Gulabo Sitabo

Gulabo Sitabo (2020) : Movie Review -

A confined and narrow topic gets a little funny treatment but couldn't fight its own mess somehow. Gulabo Sitabo is the same old topic about Greed and excessive hunger hence making the narrative and ending very much predictable. However, it creates a little fun with the help of characters and situations. It goes on to touch cheap level sometimes but otherwise it generates humourous laughters. There are plenty of loopholes in the plot around the characters and legal procedures which could have been handled with precautions but wasn't helped.

Gulabo Sitabo tells a story of Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) who has married an older woman for the sake an Ancient Mansion and one of his tenant Baankie (Ayushmann Khurrana) who is also looking for his share and opportunities to get something which never belonged to him. Later, the predictable conflicts such as Politics, Legal Actions and Archeology departement's interest make a solid mess. This mess somehow is enjoyable at some level. Gulabo Sitabo begins on a slow note wasting so much time on introduction of the characters and after spending almost 40 minutes on that the real fun begins. But the treatment given towards the end is not upto the mark considering the potential of the subject.

Ayushmann Khurrana as Baakie is strictly decent. His accent works very well but only of you are familiar with Lucknow's traditions. Amitabh Bachchan as Mirza is Fantastic and undoubtedly the Best Performer among the cast. Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala and rest of the supporting cast does a fine job. Music is too dark and therefore looks dull despite the fact that it was highly situational. Dialogues and Cinematography are okay.

Shoojit Sircar gets the conviction right but somehow his storytelling is outdated and typical. Also, Gulabo Sitabo has plenty of loopholes in the story, characters and screenplay. Some characters behaves so dumb and that too without any reason or clarification. The legal events too doesn't make much sense. Shoojit Sircar could have worked on these shortcomings and Gulabo Sitabo would have definitely became a Must Watch product. For now it is a Good film and one time watchable thing which could have easily came from any ordinary bollywood director with ordinary cast. Ayushmann Khurrana continues his chain of Good films but the level of standard is one down this time.

RATING - 6/10*

It was very pleasant to watch this movie. The storyline, acting and cinematography, altogether was very well put.

A beautiful tale of some crazy people and their fight for an old Haveli.. Another must watch from Shoojit Sircar.. The story is so simple yet touching, makes you think who is right and who is wrong. Music is great and the cinematography is also very nice. The inner beauty of Lucknow city is depicted truly.

Gulabo Sitabo is a well-crafted satirical film with a picturesquely crumbling mansion at its center. It's a film rich in details, be it the characters, relationships, desires, lust, insecurities, or the ploy. Amitabh Bachchan plays the grouchy 'Mirza' with a character actor's delicacy and attention to detail. Ayushmann Khurrana once again brings something new to the table with his body language, which portrays sadness and bitterness borne out of poverty. Vijay Raaz is effortless as ever, and Brijendra Kala is also terrific. Shrishti Shrivastava deserves a special mention. Last but not the least, Farrukh Jafar is an absolute delight to watch. Despite few dull moments and a bit slow, the film manages to string all the loose ends well together in the end. The thoughtfully well-written songs in the backdrop add texture to the film. In short, the film explores different traits of the mortals with an underlying message through a simple, quirky, and enchanting story in a subtly humorous way. In case you miss it, the director's nonchalant reference of the chair depicts it all in the end.

When you have two extremely talented actors - Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, working together for the first time coupled with a master storyteller Shoojit Sircar, you expect nothing but a marvelous cinema. Is Gulabo Sitabo worth spending time ? Let us find out..

Based in the charming city of Lucknow, Gulabo Sitabo tells the story of a miser, rude and unapologetic landlord of Fatima Mahal mansion, Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan), who persistently squabble with his tenants, especially Baankey (Ayushmann Khurrana) over a meagre monthly rent. As the clash leads to legal matter, external parties interferes with their own agenda and try to grab their own piece of cake.

The master storyteller, Shoojit Sircar, is back with Gulabo Sitabo after giving us powerful cinemas like Yahaan.. , Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku and October. His way of storytelling strive for excellence which shows in his films and Gulabo Sitabo is no different. The film opens with tussle between Mirza and Baankey which is definitely hilarious and will surely bring down the house as both actors play their part with convincing act. The first 25 mins will keep you engaged while love war between Mirza and Bankey goes into legal matter as external parties (Vijay Raaz as archaeologist and Brijendra Kala as property lawyer) begin to getting involved

Post 45 minutes, the film starts loosing the steam especially the fight over the Fatima Mahal mansion becomes intense as more members get involved to grab their part. This is where writing takes a back seat and movie become slightly monotonous while the climax becomes mediocre. Written by Juhi Chaturvedi who have successfully collaborated with Shoojit Sircar with strong content dramas like Madras Cafe (dialogue) , Piku and October, the hit jodi is not in form this with Gulabo Sitabo.

Gulabo Sitabo has a decent art director while Cinematography is basic. The background score is average while only one song "Do Din Ka Yeh Mela" which comes as end credit starts rolling is good. Shoojit Sircar's 6th directorial venture has dependable characters right from Ayushmann Khurrana's sister, Guddu, till Begum which are well-defined. Talents like Vijay Raaz and Brijendra Kala do justice to their roles

Coming to the lead actors, it is Amitabh Bachchan's show all the way. The powerhouse of talent is simply a treat to watch. Amitabh Bachchan hits the bull's eye with his sparkling performance. Watch for him as he locks the all the toilet doors in the mansion so that none of his tenants can use it. Ayushmann Khurrana does a fine job as Baankey who exudes confidence with his dialogues and expressions.

So, overall, Gulabo Sitabo works due to the enduring performances of the star cast. The comedy-drama does have few rib-tickling comedy scenes which will keep you engaged. Good 3/5