A Death in the Gunj (2016) User Reviews

It hits the right spot, and shows that even smallest of actions that look harmless can have repercussions beyond

[starshubham-06829 · 8/10 · 5 January 2020]

So this was movie that was recommend by most of the "best in decade " lists, and I had to watch it. First thoughts: melonchaly, second these tragedies can be avoided , if only we are more sensitive to others especially the ones that are vunreable. Shutu is the guy we all know and its so easy to believe him, Vikrant Massey is unbelievabley good , he brings the vunrebility and a sense of helplessness. This movie is a great depiction of someone going through depression, he's able to bring the guilt he feels for failing his mom and exams and how it leads to him digging deeper in his sadness, perhaps he wanted to go to that vacation to freshen up his mind and take a break. Instead the behavior of his family was to make him retreat even further within himself and towards self-loathing and shame. The scene where he comes back from the ditch and sees everyone having a great time, makes seeting impact, it shows he's neither wanted nor loved and despensible. Kalki's character further pushes him, since for her he is just a distraction and a way to even score with her ex-boyfriend who she still feels for. Each character fails Shutu and the hurt and anguish keeps gaining momentum. The last straw is when the little girl who is his only companion and whom he loves also spurns him. The movie has the mood, the time and place act like a glue and keeps you in that space and very slowly, in fact creepingly you start seeing the journey of Shutu to his last action. Konkana has kept her lens slow and focused because she wants you to see the pattern and slow march towards self-destruction and meaninglessness. Its not impulsive but gradual and a week is what it takes to push someone to the precipice.

I'm saddened but at the same time sensitive to inintended consequences of our harmless actions can sometimes bring, perhaps thats the message, also the garb of masuline ans macho as the only yardstick to judge a man on-why a sensitive man cannot be also be desirable? And lastly, tragedies can be avoided if only we are empathetic towards others and especially vunreable ones who need more love.

Only if someone could have LOVED Shutu

[rajdoctor · 7/10 · 21 July 2017]

Today I saw "Death in the Gunj"

It is a slow movie. But once you have patience and if you can soak into its characters - The Bangla bourgeois culture, their liberalism, their talks, the way they look and behave (making the casting perfect); and if you can sustain yourself absorbed till the end the impact of the movie is not good but Overwhelming... Especially for those who have a sensitive soul, who can feel deep down the anguish and pain of a single individual.

Here the single individual is Shutu (Vikram Massey) whose character and psyche is known to us through peeling of each layer through small exchanges of dialogues and incidences. Shutu lost his father when he was 7 years, he does not have a good relation with his mother, who always scolds him, he is bad in studies, and has failed, he is bullied by his friends and talked down and even beaten by this elder brother. He is simple, shy, incoherent, child-like and finds solace and innocent friendship with his niece Tani (Arya Sharma) during a small gathering over a week with family and friends at a hill station house.

Events unfold in such a way that Shutu is initiated to sex by Mimi (Kalki Koechlin) who just wants to have fun and get over her love for Vikram (Ranvir Shorey) who is marrying someone else. By the end of the movie things do not work out for Shutu who is ignored, forgotten by everyone and shunned even by the little girl Tani. Yet with love in his eyes he pins his hopes on Mimi who ignores his feelings and advices him to concentrate on studies and life (sounds so familiar). It is a psychological take on a simple boy Shutu who is driven to death, but unfolding of events – where everyone is unconsciously selfish (as a way of life) and happy with what one has in life – except Shutu, who feels lonely, ignored and useless (even being used by that little girl).

While coming out of the theatre one feels, if once, someone – the little girl Tani, or Mimi would have held Shutu's hand and consoled him, would have given him strength and hope to live life.

It is a great debut of Konkana Sen Sharma as a director. All the actors and actresses have acted superbly. Special mention of Vikram Massey as Shutu who lives his character's flaws like real. The slow and lingering shots are exquisite and a treat on the eye. The detailing is perfect. Music is appropriate with mix of a couple folk tunes and lingering sadness of violin.

This movie is recommended for the typical arty type sensitive movie goers – who want to see good different cinema - This is the one!

(Rating 7.5 out of 10)

Lovingly crafted movie

[ahegde · 8/10 · 10 June 2017]

This is a little gem of a movie, with pitch perfect casting, excellent pacing and very competent direction.

