A Death in the Gunj

'A death in the Gunj' as the name suggests opens with a murder mystery. It could be anybody. We, as a viewers, are intrigued from the word go. Then, we are taken into a flash back and story unfolds from there, a week earlier.

Set in 1978's McCluskieganj, a town which had certainly seen better days probably in British era and it is a home to Anglo Indian families. The movie revolves around Bengali family, who are in for an year end vacation in the town, where they spend their time with parents OP (Om Puri) and Anupama (Tanuja). The movie has its own pace and introduces each character in detail. There is bossy Nandu played by Gulshan Devaiah and his wife Bonnie played by Tillottama Shome. They have daughter Tani (Arya Sharma) and Nandu's brother Shutu (Vikrant Massey). And then there are family friends: hot headed Vikram (Ranvir Shorey), charming and seductive Mimi (Kalki Koechlin) and Brian (Jimmy Sarbh).

We see darker side of this family unfold through Shutu. Shutu is a kind of person who exists in almost every family. Shy, introverted and often ridiculed for not being same as others. He wants to be a part of them but often ends up being a distant spectator. They take him sometimes, but he is hurled with insults, punches, either directly or indirectly. May be that is why, he finds happiness in solitude or in company of his niece Tani. They have their own innocent world. Vikrant Massey is a revelation in this role of Shutu. He brilliantly portrays vulnerabilities and intricacies of Shutu without speaking much. He has played smaller roles before but this is the big break actor dreams for. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for him.

Konkona SenSharma makes impressive debut with this gem of a film. She unravels the sentiment of bullying and gives us a layered film with strong characters. You can't ask for better ensemble then that. 'A death in the Gunj' has everything, a family drama, betrayal, thriller. The movie and Shutu will remain with you for a long time because of its unmistaken simplicity. Arguably, the best Indian film of the year so far.

Konkona Sen Sharma is among the Finest Actress of the Modern-Era & there are no two ways about it. Having won 2 National-Awards for her acting prowess, Konkona makes her Directorial Feature Debut with 'A Death in the Gunj'. And the good news is that, 'A Death in the Gunj' is a near-masterpiece, that is absorbing, affecting & unforgettable. And the Ace here is its lead-actor Vikrant Massey, who anchors the show with a heroic performance.

'A Death in the Gunj' Synopsis: When Shutu (Vikrant Massey) goes on a vacation with his self-involved relatives and family friends, the shy and sensitive university student discovers that there is a heavy price to pay for gentleness.

'A Death in the Gunj' is about kindness & inhumanity. Shutu is a fine, simple 23-year old young-adult, who is reduced into a mere prop by his despicable family. Its a very sad journey that Shutu goes through, but what makes his journey engrossing, are its overall characters, who despite their unforgivable attitude towards Shutu, appear human. They aren't likable, but there is humanity in them, although not for poor Shutu, who must bear their lack of care, until breaking point. 'A Death in the Gunj' is a personal story on gentleness being mistreated & how love will always win, even though the world lacks a lot of it. From start to end, the narrative is dark, but its all-out gripping at the same time.

Konkona is in top-form as a Writer & Director. Konkona & Disha Rindani's Screenplay is absorbing & disturbing, but never misses the point. The Writing is super-strong! Her Direction, on the other-hand, is excellent & she deserves credit, for keeping the atmosphere realistic throughout. I hope Konkona makes more movies! Sirsha Ray's Cinematography captures the intense proceedings, magnificently. Editing is razor-crisp. Art & Costume Design are perfect.

And now time for the acting honors! Vikrant Massey brings Shutu to life with the most affecting performance of the year. Right from his body-language, to his pained eye & to his soft dialogue delivery, Massey is an actor to watch! Massey anchors the show with flat-out terrific performance, that deserves awards & rewards! And lets forget that Massey was the best thing (if not only) in this year's Half Girlfriend.

Ranvir Shorey is brilliant. As the despicable bully, Shorey is pure dynamite on-screen. What a fearless, versatile actor! Gulshan Devaiah is first-rate as Shutu's inconsiderate brother. Kalki Koechlin as the sexually vibrant Mimi, is flawless, yet again! Tillotama Shome is outstanding as Deviah's wife, delivering a richly layered performance from start to end. Tanuja & The Late/Great Om Puri do well as usual as the elderly couple.

On the whole, 'A Death in the Gunj' digs deep & results into a deeply affecting cinematic experience. Watch It Now!

Today I saw "Death in the Gunj"

It is a slow movie. But once you have patience and if you can soak into its characters - The Bangla bourgeois culture, their liberalism, their talks, the way they look and behave (making the casting perfect); and if you can sustain yourself absorbed till the end the impact of the movie is not good but Overwhelming... Especially for those who have a sensitive soul, who can feel deep down the anguish and pain of a single individual.

Here the single individual is Shutu (Vikram Massey) whose character and psyche is known to us through peeling of each layer through small exchanges of dialogues and incidences. Shutu lost his father when he was 7 years, he does not have a good relation with his mother, who always scolds him, he is bad in studies, and has failed, he is bullied by his friends and talked down and even beaten by this elder brother. He is simple, shy, incoherent, child-like and finds solace and innocent friendship with his niece Tani (Arya Sharma) during a small gathering over a week with family and friends at a hill station house.

Events unfold in such a way that Shutu is initiated to sex by Mimi (Kalki Koechlin) who just wants to have fun and get over her love for Vikram (Ranvir Shorey) who is marrying someone else. By the end of the movie things do not work out for Shutu who is ignored, forgotten by everyone and shunned even by the little girl Tani. Yet with love in his eyes he pins his hopes on Mimi who ignores his feelings and advices him to concentrate on studies and life (sounds so familiar). It is a psychological take on a simple boy Shutu who is driven to death, but unfolding of events – where everyone is unconsciously selfish (as a way of life) and happy with what one has in life – except Shutu, who feels lonely, ignored and useless (even being used by that little girl).

While coming out of the theatre one feels, if once, someone – the little girl Tani, or Mimi would have held Shutu's hand and consoled him, would have given him strength and hope to live life.

It is a great debut of Konkana Sen Sharma as a director. All the actors and actresses have acted superbly. Special mention of Vikram Massey as Shutu who lives his character's flaws like real. The slow and lingering shots are exquisite and a treat on the eye. The detailing is perfect. Music is appropriate with mix of a couple folk tunes and lingering sadness of violin.

This movie is recommended for the typical arty type sensitive movie goers – who want to see good different cinema - This is the one!

(Rating 7.5 out of 10)

Femme fatale and a sensitive young man. The story of my life.

In a resort town in 1970s India a sensitive young man, Shutu, is recovering from a series of traumas. He runs into the wrong family and the wrong woman. Even more unfortunate for him, spirits from the past inhabit people and take care of unfinished business.

India isn't all Bollywood. There is much more to the country and to its film industry. This film dares to think outside the box. I love how it weaves nature, color, song, spirits, eclectic people, and foreign myths into a compelling story. It is based on a true short story by Mukul Sharma.

A Death in Gunj marks the directorial debut of Actress KonKona Sen Sharma. A film from what we call a parallel cinema. As a director Sharma has done her job brilliantly as the storytelling is the strongest aspect of the movie and reason you should watch this drama. Background score and cinematography also contributes positively towards building up the story. Actor Vikrant Massey has played the role of Shuttu with great conviction. The only disappointing moment in this movie was its climax as you anticipate much more after a strong built-up but movie settles for less.