Gulabo Sitabo

Gulabo Sitabo is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar. Based on a screenplay by Juhi Chaturvedi, the film is a quirky and charming tale of human greed, deceit, and the struggle for power. It premiered worldwide on the streaming platform Amazon Prime on 12 June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused all theatres across the globe to remain shut.

The film features Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role, who plays the character of Mirza, an old, grouchy and miserly landlord of a dilapidated mansion—a haveli—in the heart of Lucknow called Fatima Mahal. His gray hair and humped back perfectly capturing the essence of his stingy character. Bachchan's stellar performance is flawlessly complemented by the award-winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana who effortlessly slips into the role of Baankey Rastogi, one of the many bickering tenants of Fatima Mahal. Khurrana's portrayal of the disillusionment and despair of a man grappling with the harsh realities of life adds a fascinating layer of complexity to the narrative.

The narrative revolves around this dilapidated mansion, Fatima Mahal, and the relentless tug of war between Mirza and his tenants, especially with Baankey, a wheat mill owner who is unable or unwilling to pay the minimal rent despite living there for years. The plot thickens when a government archeology officer, played by Vijay Raaz, enters the scene with a proposition that could potentially alter the fate of Fatima Mahal and its inhabitants.

The film is an intriguing exploration of the underlying themes of greed, desire and the familial and emotional attachments we form with physical spaces and objects. Sircar and Chaturvedi beautifully weave together a narrative that is brimming with cultural nuances, vivid imagery and engaging dialogue, capturing the rustic charm and lifestyle native to Lucknow.

The film’s unique title 'Gulabo Sitabo' is drawn from a traditional glove puppet theatre from Uttar Pradesh, India, which features two feisty sister-in-law puppets, Gulabo and Sitabo. The two puppets, known for their endless bantering and quarreling, are apt representations of the main characters of this film, Mirza and Baankey, who are consistently at loggerheads over the upkeep and ownership of the haveli.

The film's ensemble cast has something to offer at every turn and is perfectly at ease in their respective roles, adding a depth and flair to the story. The cinematography immerses the viewer into the old-world charm of Lucknow, the narrow, winding lanes, the busy bazaars, and the living heritage glimpsed in its historic architectural structures.

Gulabo Sitabo is also backed by a soundtrack that strikes just the right chords, combining traditional musical styles with modern undertones, enhancing the viewing experience. The tracks range from soulful melodies to rustic folk songs that align beautifully with the narrative.

The film stands out for the way it laces its social commentary with subtlety and wit under the garb of a simple narrative. It effortlessly switches between moments of pure humor and insightful commentary on deeper, universally relatable human experiences such as aspirations, dreams, and the lengths to which one is willing to go for them.

To sum it up, Gulabo Sitabo is a thought-provoking and an enjoyable ride that makes the viewers reflect upon the transient nature of material possessions and the futility of human greed. Offering a fresh narrative and standout performances, the film offers a charmingly realistic depiction of life and its idiosyncrasies through the lens of its endearing characters. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that is layered, meaningful and powerfully resonant.