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Shoojit Sircar gets the conviction right but somehow his storytelling is outdated and typical.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*

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.

This film shows all the conundrum revolving around a certain property in a chucklesome manner. As Mirza is trying to be the legal owner of the Haveli, he involves a lawyer into the matter. And, as Bankey is trying to protect the rights and roof of the tenants, the government gets involved. Everyone has their personal interest in the property, the lawyer wants to sell the land off to the builder and the government uses all its tricks to acquire the land. These things are totally shown in a dramatized and a humorous manner and it doesn't all come heavy with information or emotions. It is a purely- light hearted film. Also, due appreciation needs to be given to Amitabh Bacchan's acting. His large nose, his way of speaking and walking complement to the character that Bacchan is playing and not the other way round. Ayushmann Khurrana and Amitabh Bacchan play their characters so well that it is hard to imagine the film with any other actors. Vijay Raaz plays as an officer of the Archaeological Department and Brijendra Kala plays the lawyer and no words are needed for their performances.

A very heart warming story yet a political satire executed in a much much monotonous manner. From nuisances of the two main leads, Shoojit Sircar gave a delicate message regarding greed and possession. The different shades of human nature highlighted in a humorous manner. The Cinematography of the movie was really awesome. The way the shots have been taken throughout Lucknow, it gave birth to a different cinematic perception. It includes some great performances like the ones from Big B, Vijay Raaz and Shristi Shrivastava. But I found Ayushman Khurana's performance a bit underwhelming in comparison to his previous performances. That may be due to the fake accent which he tried to make while delivering dialogues. Still the movie itself is one of a kind and beautiful like any other Shoojit Sircar's film. Do give it a watch.

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