Goldfish

Story of a tumultuous love-hate relationship between a daughter and mother in the scenario of the daughter dealing with her mother's worsening dementia.

Set in a middle class London neighbourhood, Kalki's performance is perfect as the vulnerable daughter in shades of confusion, despair and eventual resolution of the situation. Deepti Naval's petit frame stands tall with her timeless elegance and effortless portrayal of an independent and talented woman, but a mother that has erred at times.

Mesmerising tracks of Hindi classical music in the backdrop and sporadic narration by Kalki in darkness add to the poetic rendition by the director Pushan Kriplani.

Typical seemingly ordinary and common, yet complicated situations, are briefly depicted through some of the neighbourhood characters and scenarios.

The last two lines - 'Do you remember me?' and 'Does it really matter?' - sums up the message of the film. Eventually trust and kindness is the essence of any relationship, long after every single layer of labels is removed, which defines the character of humankind.

Goldfish (2023) : Movie Review -

Goldfish Review: Pushpan Kripalani's Goldfish features Kalki Koechlin and Deepti Naval in the lead roles. Hypothetically based on Goldfish's short memory term, this family drama meticulously delves into a strained relationship between a daughter and her mother, but somewhere it loses the stream and its basic metaphor. Memory loss diseases have often been used to describe family issues, and they are relatable too; it's just that we have had enough of them. Sunil Sukathankar and Suchitra Bhave made a classic like "Astu" that held my breath for an hour at least, and Hemant Rao had his own tale of Alzheimer's, "Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu," in Kannada cinema. I won't go back to Mohanlal's Thanmathra or Ronald Colman's "Random Harvest," where memory loss destroys a sweet relationship, because that has nothing to do with strained relationships or any human metaphors. The basic idea of Goldfish could have worked some other way, but here it's terribly slow. The disturbing emotional state of both characters brings some effectiveness, while the rest of the show seems stretched and useless.

Goldfish takes you into a UK house where Anamika (Kalki Koechlin) is living with her mother, Sadhana (Deepti Naval). Sadhana is suffering from dementia, and Anamika is quite fed up with her disease. She wants to go out and make a career but is tied down at home by her mother's sensitive disease. Anamika has a past grudge against her mother, while Sadhana has some secrets that would end this years-long revenge drama at once. But will they both speak up and share their inner thoughts with each other? Is it really that difficult to speak to your own mother or your own daughter about your own life? Some modern idealistic mindset is at its core, as Goldfish dives into an ocean of difficult and salty water.

Goldfish may have a strong subject, but it has an equally weak screenplay. The blackouts were supposed to work as punctuation for this narration, but they end up making a full stop and breaking down the entire structure. 98% of the dialogues are in English since the film is set in the UK, which also keeps it thousands of miles away from the Indian masses. But my question is, What has it got for classes? A modern take on relationships and unspoken problems? That's certainly not enough. And why was that Goldfish's metaphor used hardly twice, and that too in not-so-important scenes? There is nothing wrong with using such metaphors, but it's awfully wrong if you can't explore them to their full potential. Goldfish couldn't go past a certain level and seemed like a narrow-visioned film.

Goldfish has two stars and full marks to both of them for carrying the entire film on their shoulders. Kalki Koechlin's make-up goes wrong sometimes as she looks too milky white (sort of Dracula level), or is she so milky already? I don't know. It might have been a problem if she had to speak Hindi dialogues, but thankfully, she has only English dialogues. It comes out fluently and looks perfect. With solid experience in cinema and stage over the years, Deepti Naval hardly goes wrong. Though her character needed a little push from sentiments and a conversational dilemma. Using classicals makes things poetic for her, even though they hardly last for a short while. Rajit Kapoor's extended cameo is worth it. He is the only important character aside from the two leading ladies. Gordon Warnecke, Shanaya Rafaat, Ravin Ganatra, and Bharti Patel shine in unimportant roles that come and go without adding anything to the main context of the narrative.

