Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurana star in the new film ‘Gulabo Sitabo’

Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurana star in the new film ‘Gulabo Sitabo’

Review: ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ is a Bollywood love story with a difference

The new Bollywood film ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ is an Amitabh Bachchan love story with a difference as the object of affection is cast in stone rather than flesh.

Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurana star in the new film ‘Gulabo Sitabo’

Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurana star in the new film ‘Gulabo Sitabo’

The new Bollywood film Gulabo Sitabo is an Amitabh Bachchan love story with a difference as the object of affection is cast in stone rather than flesh.

And, regardless of your verdict of a movie, when you know it was meant to release in theatres, there’s hype that we often take for granted. Not anymore. It really is so heart-warming to have films back.

When the direct release of this film to Amazon Prime Video was first announced, lead actor Amitabh Bachchan said, that in his 51 years in the industry he had faced many challenges. With only a digital release of this film, he was honoured to be faced with one more.

Ayushmann Khurana stars opposite Bachchan in Gulabo Sitabo. Coming off the back of countless hits, he is in good form. Andhadhun and Article 15 and then Dream Girl, Bala and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan — he has done something different each time, all without putting a foot wrong.

But that’s not all. To top the return of movies, we’ve got master filmmaker Shoojit Sircar in the director’s chair. As the man responsible for one of my favourite films, the award-winning Piku, Sircar is the perfect candidate to get us rolling again, albeit digitally.

Let’s dig into the story

Set in a small part of Lucknow, India, we are taken into an ancient haveli (mansion). It’s rustic, and antique. The landlord, Mirza (Bachchan) is a petty thief who steals from his tenants who never pay their measly rent on time.

The head of the renters is the boastful Baankey (Kurana). He matches the old man stride for stride and never lets his lack of education stop him from entering an argument, whether it’s in a government building or on the rooftop of the haveli.

A love affair with a difference

The haveli is known as Fatima Mahal and, despite its dilapidated furniture and crumbling walls, it is the film’s subject, setting and serenade. Mirza and Baankey involve lawyers and archaeologists in their love affair to stake claim of the beloved Fatima Mahal.

As a director, Shoojit Sircar is unconventional and quirky, especially after films like Vicky Donor and Piku. He never compromises on his vision and that’s usually what gets critics on his side.

Audiences, too, often take to his offbeat style especially when performances and writing match up. In Gulabo Sitabo, the writing is witty and the light humour works well.

I absolutely loved the use of sound as a symbol, particularly the various uses of the calls to prayer throughout Lucknow.

The finale sprung a huge surprise and the soundtrack by Shantanu Moitra, Abhishek Arora and Anuj Garg fits the bill to perfection.

Slow pace but top performances

The only problem lies with the pace. When you take a simple story, keeping all symbolism aside, the screenplay needs more flow. When a film is viewed on a small screen and not in theatres, this is even more important. The slow build-up will not suit fidgety audiences.

If we look back to Sircar’s last venture, October, there was a similar issue. The delicate performances and poetry-in-motion that October brought were simply not for everyone. Some viewers  struggled, saying watching the film was like watching grass grow. It was intense, yet with Sircar, it’s always about his vision; and that is always something I will always appreciate him for.

Performances in Gulabo Sitabo are top notch. Bachchan’s act is simply masterful — the prosthetics to give him his look seem effortless while every step taken and piece of dialogue delivered command a reaction. Ayushmann shines as always while the supporting cast of Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala and Farrukh Jafar all deliver solid support too.

Verdict on ‘Gulabo Sitabo’

This film may not be for the masses, however it’s a heart-warming feeling knowing that big screen films are back this weekend. Despite the languid pace, director Shoojit Sircar delivers a quirky tale with a rustic setting, witty writing and Amitabh Bachchan  gives an acting masterclass.

Rating: 6/10

  • Gulabo Sitabo is now streaming