big twist that is handled delicately and lands right at the center of the emotional core. To support it from all sides, the makers create a world with multiple parallel stories. The house helps have their separate eco-system, and they are as important as any family member. However, they are often reminded of their status, and there is a dig at the class and orthodox divides that are still evident in society.

Although "Gulmohar" is delicate and moving, it sometimes wraps up storylines quite abruptly. For example, a character who is homosexual finds her redemption in a rushed and convenient manner.

Sharmila Tagore's return to the screen after more than a decade is a joy to behold. Her regal magic shines in every complex scene she performs, showcasing the experience she brings to the table. Manoj Bajpayee's acting prowess is as impressive as ever. In "Gulmohar," he portrays a man dealing with anxiety as he watches his entire existence fall apart in a moment. Simran plays Bajpayee's wife and delivers a brilliant performance. Her character is right in the center of preserving old values and embracing urbanization. She plays this part with subtlety and nuance.

Special mention goes to Jatin Goswami, whose silent performance speaks volumes.

Director Rahul Chittella assembles a talented cast and crew to deliver a beautiful and heartfelt film. He stays true to the story and never deviates from it, although there is room for more catharsis and deep-diving into the complex stories.

Siddhartha Khosla's unique and perfect soundtrack adds another layer to the film, making it a beautiful watch.

In conclusion, "Gulmohar" is a personal film that speaks of families and what makes them. The film is moving and powerful, and it encourages viewers to put aside their judgmental gaze and give it a chance. It's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Overall, Gulmohar is a poignant and heartfelt film that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of change. The writing is personal and nuanced, with well-developed characters and a thoughtful exploration of themes. The performances by the cast, particularly Manoj Bajpayee and Sharmila Tagore, are outstanding, and the music adds a unique and memorable touch. While the film does have some pacing issues and wraps up certain storylines too quickly, it is a beautiful watch that is sure to touch the hearts of viewers. For these reasons, I would give Gulmohar a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.