Goodbye

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*Goodbye* (2022) is a heartfelt family dramedy about loss, reconciliation, and the importance of family bonds. The film follows Tara Bhalla (Rashmika Mandanna), a young lawyer who is celebrating her first legal victory when she receives the devastating news that her mother, Gayatri (Neena Gupta), has passed away suddenly. She rushes back to her family in Chandigarh, where she confronts her estranged relationship with her father, Harish Bhalla (Amitabh Bachchan), a traditionalist who is adamantly following rituals for the mourning process. Tara, who despises rituals, finds herself reluctantly drawn into the process as she navigates the complex dynamics within her family.

The film explores the clash between modernity and tradition, with Tara’s modern, independent outlook contrasting sharply against her father’s conservative approach. Alongside Tara's journey, the film also portrays the emotional growth of other family members, such as her workaholic brother Karan (Pavail Gulati), her foodie brother Angad (Sahil Mehta), and her brother Nakul (Abhishekh Khan), who is absent for much of the film due to his climbing holiday. Their journey together during the 13-day mourning period reveals the importance of family, even in the face of differences.

The narrative weaves moments of humor and lightheartedness with poignant reflections on grief and loss. For example, the neighborhood aunties, who form a WhatsApp group to memorialize Gayatri, provide comic relief, while scenes like Harish’s monologue at the ghat and his quiet memories with his late wife evoke deep emotion. These moments of humor and sadness balance each other, making the film a bittersweet watch.

Amitabh Bachchan and Neena Gupta’s chemistry is one of the film's highlights, offering a portrayal of a long-married couple who have come to accept each other’s flaws with love and patience. Their brief but impactful interactions enrich the film, leaving a lasting emotional impression. Bachchan, as the grumpy yet loving patriarch, brings depth to his character, while Neena Gupta, in her supporting role, shines with grace and warmth, making her early departure from the film all the more regretful.

Rashmika Mandanna, making her Bollywood debut, fits perfectly into the role of the rebellious daughter, offering a natural and grounded performance alongside Bachchan. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially with Pavail Gulati, is one of the film’s strongest points. Gulati, as the elder son, convincingly portrays a character who must step up to fulfill family duties, while Sunil Grover’s short but pivotal role adds depth to the narrative. Elli AvrRam, best known for her dance performances, proves her acting chops here as well, though her character is somewhat underdeveloped.

*Goodbye* fits into the tradition of films like *Pagglait* and *Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi*, which tackle themes of grief and family dynamics in the face of loss. While the film does not break new ground in terms of its narrative, it succeeds in delivering a warm, relatable, and feel-good story. With its skilled performances and careful balance of humor and emotion, *Goodbye* is a film that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of family life and loss. It’s a must-watch for its engaging characters and heartfelt moments—just don’t forget your tissues.