Ghudchadi Movie Review : A romantic drama with a familiar beat

Story: The film revolves around two love stories: one between a young couple and the other, their respective widowed parents, who are also former lovers dreaming of tying the knot. However, the family’s conservative matriarch is against both the couples’ inter-community relationships and the prospect of step-siblings as husband and wife. Will the couples find a happy ending?

Review: Director Binnoy K Gandhi's film intertwines love stories and family dynamics in a romantic drama that charts a familiar territory. From the story and characterisation to the conflict and resolution, the narrative remains predictable. The premise of Chirag (Parth Samthaan) and his girlfriend Devika’s (Khushalii Kumar) respective parents, Colonel Veer Sharma (Sanjay Dutt) and Menaka (Raveena Tandon) reigniting their love and the unexpected complications it causes is intriguing. However, as the story progresses, these issues are addressed in a cliched and dramatic manner.

The movie's core conflicts—inter-community romance and unconventional family dynamics—are resolved through convenient plot twists that feel farfetched. Upset with Veer when he brings Menaka home as his would-be wife, his orthodox mother Kalyani Devi (Aruna Irani) leaves the house to live with a relative. Here, instances of how the aged woman is mistreated by her son or a group of senior citizens telling Parth how lonely old age are not seamlessly infused into the narrative. The film also attempts to explore progressive ideas like love transcending societal norms, but the approach relies on tropes, diluting the impact.

Binnoy K Gandhi shows promise as a first-time feature film director, as the movie moves at an even pace for the most part. However, his direction would have benefited from a more engaging story and a tighter, more nuanced script and screenplay.

Khushalii Kumar and Parth Samthaan’s performances are passable, though the duo shares a natural chemistry. Raveena Tandon and Sanjay Dutt deliver commendable performances, while Aruna Irani's portrayal of a loving yet stern matriarch feels over-the-top.

Although a pleasant watch, Ghudchadi falls short as an entertainer. The story unfolds with predictable turns, preventing the audience from forming strong emotional connections. The film may not resonate with viewers seeking something new or poignant.