What Is the Story About?
For nearly six years, Alisha (Deepika Padukone) has been in a steady but frustrating relationship with Karan (Dhairya Karwa). The uneasiness stems from the fact that both are unsuccessful in fulfilling their dreams.
Enter Tia (Ananya Pandey) is Alisha and Karan’s life. They grew up together, but she left for the US for higher studies. Tia has now come with her fiancé Zain (Siddhant Chaturvedi). Together they plan an outing in a beach facing property in Alibaug. What happens when Zain slowly gets attracted to Alisha and falls in love with her? Did fate have anything other plans is the movie’s basic premise.
Performances?
Deepika Padukone playing Alisha lives the part. She has many times shared her anxiety and depression issues in public space. In Gehraiyaan, she gets to play a role with those conditions. She does it all naturally and effortlessly. It is a complex yet straightforward part for Deepika, but she makes the whole thing looks easy. She shines on screen and comfortably holds her position as the top-billed star performance and screen presence wise.
Analysis
Shakun Batra of Ekk Mai Aur Ekk Tu and Kapoor And Sons fame directs the movie. It is a relationship drama much like his earlier attempts and bears a strong trademark of his work.
Story-wise, there is nothing new in Gehraiyaan. It is the way Shakun Batra deals with the predictable where we see the difference.
The entire conversations beginning the relationship are so simple and sharp. It builds the character as well as takes the narrative forward. It is why despite the slow pace, one is hooked to the proceedings.
Everything is smoothly done. The switch of relationships, the breakup and hookup happen naturally without too much melodrama. The simmering tension between the individuals is neatly captured. However, it isn’t until the proceedings reach the halfway mark that we get to the actual point.
The entire narrative is about relationships and how one reacts when they are free and stressed. The choices one makes defines the outcome of their mental state and, subsequently, their life. It is all narrated very well through different perspectives. The main one’s of course, are Alisha and Zain.
How external circumstances develop a vortex and they (Alisha and Zain) are simultaneously drawn together and torn apart is wonderfully showcased by Shakun. The revealing of the different layers as the pressure keeps increasing is the movie’s highlight.
Eventually, the lies can’t be taken anymore, and the truth has to be out. The conflict out of this turmoil is neatly executed.
If there is a problem in Gehrayiyaan, it is the rushed feeling at the start and predictable bits in between. The live-in relationship of Alisha and Karan and Tia and Zain belong to that category. They play out routinely.
The circular progression of the choices, as in the repetition of history and connection with the present, could have been done better. It is an excellent idea, but it could have been better if more fleshed out. The ending could have been more compelling.
The shortcomings and impressive parts balance each other, making Gehrayiyaan a meddling affair. A little more depth by cutting down on some parts at the start would have been nice.
Overall, Gehraiyaan is another commendable work from Shakun Batra. It is a relationship drama (like his previous attempts) that works brilliantly when it gets right but also bores when not. Give it a try, still, for its star cast and writing.
Other Artists?
Ananya Pandey playing Tia, gets the best role as an actor in her career. It is a part that mostly requires her to be herself, and she does it well. Siddhant Chaturvedi continues to impress. He is charming, flirting, intense when angry and scheming when things aren’t right. The various emotions are nailed perfectly. Dhairya Karwa is alright playing a one-dimensional boring part. Rajat Kapoor is alright playing a role; he has many times before. Naseeruddin Shah is impressive, even if he plays a small part. The rest don’t have much to do.
Music and Other Departments?
The music by Kabeer Kathpalia and Savera Mehta is excellent. While the songs add to the length, they also help build an exceptional mood for the proceedings. The same is the case with the background score. Kaushal Shah’s cinematography is neat; both the riches and normalities are captured precisely. The editing by Nitesh Bhatia is reasonable, keeping in mind the deliberate pace.
Highlights?
Writing
Casting
Music And BGM
Drawbacks?
Slow Pace
Some Predictable Moments (in Urban Space)
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Gehraiyaan Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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