Movie Review
Every house has a story, if only the walls could talk… because they have witnessed different emotions; love, anger, tears, joy and sadness and countless memories. Gulmohar is one such heartwarming tale.
The feeling of displacement is often quite painful. As the Batras prepared to move out of their Gulmohar villa, their home of 34 years, they were unaware of the emotional upheaval that was about to hit them.
After meeting her family for the last time at home, the matriarch of the Batra family, Kusum (Sharmila Tagore), leaves everyone confused when she announces that her son will not be moving into her house. new apartment but bought a house in Pondicherry.
Quite a brave move for a 75-year-old woman who loves her family to pieces. The film shows how Kusum defines her own life despite being the focal point of the Batra family. He could devote his life to his children and grandchildren, but he has a life of his own. But back then, Kusum was always unconventional and now he follows his heart when he feels he has fulfilled his duties towards his family.
Arun (Manoj Bajpayee), being a dutiful son, doesn’t question his mother much, though her sudden announcement leaves him shaken. Arun finds solace in his wife Indu (Simran) while facing so many complicated relationship problems. However, adopted Arun always needs confirmation that he belongs. And that kind of breaks your heart. And in the midst of all this chaos and uncertainty, some secrets are revealed that shake the foundation of their family.
With a cast that includes Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee, Amol Palekar, Suraj Sharma and Simra, Rahul Chittella is already an unfinished battle and knocks it out of the park with its beautifully woven storytelling with layered characters and nuanced performances. Gulmahar.
Mira Nair’s manager, Rahul’s style of storytelling is quite inspired by director Salaam Bombay, infused with realism and human emotion. And we must not forget that there is a certain twist in the tale.
Sharmila Tagore is always a delight to watch on screen. She was last seen in 2010 Danish Aslam’s Break Ke Baad where she played the role of Deepika Padukone’s mother. And what a comeback! Their portrayal of a mature couple who have gone through various ups and downs in life is perfect for T.
After playing the affable Nanu in Farzi, Amol Palekar plays the villainous role of the obnoxious, orthodox old man Gulmohar with ease. On the other hand, Suraj Sharma is convincing as Aditya, a young software developer who wants to move out of his house. He is rebellious, but not without reason.
However, the film could have had less subplots and could have explained the events that led to Kusum selling the house. The film does not actually explain the reason for the family breakup.
Talat Aziz’s Dilkash will be a favorite among ghazal lovers, while Utsavi Jha’s Woh Ghar can be listened to on loop.
Set in Delhi, Gulmohar was shot in real locations. Eeshit Narain has beautifully captured the capital and the ruins of Mughal architecture.
After a long time there is a Hindi film that will evoke a lot of emotions. So keep those tissue papers ready when you sit down to watch this heartwarming movie.