Gachchi

Story: Unfolding on the terrace of a building, this film brings together two starkly opposite persons and puts them in a situation that both of them can come out of with each other’s help.


Review: A first-time lead pair, a debutant director and a fairly experienced writer unite for a film. The equation results in one of the much better films of 2017- Gachchi. Director Nachiket Samant weaves Yogesh Joshi’s simple yet interesting story into a beautiful film that dabbles in more than one genre, but is mostly light-hearted and puts a smile on your face.

The protagonists of the story, Shriram (Abhay Mahajan) and Keerti (Priya Bapat), are strangers whose paths cross one day thanks to their individual problems. Shriram spots Keerti on the terrace of a building that he’s visiting to pay off a debt. Shriram is the quintessential loser whose life has gone for a toss ever since his father borrowed money from the thug Jagtap (Anant Jog). Struggling to repay the debt, Shriram is at a stage where he might lose his mortgaged house if the loan isn’t cleared by the end of the day. On the other hand, Keerti, a famous singer, is haunted by problems in her life and is suicidal. But, what happens when the two face each other?

For a lot of us, the gachchis of our houses/ apartments are treasure troves of memories. And this Gachchi too promises to leave a lasting impression on our minds. Samant’s clarity of thought is evident from the fact that he doesn’t leave out any loose ends in the film. For a debutant director, that makes a great plus-point on the portfolio. The director’s vision is ably brought on screen by his team, especially by his lead actors.

In his first lead role, Abhay is convincing and adds authenticity to his role. His shift from a worried and helpless debt-ridden guy to a person who has accomplished his mission is worth-mentioning here. Priya, whose last release was Vazandar in 2016, proves yet again that she’s much more than just a pretty girl. The clear dialogue delivery and apt facial expressions make you watch her in awe. The scene that stands out for her in this film is when she realises the futility of committing suicide.

Besides a few scenes that could’ve been cut short, Gachchi aces the game. It tells you that everybody has problems but ending your life is not the solution to them. If you are looking for a film that will make you smile on your way out of the cinema hall, Gachchi is a good bet.