Director: Vikas Bahl
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rashmika Mandanna, Neena Gupta, Pavail Gulati, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elli AvrRam, and others
Where: In theatres near you
Rating: 4 stars
When filmmaker Vikas Bahl jointly helmed his first feature ‘Chillar Party’ (2011) with Nitesh Tiwari, the two directors emerged from nowhere and became the talking point. Vikas then went on to join hands with Kangana Ranaut in ‘Queen’ (2012) which almost changed the trajectory of female-driven films. The film not only contributed to rebuilding the dynamics of films back then but also stamped both Vikas and Kangana as powerful entities. However, in 2015, Vikas helmed Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt-starrer ‘Shaandaar’ which turned out to be the biggest dud of all time. After a hiatus of four long years, ‘Super 30’ got him back on the silver screen but its success was a bittersweet one thanks to the events unfolding in the filmmaker’s personal life.
In a decade-old career, Vikas definitely has questionable filmography. But it looks like his latest offering ‘Goodbye’ has gotten him back to his own league in a big way. The film is a funeral comedy that evokes the right emotions within you and also questions religious beliefs, the harsh realities of life, the meaning of death, and the aftermath of a dysfunctional family.
The sudden death of his beloved wife Gayatri (Neena Gupta) jolts Harish (Amitabh Bachchan). He then keeps chasing his four children Tara (Rashmika Mandanna), (Pavail Gulati) and his foreigner wife (Elli AvrRam), Angad, and Nakul (screen names) to attend her funeral.
‘Goodbye’ is surely not a brand-new concept. Seema Pahwa’s directorial debut ‘Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi’ (2021) and ‘Pagglait’ (2021), resonate a lot with ‘Goodbye’. It is noteworthy though that Vikas has beautifully crafted the whole idea. With a thought-provoking narrative and soulful songs, the film stands out. The film has apt humour, though at times disrupting the mood but certainly not unbearable. All this while, Vikas had lost the human side to his films but ‘Goodbye’ has every bit of it.
Although Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini-starrer ‘Baghban’ (2003) also mirrors the odd societal phenomenons with over-the-top emotions, it was primarily a love story of an elderly couple, who is forced to live without each other as its backdrop. The father-son and father-daughter issues are so relatable in ‘Goodbye’ and that’s the beauty of it.
Amitabh Bachchan is surely the highlight of the film. His silences are powerful, his emotions are subtle and not irksome, and depicts his comfort zone. Barring her accent, Rashmika is outstanding. Pavail, who debuted with ‘Thappad’ (2018) and was too good to hate has a similar trait in this one. He is honest, sincere, and extremely confident. Neena Gupta is pleasant, like a breath of fresh air. She reechoes with our mothers to the core. The supporting cast of Ashish Vidyarthi, Nilu Kohli, Sunil Grover, and Arun Bali are noticeable in their respective parts. Special mention to Elli, who does justice to her role. In fact, for the first time, she draws attention.
Contrary to its title, ‘Goodbye’ won’t leave you soon but rather fiddle around your mind and make you rethink your equations with your family. It is a perfect family entertainer of the modern-day world but with strong roots.
