Who doesn’t like a warm cozy family drama that feels relatable? Welcome to Gulmohar, a delightful film that takes you on a wild emotional journey with the Batra family. As it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved 34-year-old New Delhi home , the family gathers for their final days together. What follows is a box of laughter, tears, and secrets galore as this charming story unfolds. From relatable characters to catchy melodies, Gulmohar promises an experience that will tug at your heartstrings and make you think about the complexities of family dynamics.
Plot
Delhi ka ek bada parivaar, sabka andar hi andar ek-doosre se takraar, aur Dadi ka shocking samachaar. That’s how I’d sum up the movie in a line. Gulmohar centers around the Batra family’s last four days in their 34 year-old home. While everyone’s already feeling so low, Kusum Batra (the incredible Sharmila Tagore) shocks her family by announcing her decision to move to Puducherry and live independently. But, she insists on celebrating one last Holi together, which is four days later. Little does she know that she has triggered a series of events that reveal hidden truths about the family and test khoon ke rishtey. As the Batras navigate their individual storylines, you are hooked to the kalesh and the wholesome moments that unfold on screen. Why? Because you relate to them.
Performances
I mean with such a goated cast, you better prepare yourself to be mesmerized by the exceptional performances. Sharmila Tagore ji portrays the dadi, Kusum Batra, a modern woman torn between parampara and personal freedom, with such grace and finesse. Manoj Bajpayee, as usual, shines as Arun, Kusum’s son, struggling to hold the family together amidst the decisions jo ‘koi usne puch kar nahi leta’. Simran is impressive as Indu, Arun’s wife, perfectly balancing the calmness in the face of mayhem. Saw her first in Rocketry, and have been a fan ever since. Amol Palekar sahab delivers a deliciously hateful performance as Sudhakar Batra, the family’s kalesh karne wale uncle. All in all, poora extended family along with the staff members understand the assignment.
Direction and Writing
Rahul V Chittella’s creates relatable pro max characters and his direction is spot on. The film opens with a calming sequence accompanied by Talat Aziz’s soulful ghazal Dilkash, and before you know it, you’re already humming to it with a smile. Chittella and Arpita Mukherjee’s writing brings depth and realism to the characters, delving into themes of love, compromise, and the burden of gharwale kya kahenge. The dialogues don’t seem like koi pretentious bade ghar ki family baatein kar rahi hai– you get that homely feeling. Ghar ke kalesh ho ya happy wholesome moments, sab apna lagta hai.
Screenplay and Cinematography
Okay, things get kinda messy here. The screenplay of Gulmohar is multi-layered, allowing the characters and their stories to unfold gradually. The first half engages you with its compelling narrative as it explores the relationships and struggles of each member. But, the second half loses the pace, and you keep checking aur kitni bachi hai movie. Kuch subplots, like that whole staff members ka story of their own, feel unnecessary (though cute) and could have been trimmed for a better watch. But, the last fifteen minutes make up for it, and the movie ends on a high note with the song ‘Hori Mein.’ That moment in the end, it really hits it out of the park (you’ll know when you see it).
No one hates a warm family drama and it is the same with Gulmohar. It’s a bittersweet tale that beautifully portrays the joys and struggles of family life with its relatable characters. While it may stumble a bit in the second half, Gulmohar remains a delightful and candid exploration of love, sacrifice, and the ties that bind us. So, grab your popcorn, buckle up, and immerse yourself in this rollercoaster ride through the Batra family’s last days in Gulmohar Villa. You won’t want to miss it!
