When you have two extremely talented actors - Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, working together for the first time coupled with a master storyteller Shoojit Sircar, you expect nothing but a marvelous cinema. Is Gulabo Sitabo worth spending time ? Let us find out..
Based in the charming city of Lucknow, Gulabo Sitabo tells the story of a miser, rude and unapologetic landlord of Fatima Mahal mansion, Mirza (Amitabh Bachchan), who persistently squabble with his tenants, especially Baankey (Ayushmann Khurrana) over a meagre monthly rent. As the clash leads to legal matter, external parties interferes with their own agenda and try to grab their own piece of cake.
The master storyteller, Shoojit Sircar, is back with Gulabo Sitabo after giving us powerful cinemas like Yahaan.. , Vicky Donor, Madras Cafe, Piku and October. His way of storytelling strive for excellence which shows in his films and Gulabo Sitabo is no different. The film opens with tussle between Mirza and Baankey which is definitely hilarious and will surely bring down the house as both actors play their part with convincing act. The first 25 mins will keep you engaged while love war between Mirza and Bankey goes into legal matter as external parties (Vijay Raaz as archaeologist and Brijendra Kala as property lawyer) begin to getting involved
Post 45 minutes, the film starts loosing the steam especially the fight over the Fatima Mahal mansion becomes intense as more members get involved to grab their part. This is where writing takes a back seat and movie become slightly monotonous while the climax becomes mediocre. Written by Juhi Chaturvedi who have successfully collaborated with Shoojit Sircar with strong content dramas like Madras Cafe (dialogue) , Piku and October, the hit jodi is not in form this with Gulabo Sitabo.
Gulabo Sitabo has a decent art director while Cinematography is basic. The background score is average while only one song "Do Din Ka Yeh Mela" which comes as end credit starts rolling is good. Shoojit Sircar's 6th directorial venture has dependable characters right from Ayushmann Khurrana's sister, Guddu, till Begum which are well-defined. Talents like Vijay Raaz and Brijendra Kala do justice to their roles
Coming to the lead actors, it is Amitabh Bachchan's show all the way. The powerhouse of talent is simply a treat to watch. Amitabh Bachchan hits the bull's eye with his sparkling performance. Watch for him as he locks the all the toilet doors in the mansion so that none of his tenants can use it. Ayushmann Khurrana does a fine job as Baankey who exudes confidence with his dialogues and expressions.
So, overall, Gulabo Sitabo works due to the enduring performances of the star cast. The comedy-drama does have few rib-tickling comedy scenes which will keep you engaged. Good 3/5
