Every once a while comes a film that is filled with life and a whirlwind of emotions. GoodBye is one such warm film. A funeral-drama that will wrench your heart, make you cry and at the same time, make you smile and also teach a lot about life. It is a must-watch for everyone especially families.

Vikas Bahl, the man behind the path-breaking film, Queen brings together Amitabh Bachchan, Neena Gupta, Rashmika Mandana along with an ensemble of fantastic actors for something very off the beaten path. A funeral-drama. While Bollywood got two funeral-dramas post the pandemic – ‘Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi’ and ‘Pagglait’, it is still a very under-explored genre given that it is not something that people are really comfortable watching on the screen. However, Vikas Bahl takes this theme up and combines funeral-drama along with various sub-themes revolving around a dysfunctional modern family. He is able to also articulate themes of old-age, loneliness and the irrational expectations of the Indian society.

Written by Vikas Bahl as well, the writing is very practical and on point. The screenplay has some glitches but the dialogues are very well written. Be it Amitabh’s one liners during arguments or his monologue for his dead wife or his lines while giving solace to his children…everything is very nicely put. The best apart about the story, the direction and writing is how the makers have very smoothly also inserted humour in very intense situations. We are able to laugh because he shows the audience a mirror in which they can see their very own foolishness during times like these.

The use of multiple characters with multiple traits gives Bahl the opportunity of making the film resonate with everyone in the audience. You will at least relate to one character or an incident for sure. The way the essence of every Indian household is captured along with the detailed showcasing of the little things is commendable. The arguments, people’s heartless way of empathizing during a situation like this and so much more. The on-screen family is just your family or the family next-door. Kudos to Vikas Bahl and the makers.

Coming to the performances, Amitabh Bachchan needs no mention and no amount of praise will ever be enough for his work. The way he is portraying and carrying grief, anger, confusion, contemplation and so many emotions on his face and all at the same time is exceptional. The monologue that he delivers while immersing the ashes of his wife will wrench your heart. Neena Gupta, in her little screentime, makes the biggest impact. No one could have done the jovial, full of life wife and mother’s role better than her.

The others in the ensemble shine equally and are perfect in their parts. Rashmika Mandana’s Bollywood debut couldn’t have been better. While she still hasn’t mastered the Hindi accent, it’s a treat watching her bring a distinguished charm and persona to the screen. She is brilliant with emotional and intense scene. Pavail Gulati performs well as the workaholic detached millennial and is able to make you hate his character. Special mention to Elli AvRam and Sunil Grover who are the odd ones and also the highlight of the ensemble. You’ll smile the most during Sunil Grover’s cameo.

In terms of the technicalities, the camerawork, production design and editing are decent. The big Delhi homes and the atmosphere is well captured. The music and BGM by Amit Trivedi is exceptional and hard-hitting. Chann Pardesi, Jaikal Mahakal, Maaye, Beautiful are the songs that will be chartbusters and find permanent place in many playlists giving the listeners a warm hug. Also, finally, Bollywood has given a good Happy Birthday song after so long!

On the whole, GoodBye is an intense, emotional and a very hard-hitting film that that will wrench your heart, make you cry and at the same time, make you smile and also teach a lot about life. It is a must-watch for everyone especially families. Having said this, GoodBye might personally hit a lot of you as it did to me given the very sensitive theme is based on. It will make even the hardest of the hard cry. It is definitely not for you if you are immensely faint hearted. If you decide to venture out for this anyway, be prepared to cry your hearts out! Regardless of the business this film does and if it is declared a hit or not, GoodBye is exactly what the purpose of cinema is and deserves all appreciation and praise. Hats-off, Team GoodBye!!!