Gulmohar

“The opening sequences are shot in a manner that approximates the turmoil of departure and the uncertainties of the future. The frenetic cutting heightens the restive moments as the camera darts from one face to another, from one part of the small gathering to another… As the film progresses, the cinematography settles into a steadier rhythm as the back stories of the characters begin to emerge and either mesh with each other or spark confrontations.”

Rating: 4 stars | Full review

“Evokes a culture in which the proximity to one’s family determines a sense of identity… Gulmohar strives to see a home—and the concept of owning one—as a visual metaphor for belonging.”

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“Gulmohar’s grasp on the Indian family dynamics makes the film stand out. These aren’t uncaring people as much as unable to express that they care. Several scenes end with a family member standing outside the door of the other—just standing, doing nothing, then walking away. Many scenes reminded me of my own familial struggles, underpinned by a simple question: Why don’t we just talk – and why are older Indian men so reluctant, almost scared, of expressing love? So when these characters talk they say one thing but mean something else, rolling in taunts, sarcasm and insults… Gulmohar knows that, most times, despite your discontent, anger, and dejection, your family will still ‘welcome’ you—even if they don’t see the real you – a fact both comforting and terrifying.”

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“A peaceful Indian household is a utopian concept. Even in the ones where love and respect abounds, there is always room for distance and dissatisfaction. Conflict is as fundamental to human nature as living and director Rahul V Chitella captures it so precisely in his directorial debut Gulmohar, you may well think of it as life itself… Delhi, daddy issues, drivers, domestic help, politics, patriarchy, sexuality, sexism, choices, compromises, community, religion, real estate, motherhood, marriage—Gulmohar offers a loaded, layered understanding of familial relationships and its indirect impact on the people at the periphery.”

Rating: 3.5 stars | Full review