Gehraiyaan: A Dive into the Depths of Disappointment
"Gehraiyaan," the new Amazon Original film starring Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Ananya Panday, promises a captivating exploration of complex relationships and the depths of human emotion. The trailers and songs paint a picture of a compelling romantic drama, with an aimless woman (Padukone) navigating a messy love triangle and a charismatic but ruthless man (Chaturvedi) juggling two worlds. However, "Gehraiyaan" ultimately stumbles, transforming from a potentially engaging character study into a convoluted, frustrating mess. This is a film that starts off with a promising premise, but ultimately loses its way in a sea of questionable narrative choices and inconsistent tone.
A Promising Start, a Troubled Journey
Director Shakun Batra ("Kapoor & Sons", "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu") demonstrates his adeptness in handling character development and imbues the film with subtle, evocative touches. His choice to shoot on location – seamlessly transitioning between the bustling streets of Mumbai, the serene beaches of Alibaug, and the luxurious expanse of the Arabian Sea – adds a sense of authenticity and visual allure. The production design by Abid T.P., known for his work on "Moothon," further elevates the film’s aesthetic, infusing it with a lived-in feel.
Despite these strengths, the film’s downfall lies in its writing, a collaborative effort between Batra, frequent collaborator Ayesha DeVitre, and Sumit Roy. While their previous work, "Kapoor & Sons," showcased a sharp understanding of family dynamics and emotional complexity, "Gehraiyaan" feels like a departure from their established style. The movie veers into an unsettlingly unnatural direction, sacrificing consistency for an erratic plot that ultimately leaves the audience disoriented and unconvinced.
A Millennial Love Triangle Turns Sour
The film focuses on the intertwined lives of four millennials grappling with their desires, past anxieties, and the complexities of modern relationships. Alisha "Al" Khanna (Padukone), a yoga instructor, feels trapped in her six-year relationship with Karan Arora (Dhairya Karwa, "83"), a struggling writer. Meanwhile, Zain Siddiqui (Chaturvedi, "Gully Boy"), a real estate developer and fiancé to Alisha’s cousin Tia "Tee" Khanna (Panday) finds himself drawn to Alisha. The initial stages of "Gehraiyaan" are its strongest. The film effectively establishes these characters and their personal struggles, particularly Alisha’s anxieties about her stagnant life and her fear of repeating her mother’s unhappy marriage. Deepika Padukone portrays Alisha with an authenticity that captures her insecurity and bitterness, drawing parallels to the brilliant "The Worst Person in the World" by Joachim Trier.
However, "Gehraiyaan" falters as it ventures deeper into the tumultuous relationship between Alisha and Zain. While Siddhant Chaturvedi brings swagger and a menacing charm to Zain, the character ultimately falls into a predictable portrayal of toxic masculinity. The film attempts to depict Zain as a manipulator, but his actions feel overblown and repetitive. This section of the narrative feels clunky and unnecessarily protracted, sacrificing nuance for melodramatic tropes.
The Downward Spiral: Where "Gehraiyaan" Loses Its Way
The film’s pacing is another point of contention. The constant use of songs to propel the narrative forward feels unearned and manipulative. While Bollywood songs are often employed to enhance the story’s emotional impact, "Gehraiyaan" relies on these musical interludes excessively, effectively substituting character-driven development with superficial flourishes.
The film’s most egregious misstep, however, is a pivotal moment that feels entirely contrived and unjustifiable. This dramatic twist, which pushes the narrative into an improbable and deeply frustrating direction, feels like a desperate attempt to create shock value. It undermines the existing character arcs and abandons any pretense of realism, leaving the audience with a sense of bewilderment rather than emotional impact.
Technical Flaws Amplify the Film’s Shortcomings
Beyond the narrative struggles, "Gehraiyaan" suffers from noticeable technical flaws that further detract from the viewing experience. The ADR, a common practice in Bollywood, feels unnatural in several instances, drawing attention to the artificiality of the process. Additionally, the cinematography, while often striking and visually impressive, occasionally ventures into overly dramatic Dutch angles and features uneven CGI.
Missed Opportunity: A Deeper Dive into the Depths of Disappointment
"Gehraiyaan" possesses the potential to be a thought-provoking exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. However, the filmmakers’ decision to abandon the film’s strong foundation in character development for a convoluted and unrealistic plot ultimately leads to a disappointing, and frankly frustrating viewing experience.
The film’s greatest flaw is its failure to trust its characters and their inherent complexity. Instead of allowing the natural progression of their relationships to unfold authentically, "Gehraiyaan" relies on clichéd storylines and artificial twists to generate drama.
Ultimately, "Gehraiyaan" feels like a missed opportunity. It starts with promising depth, but ultimately falls victim to the very shallowness it attempts to expose. The film might create some thought-provoking moments, but these are quickly outweighed by a plot that feels both manipulative and unconvincing. "Gehraiyaan" is a film that dives into the depths of disappointment, leaving viewers feeling empty rather than fulfilled.