The movie takes you to a world of languid indolence as an extended family vacations at a once grand but now somewhat derelict Anglo-Indian hamlet. There are little stories within, mostly pivoting around Kalki as the coquette - glimpses of illicit lust; and unrequited longing.

But in the middle of this happy dysfunction, there are jarring moments that tighten the little knot of dread-filled anticipation at the bottom of your heart. The title promised you a death and the opening scene reinforced that promise. You don't know who and you don't know why, you only know it's coming.

A Great, Affecting Film With A Terrific Performance By Vikrant Massey!

[namashi_1 · 9/10 · 10 July 2017]

Konkona Sen Sharma is among the Finest Actress of the Modern-Era & there are no two ways about it. Having won 2 National-Awards for her acting prowess, Konkona makes her Directorial Feature Debut with 'A Death in the Gunj'. And the good news is that, 'A Death in the Gunj' is a near-masterpiece, that is absorbing, affecting & unforgettable. And the Ace here is its lead-actor Vikrant Massey, who anchors the show with a heroic performance.

'A Death in the Gunj' Synopsis: When Shutu (Vikrant Massey) goes on a vacation with his self-involved relatives and family friends, the shy and sensitive university student discovers that there is a heavy price to pay for gentleness.

'A Death in the Gunj' is about kindness & inhumanity. Shutu is a fine, simple 23-year old young-adult, who is reduced into a mere prop by his despicable family. Its a very sad journey that Shutu goes through, but what makes his journey engrossing, are its overall characters, who despite their unforgivable attitude towards Shutu, appear human. They aren't likable, but there is humanity in them, although not for poor Shutu, who must bear their lack of care, until breaking point. 'A Death in the Gunj' is a personal story on gentleness being mistreated & how love will always win, even though the world lacks a lot of it. From start to end, the narrative is dark, but its all-out gripping at the same time.

Konkona is in top-form as a Writer & Director. Konkona & Disha Rindani's Screenplay is absorbing & disturbing, but never misses the point. The Writing is super-strong! Her Direction, on the other-hand, is excellent & she deserves credit, for keeping the atmosphere realistic throughout. I hope Konkona makes more movies! Sirsha Ray's Cinematography captures the intense proceedings, magnificently. Editing is razor-crisp. Art & Costume Design are perfect.

And now time for the acting honors! Vikrant Massey brings Shutu to life with the most affecting performance of the year. Right from his body-language, to his pained eye & to his soft dialogue delivery, Massey is an actor to watch! Massey anchors the show with flat-out terrific performance, that deserves awards & rewards! And lets forget that Massey was the best thing (if not only) in this year's Half Girlfriend.

Ranvir Shorey is brilliant. As the despicable bully, Shorey is pure dynamite on-screen. What a fearless, versatile actor! Gulshan Devaiah is first-rate as Shutu's inconsiderate brother. Kalki Koechlin as the sexually vibrant Mimi, is flawless, yet again! Tillotama Shome is outstanding as Deviah's wife, delivering a richly layered performance from start to end. Tanuja & The Late/Great Om Puri do well as usual as the elderly couple.

On the whole, 'A Death in the Gunj' digs deep & results into a deeply affecting cinematic experience. Watch It Now!

Why can't we have more movies like this?

[ranveeraggarwal · 9/10 · 9 July 2017]

It's one of the most beautiful movies I've watched in a while. While other movies in this genre (practically non-existent in Bollywood) generally take up to 20 minutes to build up to the main story this one is intriguing right from the start. We know that someone's going to die, and we know who it is, 5 minutes into the movie. But this ain't a murder mystery. It's about the events leading up to the death. It's about the characters developing, intermingling. Beautifully shot, with a calm, fantastic soundtrack (which, sadly isn't available to listen anywhere right now), I wish there were more movies like this.

I regret not being able to watch this when I could in the theatres (thanks Amazon).

Chekhov's gun in its best

[mitkobozov · 7/10 · 27 July 2019]

When a movie begins with a gun on the wall it has to shoot by the end. And well it does and the blood is spatter all over the family tree. Family can completely destroy an individual to drive a person to madness. A good reminder of how a person has to treat his fellow man.

