I'm quite frustrated seeing all the pessimism surrounding this film, and I feel pity for those who have misinterpreted the message. Being a responsible reviewer as well as a fellow admirer of this wonderful medium; I would like to present my side of the argument.
Hear me out, let me explain...
"Gehraiyaan" is a tale of flawed individuals more than anything else, like a bare exhibition of human relationships. Be it parenthood, sisterhood, or romantic affectations; Gehraiyaan takes on the mantle of showcasing all these different dynamics and the social stigmas that comes alongside.
This certainly isn't glorifying infidelity nor does it set out to rationalize the characters and their iniquities; the way I see it, the film did the exact opposite! Batra's narration depicted the bad choices and the consequences that followed. Amongst this pair of individuals, nobody was perfect, they all had flaws just like everyone else does as human beings. And "Gehraiyaan" with its innate dissertation attempted to illustrate the painful reality we all want to run away from.
While on one hand, it very much instigates the feel of salvation, favours the idea of moving on; on the other, it gets to a relatively different verdict, where it exemplifies the fact (the last scene with that Old Lady), that no matter how hard we try to get over our sins, the past will always catch up. The memories will haunt our thoughts till the end of time.
Although, I do understand that many people might find these intricacies, a bit difficult to comprehend. Therefore, let's just put aside the narrative for a moment and let us all cordially appreciate how invigorating the presentation is on a technical level. I simply adore the visuals. The roaring waves of the sea symbolised the endless rifts in our conscience, So articulated, isn't it? The same goes for Music! I became infatuated with the composition. It not only intensified the very essence of dramatic portions but also set the right kind of mood and ambience the film otherwise insisted on.
Now, on the subject of performances, the entire ensemble poured their hearts out. It seems the majority of the audience is only interested in the contours of intimacy but not the rationales behind the same. I don't know the problem people have with Deepika Padukone, nor do I care, but nobody in their sane minds could deny the capacity she holds as an actor. Yet again, What an astonishing performance, Deepika for me was unmatched, unparalleled in here.
Siddhant Chaturvedi is another highlight. Since the announcement, all eyes were on him, we all expected him to deliver and let me just say, he doesn't disappoint. Ananya Pandey had gone through a lot of complaints and disapprovals down the years. Perhaps a bit too much at times.
Not me though, as I have always been a well-wisher, and I knew that with a little bit of guidance and under a competent director, she would do well. And guess what? She has made some progress. Dhairya Karwa as Karan is perhaps the weakest link of this feature, although it's not entirely his fault as the writing on his part hasn't been up to the mark as compared with what others have gotten!
At long last, we've reached the part where I normally draw a conclusion. But before I do that, I hope, I was able to clear all your doubts, if not, have it your way, do as you please. Then you have to come to terms with the fact that maybe it's not made for you. "Gehraiyaan" is one of those films, where complexities have the upper hand. It's like a double-edged sword, the intricacies are the greatest strengths as well as the biggest of the weaknesses. Not all will relate!
Hear me out, let me explain...
"Gehraiyaan" is a tale of flawed individuals more than anything else, like a bare exhibition of human relationships. Be it parenthood, sisterhood, or romantic affectations; Gehraiyaan takes on the mantle of showcasing all these different dynamics and the social stigmas that comes alongside.
This certainly isn't glorifying infidelity nor does it set out to rationalize the characters and their iniquities; the way I see it, the film did the exact opposite! Batra's narration depicted the bad choices and the consequences that followed. Amongst this pair of individuals, nobody was perfect, they all had flaws just like everyone else does as human beings. And "Gehraiyaan" with its innate dissertation attempted to illustrate the painful reality we all want to run away from.
While on one hand, it very much instigates the feel of salvation, favours the idea of moving on; on the other, it gets to a relatively different verdict, where it exemplifies the fact (the last scene with that Old Lady), that no matter how hard we try to get over our sins, the past will always catch up. The memories will haunt our thoughts till the end of time.
Although, I do understand that many people might find these intricacies, a bit difficult to comprehend. Therefore, let's just put aside the narrative for a moment and let us all cordially appreciate how invigorating the presentation is on a technical level. I simply adore the visuals. The roaring waves of the sea symbolised the endless rifts in our conscience, So articulated, isn't it? The same goes for Music! I became infatuated with the composition. It not only intensified the very essence of dramatic portions but also set the right kind of mood and ambience the film otherwise insisted on.
Now, on the subject of performances, the entire ensemble poured their hearts out. It seems the majority of the audience is only interested in the contours of intimacy but not the rationales behind the same. I don't know the problem people have with Deepika Padukone, nor do I care, but nobody in their sane minds could deny the capacity she holds as an actor. Yet again, What an astonishing performance, Deepika for me was unmatched, unparalleled in here.
Siddhant Chaturvedi is another highlight. Since the announcement, all eyes were on him, we all expected him to deliver and let me just say, he doesn't disappoint. Ananya Pandey had gone through a lot of complaints and disapprovals down the years. Perhaps a bit too much at times.
Not me though, as I have always been a well-wisher, and I knew that with a little bit of guidance and under a competent director, she would do well. And guess what? She has made some progress. Dhairya Karwa as Karan is perhaps the weakest link of this feature, although it's not entirely his fault as the writing on his part hasn't been up to the mark as compared with what others have gotten!
At long last, we've reached the part where I normally draw a conclusion. But before I do that, I hope, I was able to clear all your doubts, if not, have it your way, do as you please. Then you have to come to terms with the fact that maybe it's not made for you. "Gehraiyaan" is one of those films, where complexities have the upper hand. It's like a double-edged sword, the intricacies are the greatest strengths as well as the biggest of the weaknesses. Not all will relate!