The 2023 film “Gulmohar” is like the perfect comfort food for millennials and Gen Z alike. We take a glance at what makes the film relevant and compelling to watch with the whole family.
“Gulmohar,” directed by Rahul V. Chitella, is like a nostalgic journey to your hometown, immersing you in the heart of a family experiencing its inevitable dissolution. You’re likely to find subtle reflections of your own family within its diverse cast, featuring Arun (Manoj Vajpayee), a caring father unable to fathom that their ancestral home will soon be reduced to mere memories. Kusum Batra (Sharmila Tagore), the esoteric grandmother who could achieve more in life if only she stood up for herself, and Indu Batra (Simran), the epitome of an unwavering wife, steadfast in her resolve to stand by her husband during times of crisis.
“Gulmohar” plays out like khushwant singh story you’d read on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It is made up of tales of various members that live in and around the “Gulmohar villa”. After almost 25 years the upscale, South Delhi-esque Gulmohar villa is being sold by Kusum Batra. This and her Plans to shift home to Pudducherry all by herself sets into motion the medley of tales that are intertwined by soul and emotions.
Any middle-class auntie would scoff at the struggling son Aadi (Suraj Sharma), who must weigh the options between passion and stability. He comes across as an uncouth lad with a belligerent streak. Meanwhile his sister, Amrita, also known as Amu, must confront her sexuality amidst her growing distance from her boyfriend.
The demure yet ever-smiling housemaid Reshma must learn to navigate between friendship and her growing admiration for the home guard Jeetu, who, in turn, must learn to express his love for Reshma while fending off jealousy and his self-awareness about his lack of education.
Cinematographer Eshit Narayan’s impeccable sense of visual storytelling infuses personality into every scene, evoking familiar places in Delhi. Whether it’s Kusum’s early morning stroll at Lodhi Gardens or a glimpse of Amrita’s room where sunlight filters through the curtains, painting the space with golden hues, the essence of every Delhi morning is convincingly captured. Chandan Roy, on the other hand, excels in comedy as the lovable yet smart lad Param. His innocent retorts bring depth to his humorous scenes.
Amol Palekar, portraying Sudhakar, the judgmental uncle to Arun, flawlessly finds fault in everyone and excels at making you despise him. However, it is heartwarming when Sudhakar’s own son and Arun’s cousin wholeheartedly supports Arun during the significant family crisis. The turn of events pushes the already unstable ship of the Batras into a maelstrom of sadness, leaving you feeling helpless. Be sure to keep a few tissues handy as the film delves into realizations of how far one can stray from their kin before recognizing their love and affection for them.
Themes of desertion, longing, and favoritism permeate the narrative, illustrating the stark reality that even individuals who have coexisted under the same roof for ages may one day find themselves divided over a piece of land. Riveting performances by Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpai, and the entire cast make watching the film a compelling experience. It is an emotional roller coaster, reminiscent of films like K3G and Baghban to some extent, at its core.
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