Gulmohar Movie Review: Sharmila Tagore's comeback film is a win, Manoj Bajpayee nails it again

Every home has a story to tell, if only the walls could speak... since they have stood witness to varied emotions; love, anger, tears, joy and sorrow and countless memories. Gulmohar is one such heartwarming tale.

The sense of displacement is often quite painful. While the Batras were prepared to move from Gulmohar villa, their home of 34 years, they weren't aware of the emotional upheaval that was about to hit them.

After a get-together with their family in the house for one last time, Kusum (Sharmila Tagore), the matriarch of the Batra family, leaves everyone baffled when she announces that she won't be moving in with her son in his new apartment but has bought a house for herself in Pondicherry.

Quite a bold move for a 75-year-old woman, who loves her family to bits. The film shows how, despite Kusum being the focal point of the Batra family, defines her own life. She might have dedicated her life to her kids and grandkids, but she has a life of her own. But then, Kusum had always been unconventional and now when she feels she is done with her duties towards her family, she is following her heart.

Here's the trailer of Gulmohar:

Arun (Manoj Bajpayee), being the obedient son, doesn't question his mother much, although he is quite rattled by her sudden announcement. He shares a strained relationship with his son Aditya (Suraj Sharma), who has decided to move out and live separately with his wife. While dealing with so many complexities in relationships, Arun finds solace in his wife Indu (Simran). However, being adopted, Arun always needs affirmation that he belongs. And that kind of breaks your heart. And, in the middle of all this chaos and uncertainty, some secrets are disclosed that shake the foundation of their family.

Having a cast which includes Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee, Amol Palekar, Suraj Sharma and Simran, is already a battle half-won, and with nicely woven stories with layered characters and nuanced performances, Rahul Chittella hits it out of the park with Gulmohar.

A mentee of Mira Nair, Rahul's way of storytelling is quite inspired by the Salaam Bombay director, infused with realism and human sentiments. Reshma and Jitu's love story will remind you of Dubey (Vijay Raaz) and Alice (Tillotama Shome) from Nair's Monsoon Wedding. And, not to forget, a certain twist in the tale.

Sharmila Tagore is always a joy to watch on screen. She was last seen in Danish Aslam's Break Ke Baad in 2010, where she played Deepika Padukone's mother. And, what a comeback! Manoj Bajpayee, yet again, delivers a stellar performance in Gulmohar. He, in true sense, is The Family Man here. Simran is brilliant as Indu, especially her scenes with Manoj. Their portrayal of a matured couple who have gone through the various ups and downs in life is perfect to the T.

After playing the affable Nanu in Farzi, Amol Palekar plays the villain of Gulmohar, a nasty, orthodox old man, with ease. On the other hand, Suraj Sharma is convincing as Aditya, a young app developer who wants to move out of his house. He is a rebel but not without a cause. He wants to prove himself to his father and make him proud.

However, the film could have had lesser subplots and explained what happened that led Kusum to sell the house. The film not really explains the reason the family fell apart.

The music of the film, composed by Siddhartha Khosla and Alan Demoss, is soothing. Sung by Talat Aziz, Dilkash, will be ghazal lovers' favorite, while Utsavi Jha's Woh Ghar can be heard on loop. Hori Mein by Kavita Seth is a peppy number that will set the mood for Holi.

Set in Delhi, Gulmohar has been shot in real locations. Eeshit Narain has beautifully captured the capital city and the ruins of Mughal architecture.

After a long time, there's a Hindi film that will evoke a multitude of emotions. So, keep those tissue papers ready while you sit to watch this heartwarming film.