Gulmohar

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!

Gulmohar is breathtaking. It is so beautifully weaved, almost felt like I am watching performances through a glass window. It was surreal, the direction to the writing to the screenplay, to everything.

It's not something that one would enjoy in their leisure time. It takes time to build its base, (a slow burner) the director demands his audience to go on this journey along with him and his vision. All you have to do is follow his lead, and when you do you will be mesmerized.

Gulmohar, in my opinion, concluded appropriately since it leaves you wondering what comes next without giving too much away. It gives you just enough information to believe what seems most reasonable to you, everyone must have their own perception of how a story should pan out.

Manoj Bajpayee is not a subject I want to bring up. Since we are well aware of his identity and filmography. I could literally sit and watch this man do nothing for 12 hours and never get tired of it. This man is our National Treasure.

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.

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.

Gulmohar (2023 Unique storytelling scripted with some utter truths of the modern world and families. In cities, buildings are getting taller and the bond between family members even weaker. The biggest irony regarding modern society is how everyone around us is trying to disguise their individuality and racing towards virtual love and popularity. Humans of the 21st-century love to pull a complicated card out of a deck of a simpler life.

The world seems so technologically advanced that a family rarely has a discussion sitting together in a room. As we continue to advance technologically, it is important to maintain strong familial bonds and prioritise authentic human connection. Despite the allure of virtual popularity, true fulfilment comes from genuine relationships and a shared sense of community. We must make a conscious effort to resist the temptation of solitary, superficial life and instead embrace the richness and depth that come from human connection.