Cast and Crew:
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Screenplay: Juhi Chaturvedi
Music director: Shantanu Moitra
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Amitabh Bachchan, Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala.
I am a huge fan of Shoojit Sircar's work, right from Vicky Donor, to October. Even his weakest work October is a one time watchable( He literally made Varun Dhawan to act) fare. So, when he announced his next with Amithabh and Ayushmann, I expected it to be another Vicky Donor or Piku. Let us have look in detailed about Gulabo Sitabo.
The story is situated in Lucknow, where it revolved around an old mansion. Amitabh Bachchan is Mirza Chunnan Nawab, who is the owner of the mansion and lives with his old Begum (who was the real owner). Ayushman Khurrana(continues his top class form) is Baankey Rastogi, his arrogant tenant, who refuses to pay the rent. Mirza tries all mean ways to evict Baankey from his mansion and Baankey along with other greedy residents of Fatima Mahal uses their wits to thwary his efforts forms the crux of the story.
Performances: Amitabh Bachchan as the cunning and devious Mirza, showed that why he is still the best actor of the bollywood. Right from his posture, to his snarling, and whining he hit everything out of the park. Ayushmann on the other had continued his successful form of delivering high quality performance. Watch out for his confrontational scenes with Amitabh regarding the mansion, during the climax. Srishti Shrivastava as Guddo, and Vijay Raaz as the archeological offficer too shines in their pivotal roles.
Writing and Direction:
Shoojit Sircar's work is average, the film somewhere lies in between Vicky Donor, and October. The first hour of the movie is good with terrific writing and dialogues courtesy Juhi Chatirvedi. The film slows down on the later part, and picks up again during the last 15 minutes. This makes up for the whole sluggish second part of the film. The background music is very soothing and pleasent. The camera work and locations suits the script and support it very well.
Pros:
1. Amitabh Bachchan,
2. Ayushmann Khurrana,
3. Dialogues,
4. First 45 mins,
5. Climax.
Cons:
1. Slow pace,
2. Entire Second half.
Final Take:
The makers of Gulabo Sitabo had done right thing by releasing it on OTT. If it was released in theatres, then its performance would have been restricted to the average result. Gulabo Sitabo is strictly a one time fare from Amitabh, Ayushmann, and Shoojit's team. Watch out for its excellent performances, and dialogue.
My Rating: ***