Goldfish attempts to build a narrative that has to look like an artistic film. It pulls enough strings on the positive side, but not fully enough. As Sadhana says, "I know I am not well. But I am well enough." Well enough for what? I'd say, "Kasam Se. It could have been better". Rest assured, it's a well-shot film with beautiful locations and a dreamy, simple house. The idea of referring to the period of the pandemic could have added a nice conflict, but it's left incomplete and imperfect. Considering a 100-minute runtime, I think I shouldn't have felt sleepy, but I did. Now that's my taunt to the editor. Or was it a fault of storytelling that tries to be absorbing but becomes boring instead? Pushan Kripalani must be familiar with the Marathi and Kannada films I mentioned above, so I expect him to bring some novelty to the storyline. Why be attached to decade-old filmmaking just because you are dealing with a subject that's somewhat old? Have a tight screenplay and a few intellectual arguments, and you have a safer film in your hands. Let's not wait for silence to speak volumes of your subtle drama; let's use some words-English words-and get hooked into your world. It's an OTT world, man. We are way ahead of those silence-driven and full-of-pauses family dramas now. More than Sadhana, it's Kripalani who suffers from dementia as a filmmaker in 2023. I wish he had realised it, and Goldfish would have swum flawlessly. For now, it's an average affair at best.

RATING - 5/10*

The movie was captivating, the actors did a fabulous job. Although the topic was known and it could get dreary, the storyline and the director made the story unfold in a manner that kept me engaged the entire time. The complex and estranged relationship between the mom and daughter and how dementia creeps into it and shapes their relation is very interesting.

Kudos to a script well written and well chosen. Kudos to Amit Saxena for his first production and taking it to this level of success. I personally think that the movie deserves some awards for cinematography and Deepti Naval for her amazing acting.

In the vast sea of cinematic offerings, "GOLDFISH" emerges as a rare and exquisite treasure, an exemplar of storytelling, direction, and acting that transcends generations and resonates with audiences worldwide.

At its heart, "GOLDFISH" boasts a story that is not only meticulously written but also profoundly moving. The narrative is an intricate tapestry of human emotions, weaving together threads of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. The script, a true work of art, navigates the complexities of life with a deft hand, immersing the audience in a world where each character's journey is a symphony of raw, relatable experiences. It's a story that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving an indelible mark long after the credits roll.

The director's prowess in "GOLDFISH" is nothing short of remarkable. Every frame is a visual masterpiece, capturing the essence of each character's journey with impeccable precision. The pacing is flawless, allowing the story to breathe and unravel organically, while the cinematography bathes the screen in hues that evoke a myriad of emotions. The film's direction masterfully navigates the ebbs and flows of life, making "GOLDFISH" an immersive experience that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant.

However, it's the exceptional acting that truly elevates "GOLDFISH" to a level of cinematic excellence. The ensemble cast delivers performances that are nothing short of extraordinary. Each character is brought to life with such authenticity and depth that you can't help but become emotionally invested in their journeys. The chemistry among the actors is palpable, adding layers of complexity to the relationships portrayed on screen. It's a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast that "GOLDFISH" feels like a mirror reflecting the human experience in all its glory and imperfection.

What makes "GOLDFISH" even more remarkable is its universal appeal. This is a film that transcends generations and speaks to the hearts of viewers around the globe. It doesn't matter where you're from or what age you are; the themes of love, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams are universally relatable. "GOLDFISH" is a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and connect people on a profound level.

In conclusion, "GOLDFISH" is a timeless masterpiece that stands as a shining example of how a well-crafted story, impeccable direction, and stellar acting can transcend generations and touch the hearts of viewers worldwide. It's a cinematic experience that lingers in the mind and heart, reminding us of the enduring power of film to capture the essence of the human spirit. Don't miss the opportunity to be swept away by the magic of "GOLDFISH."

The movie is a masterpiece of storytelling, with excellent performances by the actors, and a sensitive and nuanced direction. It is a poignant and realistic portrayal of the challenges and dilemmas faced by the elderly in a society that values youth and productivity. The movie is a tribute to the enduring power of human relationships, and a reminder that old age is not a curse, but a stage of life that deserves respect and dignity. Truly a thought-provoking and inspiring work of art. Deepti Naval in Goldfish excellently demonstrates all of this with utmost grace. Kalki Koechlin portrays a duty-driven daughter who is obliged to return to a long-forgotten past. A film worth watching.