Tejal Sinha
Plot:
Kaushaljis Vs Kaushal follows the story of Kaushalji (Ashutosh Rana), an accountant in the small town of Kannauj and his wife (Sheeba Chaddha), a homemaker with a passion for perfume making. Despite their individual interests, both are caught up in the daily grind of life and unable to pursue their dreams. Their son, Yug (Pavail Gulati), works in an ad agency in Noida, often criticising his parents for their outdated ways. However, Yug’s life takes a turn when he meets Kiara (Isha Talwar), a free-spirited woman who challenges his rigid views on life. Their relationship becomes the catalyst for change, inspiring Kaushalji and his wife to embrace modernity, even to the extent of considering mutual separation to pursue their personal dreams. The film explores the emotional rollercoaster that follows as the family learns to navigate their relationships, values and self-identity.
Analysis:
Seemaa Desai’s direction brings a refreshing yet relatable perspective on generational gaps and evolving family dynamics. The film shines a light on how modernity often clashes with traditional values, and the emotional journey of Kaushalji and his wife emphasises the importance of rediscovering one’s passions. Desai balances the humor and emotional depth well, making the film accessible to a wide audience. At its core, Kaushaljis Vs Kaushal is a reflection on how the fast-paced, career-driven life of the younger generation sometimes overlooks the dreams and desires of the older generation. While the pace feels slow in the first half, it picks up in the latter part as the emotional stakes grow, leaving the audience invested in the characters’ growth and eventual realisation.
Highlights:
The strength of the film lies in its relatability, as it speaks to anyone who has struggled to balance family expectations with personal desires. The key moment of the story—when Kaushalji and his wife decide to pursue their own dreams—becomes a turning point not just for the characters but for the viewers as well. The film encourages the audience to reflect on their own relationships with family, especially the aspirations of parents who often sacrifice their dreams for the sake of their children. The humour is well-timed and the dialogues thoughtfully explore modern relationships. While the first half could have been tighter, the second half comes together beautifully with a satisfying and heartwarming climax that ties up the emotional arc of the characters.
Drawbacks:
The film’s pacing is somewhat uneven, especially in the first half. Some scenes feel drawn out and could have been trimmed down to maintain the narrative’s momentum. There are moments where the storyline lingers too long on certain aspects, such as the initial family dynamics and the setup for the shift in Kaushalji and his wife’s thinking. Though these moments are integral to building the emotional foundation of the film, they slow down the plot. Despite these pacing issues, the latter part of the film, particularly the climax, more than makes up for the slow start with its emotional payoff and satisfying resolution.
Performances:
The ensemble cast of Kaushaljis Vs Kaushal brings immense depth to the film, with each actor giving an outstanding performance. Ashutosh Rana, in the role of Kaushalji, delivers a nuanced performance that beautifully captures the inner conflict of a man caught between tradition and change. His body language, expressions, and attention to detail make his portrayal both realistic and endearing. Sheeba Chaddha complements Rana’s performance perfectly. As Kaushalji’s wife, her portrayal of a homemaker whose life revolves around family expectations resonates with authenticity. Her eyes alone speak volumes, reflecting the silent sacrifices of countless women in similar situations.
Pavail Gulati as Yug brings a refreshing energy to the film. He plays the character with conviction, capturing the youthful idealism and frustration of a son who feels disconnected from his parents’ lifestyle. Isha Talwar’s Kiara is equally captivating, portraying a modern woman who challenges Yug’s worldview. Talwar’s charm and charisma elevate the film, and her on-screen chemistry with Gulati feels natural and convincing. The supporting cast, including Grusha Kapoor, Diksha Joshi and Brijendra Kala, also add value to the film, contributing to its overall warmth and depth.
Technical Aspects:
On the technical front, Kaushaljis Vs Kaushal excels in creating a visual atmosphere that enhances the emotional tone of the story. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrast between the traditional setting of Kannauj and the modern, fast-paced world of Noida. The film uses this setting to mirror the generational divide, with the town representing the older generation’s traditional values and Noida symbolising the younger generation’s modern outlook. The music, which includes Qawwali and light-hearted tunes, complements the narrative perfectly, providing a subtle yet effective backdrop to the unfolding story.
Seemaa Desai’s direction is commendable, especially in handling the film’s emotional arc. While the pacing issues in the first half may detract from the overall flow, the film eventually picks up momentum and delivers a satisfying conclusion. The writing is another strength of the film, with dialogues that are both sharp and heartfelt, making the characters’ emotional journeys feel real and relatable.
Verdict:
Kaushaljis Vs Kaushal is an endearing and insightful film that explores the intersection of family values, personal growth, and modernity. The film is a celebration of self-discovery, reminding viewers of the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, even in the face of familial obligations. Despite its pacing issues in the first half, the film’s emotional depth and the powerful performances from the cast, especially Ashutosh Rana and Sheeba Chaddha, make it a worthwhile watch. It is a perfect film to watch with family, offering not only entertainment but also a valuable lesson on family bonds, dreams, and the balance between tradition and modernity. Streaming on Jio Hotstar, Kaushaljis Vs Kaushal is a heartfelt movie that deserves to be seen, especially over a weekend with loved ones.
DIRECTED BY:
Seemaa Desai
PRODUCED BY: Jyoti
CAST: Ashutosh Rana, Sheeba Chaddha, Pavail Gulati, Isha Talwar, Brijendra Kala, Grusha Kapoor
Streaming on: JioHotstar
RATING: 3.5/5
