Some strings tune better together…|Oct. 07, 2022|India|145 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bollywood;Comedy;Drama;Family
Description: The film “Goodbye,” written and directed by Vikas Bahl, attempts to depict loss and grief on the big screen. However, it struggles to convey genuine empathy and subtlety, making the emotional core of the story feel superficial. Although it evokes plenty of tears, the film fails to provide deeper insights into the process of coping with pain and moving forward. Despite Amitabh Bachchan leading the cast, the performances remain basic. The writing occasionally delivers poignant moments but ultimately feels uneven and aimed at an easily swayed audience.
Set in Chandigarh, the story revolves around a family dealing with the sudden death of their matriarch. The narrative covers the preparations for her cremation and the 13-day mourning period, known as *tehrvi*. While the premise is somber, the broad-brush approach lacks authenticity. The film feels slow, insubstantial, and directionless, failing to achieve the gravitas expected from a sensitive exploration of sorrow. At times, it even trivializes the grieving process.
The tone fluctuates between morose and humorous, with some comic relief provided by a group of neighborhood women who display exaggerated and insincere sympathy. Their antics, such as arguing over comfortable chairs or naming a WhatsApp group, introduce an element of subtle sexism. The film opens with a disco track and a scene of Tara Bhalla (Rashmika Mandanna), a young lawyer in Mumbai, celebrating her first courtroom victory. Despite its moments, “Goodbye” ultimately falls short of delivering a meaningful portrayal of grief and healing.
Cast director: Vikas Bahl
Cast actor: Amitabh Bachchan, Neena Gupta, Rashmika Mandanna, Pavail Gulati, Shivin Narang, Sahil Mehta, Elli Avram, Sunil Grover, Ashish Vidhyarthi, Shayank Shukla
Original name: गुडबाय