After working together as writer and director respectively in films like ‘Vicky Donor’,’Piku’ and ‘October’ Juhi Chaturvdi and Shoojit Sircar have now offered their latest film ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ which has been released this month on Amazon Prime Video. And the decision has been just right. ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ has received good viewership, being an entertaining film.
Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushman Khurana the film is set on the backdrop of city of Lucknow. The title of this film is actually a colloquial term used in Lucknow in traditional glove puppet theatre. But, it is interesting to see the Megastar Amitabh Bachchan in yet another challenging role of a 78 year old man Mirza who is married to a wealthy lady Begum who has inherited a big haveli from her ancestors. Begum who owns this property is 15 years older to Mirza. So, you can imagine her age. She marries Mirza instead of moving to foreign country, as she prefers to live in India. But, in the present day, the haveli is in a poor condition. With no money in his hands, Mirza is forced to sell some of the antiques in havelito meet his daily requirement. He is not in good terms with his old lady, who manages her life with the help of her house help.
The couple has few tenants in the haveli, who pay old rent and that too not regularly. A young man running his traditional business of a small floor mill played by Ayushman Khurana lives in this haveli with his family and he too avoids to pay the rent to Mirza regularly. After knowing about the moves of Mirza to vacate them, the tenants led by the young man plan to fight their battle under the tenants rights , the old man plays his game cleverly to teach a lesson to his tenants. But, in the course of this humour filled battle, Mirza and the tenants are for a surprise, as they learn a lesson for life.
The limited story has been well developed by director Shoojit Sircar to generate humour and make it entertaining in the screenplay. So, he deserves the credit for the same. But, it is Amitabh Bachchan in the role of Mirza has once again proved that it is he, who can only challenge his own self . With his well suited body language required for this character of a 78 year old man, he has focussed all his attention into this role to make it more impressive. Ayushman Khurana offers good backing, while others in the supporting roles have done well. Certainly a worth watch film, which is not to be missed for home viewing.
Rating ( ***1/2)