Fatima Mahal, is the epicentre of a never-ending conflict between Mirza and Baankey. While Mirza finds ways to evict Baankey, the latter with his sisters and mother devise plans to continue to stay. After all staying in a haveli for Rs. 30 per month is a huge incentive in a city like Lucknow.
Then life takes an interesting turn, when external forces get involved in this feud. From the archaeological department to a real-estate tycoon, each picks as side to get a piece of Fatima Mahal. But then what about Fatima, the owner of the mansion? Well, she is Mirza's dying wife and has her agenda in all this.
Does Mirza manage evict Baankey and the other tenants? Or do the tenants manage to seize Fatima Mahal? And what is Fatima Begum's plan? Well, that is what the rest of the movie is all about.
The Actors:
Just when you thought Amitabh Bachchan had experimented enough in his career, he pulls out Mirza. The beauty of this performance is that there is no Big B in it anywhere. The towering personality, the baritone voice, is all lost in the bent at the hip and constantly muttering under his breath Mirza, a man that no one seems to love. The prosthetic make up helps in enhancing the character further. This is definitely a Amitabh Bachchan act that we have never seen before. And kudos to the actor for taking this up.
The other top-notch performance, rather two come from the actresses; Farrukh Jaffar who plays Fatima Begum and Srishti Srivastava who plays Baankey's sister Guddo. The two women do a fantastic job. They have some of the best lines as well. Farrukh is indeed a treat to watch. You might remember her from the Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Photograph.
Ayushmann Khurrana does a decent job as Baankey. But there is definitely a feeling of repetition. We have seen him do such roles before and it is about time the actor tried something different. Brijendra Kala and Vinay Raaz as usual excel in their supporting parts.
The Creators:
Juhi Chaturvedi and Shoojit Sircar have once again managed to create an enticing world. The story of Gulabo Sitabo is as much about Fatima Mahal and Lucknow, as much as it is about Mirza and Baankey. The constant struggle of the old and ancient to stay alive and relevant to the new and modern, is the crux of the film. It is definitely not an easy watch, because the pace is not for everyone. But this story is like a child learning to walk for the first time. You have to be patient with it to be able to enjoy it.
I have to mention Avik Mukhopadhyay's cinematography. He creates magic in every frame. And add to it, Shantanu Moitra's score and you have an unforgettable cinematic experience.
If you haven't watch Gulabo Sitabo yet, well I recommend you do. But yes, it is not a popcorn film. It is a movie that needs your time and attention. Give in to it and you will not be disappointed.
Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
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