Gulkand (2025) Movie Review : A Sweet Comedy with a Dash of Missing Spice

Director: Sachin Goswami

Cast: Sai Tamhankar, Samir Choughule, Prasad Oak, Esha Dey, Mandar Mandavkar, Jui Bhagwat, Vanita Kharat, Tejas Raut, Sarvil Apte & Others.

Language: Marathi

Release Date: 1st May 2025

Well hello there, movie buffs! Remember how we were eagerly anticipating Gulkand? Well, the wait is over! Released on May 1st, 2025, this Marathi film has finally hit the screens, promising to be the eleventh, and perhaps most heartwarming, health benefit of rose-petal jam: pure happiness! So, grab a fresh cup of tea (or maybe some Gulkand itself!), because we’re diving into whether this film delivers on its sweet promise.

Gulkand, directed by Sachin Goswami and penned by Sachin Mote, attempts to unwrap the complex layers of love, nostalgia, and second chances, particularly when "older lovers" find their paths crossing once more. The film introduces us to Omkar (Tejas Raut) and Minakshi (Jui Bhagwat), a young couple whose impending marriage brings their families together. Little do they know, Minakshi's mother, Neeta Dhavale (Sai Tamhankar), and Omkar's father, Girish Mane (Prasad Oak), were college sweethearts whose love story was cut short.

As the two families connect, the embers of their past romance begin to rekindle, leading to secret texts and stolen glances. This, naturally, raises the eyebrows of their suspicious spouses: Omkar's mother, Ragini Mane (Esha Dey), and Minakshi's father, Makarand Dhavale (Samir Choughule). What ensues is a hilarious, often slapstick, game of cat and mouse as Ragini and Makarand team up to spy on their partners, frequently finding themselves in comically compromising situations that lead to their own misunderstandings. They even go to absurd lengths to try and stall the young couple's wedding, fearing that Omkar and Minakshi's union might give Neeta and Girish a "free hand" to pursue their rekindled feelings. It's a setup ripe for laughs, and 'Gulkand' certainly capitalizes on that.

The Bouquet of Performances

A comedy-drama like 'Gulkand' lives and dies by its ensemble, and thankfully, this film boasts a cast that largely delivers, especially on the comedic front. Samir Choughule is, without a doubt, the undisputed MVP here. His impeccable comic timing and innocent portrayal of Makarand Dhavale have audiences rolling in the aisles, proving that he can carry much of the film's humorous weight. Matching his energy is Esha Dey as Ragini Mane, who nails every punchline and contributes significantly to the laugh riot. Their misadventures together are the film's consistent highlight. Vanita Kharatalso shines in her supporting role, adding more comedic sparkle.

Sai Tamhankar brings her natural grace to Neeta Dhavale, and while her performance is solid, some critics felt she didn't quite convince as a mother of two. Prasad Oak, as Girish Mane, is alright, but his character is regrettably described by some as somewhat "forgettable," which is a missed opportunity given the core premise of his rekindled romance. The younger pair, Tejas Raut and Jui Bhagwat, provide fair support, anchoring the film's initial romantic premise.

Crafting the Sweetness: Hits and Misses Behind the Scenes

Director Sachin Goswami, along with writer Sachin Mote, has created a film that's genuinely enjoyable for its comedic elements. Sachin Mote, a celebrated comedy writer, brings his slapstick comedy full guns blazing, and it works for large portions of the film. The music, with songs like "Chal jaau date var" standing out, is appealing and adds to the film's lighthearted feel. Uday Singh Mohite's cinematography is decent, offering pleasant visuals that complement the film's tone. Mayur Hardas' editing keeps things moving reasonably well, especially in the first half.

However, where 'Gulkand' struggles is in its dramatic and emotional depth. While the comedy lands, the film relies heavily on coincidences and far-fetched misunderstandings, which can make the plot feel implausible and contrived at times. Critics noted that Goswami's direction fails to generate any real emotional high, even during moments of vulnerability. The romance between Neeta and Girish, surprisingly, feels limited and often overshadowed by the comedic hijinks of their spouses. This prevents the audience from fully investing in the very emotional core the film claims to celebrate. The pacing also drags in the second half, with some scenes feeling unnecessarily stretched.

My Final Spoonful – A Sweet Treat, But Not a Full Meal

'Gulkand' is indeed a delightful dessert, a sweet treat best enjoyed with your family. Its biggest strength lies in its perfectly executed slapstick comedy, primarily driven by the brilliant performances of Samir Choughule and Esha Dey. If you're a fan of the "Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra" style of humor, you're in for a fun ride and plenty of laughs.

However, for a film that champions "happiness" as its ultimate benefit, it oddly falls short on delivering consistent emotional resonance. While it makes you laugh, it rarely moves you deeply. The dramatic threads feel underdeveloped, and the central "older lovers" story, while charming, lacks the emotional weight it could have had. It's a wholesome family entertainer that shines brightly when it leans into its comedic strengths, but leaves you wishing for a bit more substance in its romantic and emotional narrative.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)

Have you had a taste of 'Gulkand' yet? What did you think of this sweet, comedic ride? Share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below, and don't forget to spread the joy by sharing this review!