Pushtaini is a 2024 Hindi drama film directed by Vinod Rawat[1] and produced by Ankit Gandhi and Vinod Rawat under the banners Lotus Dust Pictures and VinRaw Films. The film stars Vinod Rawat, Rita Heer, Ankur Bhalla, Hemant Pandey, Preme Karayat, Maya Dharakoti, and Mithilesh Pandey.[2] It also features Rajkummar Rao in a cameo.[3][4]
| Pushtaini | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Vinod Rawat |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Dhawalika Singh |
| Edited by | Charu Takkar |
| Music by | Krishna Purohit |
Production companies | Lotus Dust Pictures, VinRaw Films |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Plot summary
editThe story revolves around a struggling actor named Bhuppi (played by Vinod Rawat) who, after getting caught in an embarrassing scandal, decides to visit his Himalayan hometown. Unaware of what the journey has in store for him, Bhuppi faces his past and undergoes a transformative experience.
Cast
edit- Vinod Rawat as Bhuppi
- Rita Heer as Dimple
- Rajkummar Rao as Ankur Bhalla
- Hemant Pandey as Bhuppi's childhood friend and taxi driver
- Mithilesh Pandey as Yashpal, Bhuppi's father's employer
Production
editThe film was released on June 21, 2024. It is a production of Lotus Dust Pictures and VinRaw Films.[5]
Critical reception
editRonak Kotecha of Times of India rated Pushtaini 2.5 out of 5, noting, "In essence, Pushtaini unfolds as a deeply personal journey, constrained by its own narrative limitations. Rawat's directorial debut attempts to weave a tapestry of themes—past regrets, present struggles, and future aspirations—yet occasionally feels tangled within its own web."[6]
Anuj Kumar of The Hindu praised the film, stating, "Pushtaini is better than many decorative products on display in theatres at present. One hopes it finds a way through the heartless distribution system that is skewed towards tentpoles and where ancestral hold on the system still works."[7]
Tanushree Ghosh of Money Control remarked, "Vinod Rawat’s gentle story of homecoming and hill life is inspiriting yet bumpy."[8]
Deepa Gahlot from Scroll described Pushtaini as "a blend of melancholy with gentle humour. A newbie enthusiasm makes the film a surprisingly satisfying watch. No expectations are raised, so none are dashed."[9]
Rohit Bhatnagar of Free Press Journal awarded the film 3 out of 5 stars, stating, "Pushtaini is a great effort, and the highlight is the performances by the real family members."[10]
Soumyabrata Gupta from Times Now rated it 4 out of 5, writing, "Pushtaini works partly because of Rawat’s stellar act as a man fighting his demons, but works more due to the supporting cast, many of whom are his real kin, who bring about a nonchalant innocence in their act."[11]
References
edit- ^ "Vinod Rawat opens up on Pushtaini, his jugalbandi with Hrithik Roshan, and more".
- ^ "'Pushtaini' review: A small indie film that takes on the big, taboo topic of men's sexual abuse". The Week. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Pushtaini: Hrithik Roshan's shout-out to acting coach Vinod Rawat's debut film". India Today. 2024-06-11. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Pushtaini director Vinod Rawat details his journey – floor manager at McDonald's, theater days with Rajkummar Rao to Hrithik Roshan's acting coach". The Indian Express. 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-06-11). "'Pushtaini': Hrithik Roshan to present acting coach Vinod Rawat's directorial debut; trailer out". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Pushtaini Movie Review : Vinod Rawat's debut film on his journey hits narrative bumps". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Kumar, Anuj (2024-06-23). "'Pushtaini' movie review: A gentle yet gripping indie that scratches beneath the surface". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Pushtaini movie review: Vinod Rawat's gentle story of homecoming and hill life is inspiriting yet bumpy". Moneycontrol.
- ^ Gahlot, Deepa (2024-06-21). "'Pushtaini' review: A gentle, satisfying watch". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Pushtaini Review: Vinod Rawat, RajKummar Rao's Film Is A Heartwarming Tale Of Self Discovery". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Pushtaini Movie Review: Vinod Rawat's Film Is A Poignant Odyssey Into One's Soul". Times Now. 2024-06-20. Retrieved 2024-11-13.