A Death in the Gunj Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sensitive dude gets bullied by his relatives on vacation, has a fling with a bored woman, and then… well, the title gives it away, but like, *why* the tree?

🍿 A Death in the Gunj: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Family Road Trip

The movie centers around Shutu, a shy and sensitive young man, who joins his relatives for a family vacation in McCluskieganj in 1979. He is already in a fragile state, mourning his father’s death and struggling with his studies.

Bullying and Isolation

Throughout the trip, Shutu faces constant teasing and subtle bullying from his older brother, Nandu, and his friends. He struggles to fit in with their boisterous personalities and feels increasingly isolated. The family’s insensitivity to his feelings further exacerbates his emotional distress.

Escalating Tension

As the vacation progresses, the tension surrounding Shutu continues to build. He experiences a series of humiliating incidents, including a prank where he is made to believe he is communicating with the dead. He seeks solace in his niece, Tani, and a brief encounter with Mimi, adding layers of emotional complexity to his already troubled state.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Shutu (Vikrant Massey): A shy and sensitive young man, haunted by past traumas and struggling to find his place amongst his callous family and friends, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
• Mimi (Kalki Koechlin): A sexually liberated and somewhat manipulative woman, who uses Shutu for her own amusement, contributing to his emotional distress.
• Nandan Bakshi aka Nandu (Gulshan Devaiah): Shutu’s elder brother, who embodies a toxic form of masculinity and inadvertently contributes to Shutu’s feelings of inadequacy.
• Vikram (Ranvir Shorey): A hot-headed and bullying friend of the family who relentlessly teases and humiliates Shutu, exacerbating his insecurities.
• Bonnie Bakshi (Tillotama Shome): Nandu’s wife, a seemingly gentle woman who is often caught between her husband’s callousness and her own desire to be kind.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mimi: “You’re so pretty. You could be a girl.” – Mimi says this to Shutu, highlighting his sensitive nature and the way others perceive him.
• Vikram: “(Teasing Shutu)” – Vikram’s constant teasing contributes to Shutu’s feelings of inadequacy and isolation within the group.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: Unknown
• Worldwide Gross: Unknown

💥 A Death in the Gunj Reviews

Personal Review

This movie messed me up. It’s so quiet and subtle, but the way they slowly build Shutu’s isolation… it’s heartbreaking. That scene where he’s trying to call his mom and just can’t speak? Gut-wrenching. And then the ending? I just felt so empty. Definitely not a feel-good movie, but it’s powerful and stayed with me for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent Indian cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate films exploring complex family dynamics”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Bullying”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some coarse language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Konkona Sen Sharma nails her directorial debut with a film that lovers of good cinema will devour. Superb performances from the entire cast and the natural locations make this film a must-watch. Vikrant Massey is excellent.
• NY Times: “Though it teeters at times, the film is successful in its dark study of family dynamics. Vikrant Massey’s Shutu is heartbreakingly vulnerable, the constant butt of thoughtless jokes.
• Film Companion: “Konkona Sen Sharma crafts a nuanced, haunting portrait of suppressed emotions. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create an atmosphere of unease, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas.

Audience Reactions

Vikrant Massey’s performance as Shutu is phenomenal; he perfectly embodies the character’s vulnerability and quiet suffering.: The film’s realistic portrayal of family dynamics, especially the subtle ways people can be cruel without realizing it, resonated with many viewers.

The slow-burn pacing and atmospheric cinematography create a palpable sense of unease and impending doom.: Many praised Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut, highlighting her attention to detail and ability to create a captivating narrative.

Overall Consensus: A Death in the Gunj is a haunting and well-crafted drama that explores themes of isolation, masculinity, and the subtle cruelties within families. While its slow pace and somber tone may not appeal to all, the film’s strong performances and atmospheric setting leave a lasting impression.

Awards

1. Filmfare Award (Best Director (Critics))- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Konkona Sen Sharma based the film on a short story written by her father, Mukul Sharma, who was married to Aparna Sen. Aparna Sen provides the voice of Shutu’s mother in the film.”
• “The film explores themes of masculinity, emotional violence, and the impact of societal expectations on individuals, particularly within the context of a family gathering.”
• “Set in 1979, the film captures the atmosphere of McCluskieganj, a town with Anglo-Indian roots, adding to the sense of nostalgia and isolation.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Death in the Gunj?

A Death in the Gunj is currently available to stream on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. You may also be able to rent or purchase it on demand from services such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, depending on your region. Check your local listings for the most up-to-date availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Death in the Gunj, you might like these similar films:

• Monsoon Wedding (2001): Explores complex family dynamics and hidden tensions within a large Indian family gathering.
• Udaan (2010): Deals with themes of suppressed emotions and the struggle for individual identity against a restrictive family background.
• Kapoor and Sons (2016): Another movie about complex family relationships, secrets, and underlying sadness within a seemingly normal family.
• Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986): Explores themes of individual agency and its suppression by the group, though in a different setting, it shows the importance of being able to stand up to the group.

🛒 A Death in the Gunj Related Products

• A Death in the Gunj (DVD): Own the critically acclaimed film on DVD, complete with bonus features and behind-the-scenes footage. Relive the haunting story and appreciate the performances again and again.
• Bengali Cinema Classics Collection: Explore other thought-provoking Bengali films directed by renowned filmmakers like Aparna Sen, expanding your cinematic horizons. This collection features critically acclaimed titles that delve into complex human relationships and social issues.
• Vintage Indian Movie Posters – Set of 5: Decorate your space with these vintage-style posters, reminiscent of the 1970s setting of ‘A Death in the Gunj’. Perfect for adding a touch of retro charm to any room.
• Vikrant Massey Film Collection: Follow the career of Vikrant Massey with this curated selection of his best performances. Experience his versatility as an actor and witness his growth in the industry.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Death in the Gunj features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jiri Jiri” – performed by Promila Pradhan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 5 Best Bollywood Films of 2017 | Anupama Chopra

Curious what a top film critic thinks of ‘A Death in the Gunj’ compared to other Bollywood films of 2017? Anupama Chopra breaks it down, and honestly, her insights are always spot on!

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