Golkeri review: The disintegration of a relationship is explored well in this family film

Golkeri (2020) begins with a breakup as Sahil Sutariya (Malhar Thakar) and Harshita (Manasi Parekh Gohil) go their separate ways after a fight one night. Sahil is especially annoyed that his girlfriend, a stand-up comedian, made a few jokes at his expense at her show. He comes across as both insecure and chauvinistic.

As we enter more fully into their lives, we learn about their cute initial meeting, their romance and engagement, and why this breakup is hard on both. When Sahil breaks the news to his parents, whom he fondly nicknames MoSu (Sachin Khedekar) and JoSu (Vandana Pathak), they are aghast and unable to understand why they have chosen this path.

As they try to come to terms with his decision, they try to make him understand the severity of his actions. Sahil’s father Mohanbhai and mother Jyotsna even attempt to bring the youngsters back together, to get them to open up on their parting, but, predictably, it does not go well. Thankfully, his parents are both patient and understanding enough to allow Sahil to reach a point in his life to re-evaluate his priorities and what is really important in life.

Golkeri is the official adaptation of the Marathi film Muramba (2017). This version, directed by Viral Shah, is largely faithful to the original and has adapted the film to suit its surroundings. But what has been retained is the open, honest conversations the characters have to solve the problems in their lives.

There are many times where the 26-year-old Sahil comes across as a childish brat, but as the movie progresses there is a definite growth in Thakar’s character as he realizes how his actions have hurt others. The script by Shah and Amatya keeps the scenarios both light and witty, and tinges the second half with more drama as it gets to the root of Sahil and Harshita’s relationship woes.

The film does lag and linger at certain moments, but it recovers nicely before the finale to tie up all the loose ends. Malhar Thakar, Manasi Parekh Gohil, Sachin Khedekar and Vandana Pathak anchor this drama with their heartfelt performances.

Khedekar, who reprises his role as the father from Muramba, doesn’t feel he is repeating himself. Parekh Gohil turns in a restrained and moving act, while Thakar and Pathak suit their roles to a T. The characters’ genuine care for one another is what grounds Golkeri.

Furthermore, Sahil and Harshita’s relationship is explored well to show the honeymoon period of the romance and how they each tackle the hard situations of career, future and commitment when the time arrives. Shah and Amatya’s dialogue, like the mango pickle golkeri, is tangy and keeps the film on its toes, both in the comic and dramatic moments. 

The film is an entertaining detour through the ups and downs of a modern relationship, held up to the lens by traditional but understanding parents. Your time spent with the Sutariya family will not go to waste.

Golkeri, which was released in theatres on 28 February, is now available on Amazon Prime Video.