What Is the Story About?
Chirag, who sells underwear for a living, bumps into Devika at a wedding and it’s love at first sight. Romance is in the air as the couple dreams of a future together. Meanwhile, Chirag’s retired father Veer Sharma accidentally reunites with his old flame Menka, now a single mother who runs a beauty parlour. Will Veer and Menka’s reunion hinder Chirag-Devika’s love story?
Performances?
It’s a relief to see Sanjay Dutt in a positive role after ages, playing a father who seeks companionship with an old flame, late in his life. He shares a warm, enjoyable camaraderie opposite Raveena Tandon, who looks as ravishing as ever and turns in a compelling performance. The age-appropriate romance is a welcome sign for Hindi cinema and we’d love to see more of it.
Small-screen star Parth Samthaan, in his first-ever film as a lead, is aptly cast as the happy-go-lucky youngster who struggles to accept his father’s choices. Khushali Kumar passes muster as his on-screen romantic interest, though their characterisation leaves you wanting more. Aruna Irani sleepwalks through the familiar role of an autocratic mother-in-law. Naresh Gosain, Neeraj Sood and Achint Kaur are passable while they last.
Analysis
A handful of films across languages, from Apoorva Ragangal (Tamil) to Thodu, Maa Nannaki Pelli (Telugu) to Life in a Metro, Nishabd and Cheeni Kum (Hindi), have dealt with desire and companionship through elderly protagonists. The stigma around it is worthy of an exploration over time, as societal standards change and the outlook towards relationships evolves across generations.
Ghudchadi symbolically highlights the clash between two marriages – revolving around old flames Veer-Menka and their children Chirag-Devika. Veer and Menka are denied togetherness in their younger years due to an authoritative mother. History repeats itself as she continues to thwart their union in the later years without much support from the children either.
Impressively enough, the film doesn’t treat its 50s-something protagonists Veer and Menka as embodiments of sacrifice. The duo faces opposition not once but twice in their lives and you root for their happy future. Robbing the sheen of its worthy premise is the melodramatic and dull treatment, made worse by the cardboard-ish characters with provoking, cliched dialogues around their outdated beliefs.
The blossoming romance between the younger lot – Chirag and Devika – is devoid of any magic. Chirag’s profession (as a marketer selling premium underwear) is merely used as a flashy backdrop and the sequences that bring the couple together don’t quite make an impact. Their conflict is ultimately resolved at a hospital when a medical emergency reminds them of their priorities.
The screenplay tropes are as old as the hills and resemble scores of modern-day television soaps and films of the 80s and 90s. While the drama around the intergenerational clashes is reasonably engaging, the old-school filmmaking limits its appeal and relevance. However, the director Binoy Gandhi stays focused, remaining true to his material with the compact setup and a sharp narrative.
The simple premise does present an opportunity to debate the taboos and stigmas around desire and relationships, the indifference of the younger generation and how societal norms need to be challenged. Yet, the black-and-white approach to the story is the film’s true villain though the happy ending for the couples does bring a smile to your face. Ghudchadi is tolerable but nothing special.
Music and Other Departments?
Amar Mohile’s background score is basic but serves its purpose and complements the story while the songs – jointly composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Sukhbir, DJ Chetas and Lijo George – are foot-tapping, if not memorable. The film has a lively colour palette that’s easy on the eye, thanks to Yogesh Jani’s cinematography, the flashy costume design and impressive art direction. The 113 minute-runtime is ideal and doesn’t test your patience.
Highlights?
Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon’s performances
The familiar yet compelling story
The focused narration
Drawbacks?
The outdated, melodramatic treatment
Done-to-death storytelling tropes, characterisation
Did I Enjoy It?
Only in parts
Will You Recommend It?
Provided you have nothing better to watch
Ghudchadi Movie Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
