Gulmohar

Anwar Says: Story is the soul of a movie and Gulmohar is the latest example. This could have been a web series of 8 episodes but then you may not be able to find yourself a part of Batra Family and the debutant director Rahul V. Chitella rightly condensed it to 132 minutes movie. You would definitely correlate with one of the characters.

Another best part is that the script oscillates between the past deeds of the seniors of the family and its repercussions on the present generation but all told in fluid way and every character flow with it. Before I comment on comeback of Sharmila Tagore, the character completely woven and stood like pillar for her husband and the family is Simran, wife of Manoj Bajpayee. The pivotal of the story is matriarch of Tagore and the ideal son Manoj and Suddenly a twist comes and tried to shatter the family but Gulmohar tree roots are always strong. The only character who could not come up is Amol Palekar.

The relatable and engaging story, charm of Sharmila Tagore, ensemble of cast, brilliance of Manoj , soothing music and background score makes this four days story a perfect watch for this weekend.

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Gulmohar focuses on dysfunctional family's last four days in their home before they shirt permanently to their new homes and lives respectively. Hidden truth, insecurities make their way out as the family members try hard to keep it together. It indeed is a touching concept to dwell into a family's attachment to the house they grew up in. Gulmohar has several endearing characters and their internal conflicts highly relatable.

The short coming is how much it relies on dialogues to convey the emotions, to an extent they tend to touch the surface of several conflicts. It is indeed the Veteran actors who effortlessly get into the skin of these characters and elevate each of these scenes. One wishes the conflict point within the family with respect to the written will was much stronger, especially the final conversation between Sharmila Tagore and Amol Palekar.

I am going with the extra rating solely for the reveal in the end about Pondicherry. Otherwise I definitely wished the conversation between Sharmila Tagore and her grand daughter to be more real. But the attempt to make the flashback more emotional, it limits itself in handling the sensitive moment. The screenplay has it's flaws but the lovable characters turn this into a decent watch.

It's nothing great, it's only different and has a touch and vibe of Kapoor and sons... Okayish but a huge leap from Hindi movie perspective... Since Hindi movie industry's current state is in doldrums.

Suraj Sharma is good, and veterens like amol & sharmila has a calming presence.

Manoj is as usual exquisite in his role, effortless as they say but his character is always pissed his son, so it's one dimensional in a way.

Simran's character was a revelation but short.

All other character are just fillers.

Tamil character maid is unnecessary addition.

So many cliched character sketches and situations.

But it's a good watch for hopeless Hindi movie industry.

Gulmohar The last 4 days of the Batra family as they move out from their home of many years and shift to another city.

While they are staying in a single house there are differences and friction with many of them not in talking terms.

As the movie starts with a party you are immediately engrossed in whats happening in the family as you get to know each of the characters and their secrets as it unfolds.

Debutant director Rahul has a good mix of stalwarts and fresh starcast who do an excellent job in elevating the movie.

Manoj - He is the soul of Gulmohar. He brings multiple nuances to the character with eye to details which is a treat to to watch. His connect with his biological father, his bonding with his wife simran, his connect with his mom, his stained relationship with his son. Manoj is in full form. Watch him try to stop a fight between his watchman and supervisor and in the end hitting the watchman, thats superb acting. Also the scene in the end here he embraces his mom waiting with open arms will make you cry.

Sharmila - A comback after many years, she gives everything to the role. She is superb.

Simran - She was the surprise package with a towering performance. A sthe person who holds the family together she is great. Her scenes with manoj are scene stealer. Hope she gets to do more of similar strong roles.

There are some more stand out performances worth mentioning: Suraj Sharma stands out in his role.

Jetendra as the watchman Reshma as the house help.

Manoj Bajpayee in an interview said that he is very proud of this movie and I can attest to the fact that this is a wonderful movie with beautiful performances, music and vibes.

If you are craving for a movie that's somewhat thematically similar to Kapoor & Sons or Monsoon Wedding, this would fit right in there and yet Gulmohar creates its own space for itself though it's not new.

I loved the performances by every cast member and it felt natural. The music was amazing and it elevated the scenes and the emotions that were being portrayed.

It's not a perfect movie. There are some elements which feel they were not necessary to the screenplay or maybe seemed a bit forced to attract the Gen-Z audience to Disney+ Hotstar especially the storylines with the 2 Batra kids. But Suraj and Utsavi acted well.

I first thought this could be some psychological thriller looking at the poster but it was actually a emotionally heavy feel good movie. I would definitely recommend to watch this film!