Gulmohar

[spslf]

*Gulmohar* (2023), directed by Rahul V. Chittella, is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities within a family, told through the lens of the Batra family’s struggle as they prepare to leave their ancestral home, Gulmohar, after 34 years. The film reflects on the fractures in relationships that come to the surface when a family faces the uncertainty of change, both external and internal.

The Batra family, based in a posh Delhi bungalow, is filled with deep-rooted tensions. The matriarch, Kusum (Sharmila Tagore), wants to celebrate one last Holi with her family before the house is sold, but the sudden move begins to unravel years of unresolved emotions. Kusum’s son Arun (Manoj Bajpayee) is struggling with his own sense of identity, feeling alienated despite being surrounded by a family that loves him. His son Aditya (Suraj Sharma), a hopeful entrepreneur, is struggling to gain traction with his business idea, and his daughter faces her own relationship problems. Meanwhile, there’s the other side of the family, led by Kusum’s brother-in-law Sudhakar (Amol Palekar), who covets the property, leading to underlying tensions between the families.

At the heart of the story is the Batras’ emotional turmoil, which stems from individual insecurities and long-held secrets. Arun’s quest to find his biological father becomes a symbolic reflection of his personal sense of dislocation. The subplot about the love story between the family’s cook and the illiterate watchman adds another layer to the film, illustrating the intersecting lives within the family’s household.

*Gulmohar* captures the rhythm of family life—its ups and downs, its unspoken pain, and the hope that comes from opening up to each other. The film’s pacing allows these moments to unfold naturally, without feeling rushed. The screenplay is strong, and the film avoids melodrama, opting instead for a more nuanced exploration of familial ties. When the characters share their burdens, solutions begin to emerge, and the resolution feels earned.

The film’s true strength lies in its cast. Amol Palekar, though not on screen for long, makes a lasting impression with his understated performance. Sharmila Tagore, making her return to the screen after over a decade, brings a soft yet commanding presence to the film. Her portrayal of Kusum as a grandmother with a deep well of compassion is deeply moving. Manoj Bajpayee shines as Arun, embodying the character’s inner turmoil and sense of alienation with subtlety and depth. His performance is one of the film’s highlights, capturing the complexity of a man torn between his past and present.

The film is a true-to-life portrayal of a dysfunctional family, with moments of tenderness and understanding. The ensemble cast’s performances make *Gulmohar* a must-watch, especially for those who enjoy intimate, character-driven stories about family and belonging.

In conclusion, *Gulmohar* is a poignant family drama that is both relatable and emotionally resonant, driven by a fantastic cast and a director who knows how to capture the delicate nuances of familial relationships. If you're looking for a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of family dynamics, *Gulmohar* offers a deeply satisfying experience.