Exquisite

[bijzthestar · 9/10 · 13 June 2017]

The ground for a death is set already when the scene opens in a city trembling in peak winters. The tired sun that cannot decide if it wants to rise, the insects already stocking their nests and ready to hibernate, the orchestra of cicadas that blends easily in the suspicious eerie silence of the evenings, the absence of roses and the long purple nights. In such a set-up the only noise that rips the slumber of the forest apart is the loud laughter of a happy family. The perfect family with rotund bellies feasting on meat and wine, slyly rubbing bodies against each other in jest, and like every other family, unable to keep track of the share of love every member is receiving.

It's easy to feel left behind in a world disheveled by adults. Where youth is thought to be coped up with only by a compensatory adrenaline rush, sex is but a form of hospitality, and children and servants are defamed outcasts for just not being alike. Amidst these artificialities, humble "Shuttu" draws dreamy figures in his diary, takes interest in dead moths and the funeral of ants, befriends his six year old niece Tani and vehemently resists metamorphosis. His brother Nandu like most elder siblings, puts him through helpful tests to man him up(driving, planchettes, kabbadi) but Shuttu is already a man with his weak arms but a muscular heart that can carry immeasurable weight. He is the re-incarnate of Franz Kafka, sniffing for traces of love in his dead father's sweaters and his seductive muse's white ankles and the melancholy of his wailing mother. The film brings back to my aching mind a nostalgia of theatrical plays, where the characters were the fodder and story but a resource, rather than the other way around. Nandu's wife, "Bonnie" and mother,"Anupama" are an accurate reflection of the legacy of homemakers; dreamless eyes, unquestioning obeisance, and principled Elizabeth Bennets always in- charge of too much to be done. Vikram(Ranbir Shorey) is the perennially candescent splinter and Mimi(Kalki) is the moth dancing in its flame. O.P(Om Puri's character) has drunk blood-shot eyes and a jovial persona which often confuse his grand-daughter for a tortoise and dismiss the bruises under Shuttu's eyes as child's play. Tani is a young and curious fluttering butterfly who just broke out of her cocoon. Maniya and Manjuri, the domestic helps, are observers of the building up of crime which in this movie, is neither an accident or event, nor a well-hatched conspiracy, but a sudden condensation of reality.

The timeline of growing up is riddled with tough milestones to surpass. The degradation of parent's narrative from "are you facing a problem we don't know about" to " what is the problem with you", bodily changes, the political intrusion of lust and control in relationships and the devaluation of childhood dreams which are too much for a heart which still has not grown anesthetic to pangs of betrayal and dishonesty. As Shuttu tries to brush through these and more, he watches little Tani with wet eyes who would soon be stepping into this war too. A war which is endless and perpetual, called adulthood, where the temporary campsite on the battleground is supposed to be your permanent home. Where defeat is inevitable but the contest is about who can survive longer.

With this debut, Konkana Sensharma blurs the lines between a book and a movie, unveils how modern art is about context rather than content, undresses the guilty faces of families where it is surprisingly easy for someone to not matter at all. By the end, I wished if the movie could be longer and I was given more time to build intimacy with the characters of Mimi or Vikram to know what went into the making of their lustful, unconquerable and ambitious hearts. But alas, a movie could only be a window to another world and not a door, an excerpt of an unending saga which is still happening behind the closed walls of silent homes and secluded hostel rooms, a crime that is taking place without any blood dripping which no one knows about now, no one will figure out the reason behind, but everyone will blame themselves for.

Konkona Sen's Debut Directorial

[Hussain-AL-Naseer · 7/10 · 7 May 2020]

A Death in Gunj marks the directorial debut of Actress KonKona Sen Sharma. A film from what we call a parallel cinema. As a director Sharma has done her job brilliantly as the storytelling is the strongest aspect of the movie and reason you should watch this drama. Background score and cinematography also contributes positively towards building up the story. Actor Vikrant Massey has played the role of Shuttu with great conviction. The only disappointing moment in this movie was its climax as you anticipate much more after a strong built-up but movie settles for less.

One question.. a thing i did not understand... well completely maybe

[venky193 · 9/10 · 4 October 2017]

IF YOU HAVENOT SEEN THE MOVIE.. THIS IS A SPOILER ALERT!!!

