Gulabo Sitabo

Inspired by Allahabad's famous traditional Puppet show: Gulabo & Sitabo the film not only carry's the same name but also the same traits of Gulabo & Sitabo along with their argumentative relationship. Well the movie might not be everyone's cup of tea but trust me when you see this film with satirical lens you'll realize how real and bitter the film is exposing human nature describing the irony of human relationships taking advantage from each others situation. The film is a slow burn takes its complete time to introduce and to make every character familiar which was completely justified as this movie heavily relies on its supporting casts rather only to its leads. Vijay Raaz as Gyanesh Shukla a government officer from archeological department was totally lit no doubt his performance was one of the best in the movie, as usual full marks to him, other supporting casts includes Brijendra Kala as Lawyer & Srishti Shrivastava as bold & a street smart sister of Baankey were equally good and make their presence felt. Talking about the leads the Deadly Duo the legend Amitabh as Mirza & in-form Khurrana as Bankey, their chemistry specifically in argumentative scenes were lit and not only that the USP of the movie is actually the constant arguments between the characters which at times were not completely hilarious or laughable but very natural and relatable. Take it as disappointment or surprise Ayushmann's impact in the movie is low may be because of his character's requirement, on the contrary the star of the show is definitely Amitabh Bachchan the persona and the efforts that was required to play that character totally nailed by Mr. Bachchan even in his late 70's he not failing to impress he was simply effortless. Not the best work from Shoojit Sircar but some solid performances makes it a watch worthy movie

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

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

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*

Amitabh Bachchan is one of the greatest actors that I can imagine, and with each new film he proves it beyond the slightest shadow of a doubt. In this film, he plays Mirza, a disgustingly greedy old miser, and his transformative acting elevates his name a little more in stature, if that sounds possible anymore. Hardly recognizable under heavy prosthetics, he erases everything he can possibly be associated with to become Mirza in a performance that is incredibly well-detailed and yet looks so unaffected and lacking in self-consciousness. With his blurry and indistinct speech, quiet tone, lame and gawky gait, and the watchfulness in his eyes as he attentively listens to his costars, Bachchan mumbles his way through the film and captures with amazing precision the external fuzziness of this pathetic old man but also the clarity of his indecent, acquisitive intentions. What he does with a role that could so easily have become a caricature is beyond words, but above all, at the end of the day, it's just such a commanding act - watching him is a true cinematic experience in and of itself.

This is, by and large, the trump card of Gulabo Sitabo, an amusing satire which could have been a stupendous movie had it just edited out some of the massive overdetailing and the many subplots. The film boasts of respectable production values, great sets and decorations, and the dialogue is really very good. The irony is just palpable in this film, which has many characters all of whom are immoral and quite ridiculous in their own way and with their different misdemeanors. The music is also great, and the score is good albeit too obvious and redundant at points. Among the other actors, Ayushmann Khurrana enjoys playing unlikable as Bachchan's foe, but it is clearly Farrukh Jaffar, in a miniscule role spread out across the film (which still gives her top-billing, probably courtesy Bachchan), who steals the show with her incredible dialogue delivery. She is a delight all the way. The conclusion of the story is comic and tragic in its irony, presenting a nice message on the price of greed, which often makes people lose much more on their way to reaching much less. Still, it is Bachchan who makes it a must-watch.