I am certain that it has been a while since you watched a heartwarming Hindi film in the cinema hall. While action and grandeur are becoming regular for the silver screen, the commercial aspect of small films is pushing them to OTT platforms.
However, the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Neena Gupta star in this week’s theatrical release, Goodbye, which promises to bring back the soothing vibes we have been missing for a long time.
If you are planning to spend a couple of hours this weekend inside a theatre, here’s my Goodbye review to help you decide whether it is worth your time (and money) or not.
Goodbye Review Summary
It is the moments that make a good film, and Goodbye has many of them. However, it does stutter on several occasions and fails to give a fulfilling experience.
Keep reading my review to learn more about the pluses and minuses of the film.
Goodbye Synopsis
The sad news of their mother’s demise brings three siblings together at home. However, brought up in modern culture and surviving in a workaholic environment, this journey of grief will not be a cakewalk for them.
How they discover genuine affection for their mother, alongside their dad, forms the crux of Goodbye’s story.
Directed by Vikas Bahl, Goodbye stars Amitabh Bachchan (Harish), Rashmika Mandanna (Tara), Neena Gupta (Gayatri), Pavail Gulati (Karan), Elli Avram, and Ashish Vidyarthi (PP Singh) in lead roles. Moreover, Sunil Grover has a cameo in the movie.
What Works for Goodbye?
Concept
The idea behind Goodbye is appealing in the sense that it doesn’t sensationalize grief. Losing someone is a feeling of abeyance and emptiness that you want to keep private. Goodbye allows you to reflect on such a prospect through relatable characters, surroundings, and emotions.
Moreover, the film is also about self-discovery and personal connections.
Emotionally Strong
I was sure to not cry before stepping inside the theater. However, Goodbye left me teary-eyed at some points, especially toward the end. The movie is high on emotional aspects that also come to Goodbye’s rescue when its plot falters.
You will feel the story, like the performances, and remain glued to the screen, thanks to the film’s emotional appeal. It is also possible that you’d be ready to ignore Goodbye’s faults once you are drenched in sentiments.
Heartfelt Narration
There is a lot to like about Goodbye’s soothing narration. For one, it is not rushed to conclusions. And secondly, there are drops of joyousness in the style of storytelling. Several scenes warm you up and instill a perspective of affection. And this is despite the film’s failing line of cliches. I can only imagine what it would have done had it been perfect.
Decent Humor
The tranches of sarcasm work well for Goodbye. You won’t laugh out loud (mostly), but occasional grins will keep you company. Initially, Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmika Mandanna take centerstage to throw comic punches, but Sunil Grover takes the baton with his arrival.
Grover brings a satisfying spell of comedy and never fails to amuse you in his cameo appearance. Thanks to him, Goodbye stays upbeat till the very end, and dreariness is kept at bay.
Performances
Usually, it is about the first sight, but with Amitabh Bachchan in Goodbye, it is about the first vocal impression. A sense of nostalgia takes you over when you hear his heavy voice. His intonations are supremely enchanting throughout the film.
Bachchan’s acting is unparalleled. He can be natural, superficially natural, and pretentiously natural. You can just not take away his instinct. The legendary actor mesmerizes you in a mature role as Harish. Whether it’s an emotional scene or a vibrant flashback, Amitabh Bachchan flawlessly eclipses himself every time. His dialogue delivery has not fallen a bit though he has been there for decades.
Rashmika Mandanna makes her Hindi film debut with Goodbye. She plays Tara in the movie and wins you over with her intricate performance. Her rebellious demeanor works perfectly, and she grows with every passing scene. Mandanna is the heartbeat of Goodbye that infuses life into the audience. I couldn’t find a single drawback in her outing.
Yes, I know I should have mentioned Neena Gupta above everyone else, but she only has an extended cameo in the film. If you ask me, I would say Gupta ameliorates the tempo of Goodbye. Her impeccable screen presence is tempting and arousing, enough to keep you hooked.
Pavail Gulati gleams in Goodbye as Karan. He is contained, casual, and quite lively in the film. I have only seen him in serious roles before Goodbye, and it feels great to witness his other side. Moreover, Gulati’s anti-congenial confrontations are wholesome.
Sunil Grover doesn’t disappoint at all. His limited presence makes Goodbye more enjoyable. With his mystic aura, Grover brings enough entertainment to the table. The actor glints through his satirical dialogue delivery, spontaneous movements, and resolute confidence to serve a healthy expedition.
What Doesn’t Work for Goodbye?
Missed Opportunities
While watching Goodbye, you will find several moments that could have been elevated further. Some scenes were poorly linked, and the others felt half-baked for the big screen. I know it had to stay grounded due to the theme; however, the makers needed more finesse to hold the audience.
Only Touches the Crust
At times, Goodbye appears revolutionary but strangely, the creators fear crossing the limit. I wonder why they needed to restrict themselves in the first place. There were issues Vikas Bahl had the chance to address going forward in the modern world, but he took a U-turn and chose appeasement. From that point, it was all about the platitudes unfolding on the screen.
Final Word
The blemishes are there; still, Goodbye is a film worthy of your time. Those who love kind-hearted, charming stories cannot miss it.
FAQs
Is there Kriti Sanon in Goodbye?
No, Goodbye doesn’t star Kriti Sanon in any capacity.
Where will Goodbye stream?
The Vikas Bahl directorial will stream on Netflix.
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