Inspired by Allahabad's famous traditional Puppet show: Gulabo & Sitabo the film not only carry's the same name but also the same traits of Gulabo & Sitabo along with their argumentative relationship. Well the movie might not be everyone's cup of tea but trust me when you see this film with satirical lens you'll realize how real and bitter the film is exposing human nature describing the irony of human relationships taking advantage from each others situation. The film is a slow burn takes its complete time to introduce and to make every character familiar which was completely justified as this movie heavily relies on its supporting casts rather only to its leads. Vijay Raaz as Gyanesh Shukla a government officer from archeological department was totally lit no doubt his performance was one of the best in the movie, as usual full marks to him, other supporting casts includes Brijendra Kala as Lawyer & Srishti Shrivastava as bold & a street smart sister of Baankey were equally good and make their presence felt. Talking about the leads the Deadly Duo the legend Amitabh as Mirza & in-form Khurrana as Bankey, their chemistry specifically in argumentative scenes were lit and not only that the USP of the movie is actually the constant arguments between the characters which at times were not completely hilarious or laughable but very natural and relatable. Take it as disappointment or surprise Ayushmann's impact in the movie is low may be because of his character's requirement, on the contrary the star of the show is definitely Amitabh Bachchan the persona and the efforts that was required to play that character totally nailed by Mr. Bachchan even in his late 70's he not failing to impress he was simply effortless. Not the best work from Shoojit Sircar but some solid performances makes it a watch worthy movie
Plot summary
Welcome to the world of Gulabo Sitabo where two slimy scheming foxes in a game of one-upmanship, each one attracting other members to their clan and each one with an agenda of his own. Meet 'Mirza' (Amitabh Bachchan) - a 78yrs old landlord, who would move heaven and earth for his most prized possession - an old dilapidated mansion in the heart of Lucknow. But this garden of roses comes with its own cluster of 'pricky thorns' - tenants. Amongst them most prominently, 'Baankey' (Ayushmann Khuranna)' a shrewd, sly and squatted tenant, who matches Mirza bit for a bit in their ceaseless bantering. Gulabo Sitabo is a quirky slice of life where Mirza and Baankey are like Tom and Jerry - unique and unmatched, friend and foe, naughty and smart, little and large, all combine to produce chaos.
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Movie Reviews
Not the best work from Shoojit Sircar but some solid performances makes it a watch worthy movie especially Stellar performance by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan
One-Line Review: Gulabo Sitabo / Dull Drama with a Powerful, Satirical Ending / 6 Stars
I like the quirky cinematic elements, Amitabh Bachchan's evidently painstaking performance, and the satirical take on chronic materialism and greed in Gulabo Sitabo (given pet names, quarrelling puppet names) which packs its punch in the final 25 minutes through high-quality comedic drama but I can't deny this certain dullness that looms over the entire proceedings since frame one that has the power to put you to sleep if you are not cautious enough just like how many of the characters in this drama are not. TN.
A confined and narrow topic gets a little funny treatment but couldn't fight it's own mess somehow.
Gulabo Sitabo (2020) : Movie Review -
A confined and narrow topic gets a little funny treatment but couldn't fight its own mess somehow. Gulabo Sitabo is the same old topic about Greed and excessive hunger hence making the narrative and ending very much predictable. However, it creates a little fun with the help of characters and situations. It goes on to touch cheap level sometimes but otherwise it generates humourous laughters. There are plenty of loopholes in the plot around the characters and legal procedures which could have been handled with precautions but wasn't helped.
Gulabo Sitabo tells a story of Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan) who has married an older woman for the sake an Ancient Mansion and one of his tenant Baankie (Ayushmann Khurrana) who is also looking for his share and opportunities to get something which never belonged to him. Later, the predictable conflicts such as Politics, Legal Actions and Archeology departement's interest make a solid mess. This mess somehow is enjoyable at some level. Gulabo Sitabo begins on a slow note wasting so much time on introduction of the characters and after spending almost 40 minutes on that the real fun begins. But the treatment given towards the end is not upto the mark considering the potential of the subject.
Ayushmann Khurrana as Baakie is strictly decent. His accent works very well but only of you are familiar with Lucknow's traditions. Amitabh Bachchan as Mirza is Fantastic and undoubtedly the Best Performer among the cast. Vijay Raaz, Brijendra Kala and rest of the supporting cast does a fine job. Music is too dark and therefore looks dull despite the fact that it was highly situational. Dialogues and Cinematography are okay.
Shoojit Sircar gets the conviction right but somehow his storytelling is outdated and typical. Also, Gulabo Sitabo has plenty of loopholes in the story, characters and screenplay. Some characters behaves so dumb and that too without any reason or clarification. The legal events too doesn't make much sense. Shoojit Sircar could have worked on these shortcomings and Gulabo Sitabo would have definitely became a Must Watch product. For now it is a Good film and one time watchable thing which could have easily came from any ordinary bollywood director with ordinary cast. Ayushmann Khurrana continues his chain of Good films but the level of standard is one down this time.
RATING - 6/10*