Blog : Gulabo Sitabo Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushman Khurana Movie Review

Gulabo Sitabo, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushman Khurrana did not have a theatrical release due to the raging pandemic. The movie was released worldwide on Amazon Prime Video on 12th June 2020. This comedy drama produced by Sheel Kumar and Ronnie Lahiri. The film is directed by Shoojit Sircar.

Shoojit Sircar described the movie as a satire. The title of the movie gets inspiration from two puppets that are seen at periodic intervals and who are at constant loggerheads. The movie has time and again used a variety of metaphors to showcase a class of distinction between the haves and the have-nots. The message conveyed is that hunger and greed are the two material possessions usually followed by loneliness and defeat.

The story revolves around a 100-year-old mansion called the Fatima Mahal which is almost in shambles. However, there is a stubborn tenant, Baankey Rastogi played by Ayushmann Khurana who does not pay the rent nor does he vacate the place. Mirza, played by Amitabh Bacchchan is the angry old man of 78 years who has just one dream he wants to be the legal owner of the mansion. The movie is all about his different scheming ways to achieve his dream of becoming the owner the mansion. The movie moves ahead with other subplots and several twists and turns.

The story of Gulabo Sitabo is beautifully penned by Juhi Chaturvedi. It is a witty and intelligent story where the characters are quite whimsical and at times funnily dark. One character, Mirza is driven by immense greed and is so much happy about it. The other character Baankey is a young poor lad with a lot of family responsibilities. The film depicts several ways in which he puts up a fight with the annoying ways of Mirza.

Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of the shrewd, grouchy but hilarious Mirza, in great comfort and ease. Crouched shoulders, thick glasses, thick beard and a limp in walk- Mirza is a strong character. Ayushmann Khurana lives up the role of Baankey has done a splendid job. His character evokes sadness, pity and bitterness brought about due to poverty.

The movie does well on several fronts. The location is just perfectly portrayed. However, the narration was a bit long between Fatima and Mirza. The conversations could have been a bit more interesting between the two. The message from the film comes out clear. It is okay to desire several things in life, but extreme greed can ruin your life.