One thing I fail to understand completely. Even After Shuttu blew himself all over the tree.. he is seen in the last shot sitting in the back-seat of the car. Is this symbolic in some way? As in even to remind us that he was always taken for granted etc and even though he is gone... his absence is not really felt? what could the other interpretations be? Just curious to know.

Brilliant screenplay...was lost in the old family time...

[amitbtup · 7/10 · 13 March 2019]

What a brilliant portrayal of a father's story by daughter! She is a very sensive and intelligent director and i enjoyed the small small heart touching things in this movie. The lonely character Shiddu was very apealing and could talk to my loneliness. Looking forward to more works from Kankana Sen.

Such a precious gem!

[samir_stm · 10/10 · 28 March 2020]

A Death In The Gunj is easily one of the best movies to have released in 2016. The metaphors used in the movie take it to a completely different level. Brilliant direction by Konkona Sen Sharma and such strong performances by each actor in the movie. Especially Vikrant Massey is a revealation... I hope this movie gets its due as it ages... A Death In The Gunj is no doubt a classic made in our time...

Good film, but PLEASE stop calling it Horror and Thriller

[chet19 · 7/10 · 4 March 2019]

It's a good film about a lovable loser. An adult who misses his father too much, flunks out of school and then lies about it, is awkward with women, cannot drive, etc. So naturally, his friends and cousins lovingly tease him, and his aunt gives him money to get him to visit his mother, and the hottie of the group willingly sleeps with him. He doesn't have it so bad!! Turns out, he really can't handle the pressures of life and blows his own brains out. I defy anyone to show me where the horror lies. Or the thriller aspect of this film. I discovered this movie because I read a great review of it in the NYer. She called it a horror film, so I was eager to see it. It's a fine family drama, but zero horror. Oh, and the NYer said that it becomes clear who is to blame for the guy's suicide, meaning she blames the friends who tease him. Uhh, no. The dude stuck a rifle under his own chin, so don't tell us it's someone else's crime. Also, what's up with the last scene? The dead dude is in the back seat of the car, alive. Huh???

Kind of disappointed.

[Amyth47 · 4/10 · 16 March 2019]

My Rating : 4/10

It so desperately wants to be a darling of the critics - with it's English-speaking characters playing bourgeoisie-types - acting pretentious and all. Those are exactly the tropes I wanted it to transcend but nonetheless it is predictable, often slow and pointless.

I'm sick and tired of seeing Kalki, Ranvir and Jim Sarbh trying so hard to be all parallel cinema types. Only Vikrant Massey was a stand-out here and plays his role convincingly.

OK Film. Not as good as I had expected it to be.

Delivers what it promises

[agniva_pro · 8/10 · 1 September 2017]

'A Death in the Gunj' is the story of a reclusive man thrown into depths of depression, misfortune and bullying. A bunch of elitist, upper class Bengalis vacationing in their country house in Mccluskieganj decides to pull an untoward prank against their cousin (Shutu, played by Vikrant Massey), who also happens to be the target of their incessant bullying and snide remarks. They set up a planchette, where they joke about a ghostly prophecy of Shutu's impending death. Life follows as usual, adding insult to Shutu's injuries, till he decides to kill himself in a very dramatic climax.

Konkona Sen Sharma's directorial debut oozes with the stylization, character development and overall ambiance of a Aparna Sen movie. It is hard not to notice that she channelized her mother's soul. Not sure if that was intentional or not. The movie is based on a real incident, described by her father, Mukul Sharma, in a short story of the same name. Chris Tripthorpe, Sharma's friend, killed himself after being similarly pranked, although under quite different circumstances. Drawing upon this macabre fiasco, the story of this movie takes some mature artistic liberty to explore and highlight different tones of social and cultural idiosyncrasies. It is a commendable effort, no doubt, to deal with such complex themes. However, patriarchy and the sinister power play of a deeply classist society stands out as the central element. This is supported, in parts, by depression, sexism, sexual oppression, feudalism and caste-ism, although the last two are rather transient.

That being said, the movie has its own flaws. Overuse of English as the language of communication seems painfully forced at times (one of the reason why I draw the Aparna Sen comparison, the use of English is oddly reminiscent of Mr. and Mrs. Iyer). An odd song and dance sequence has been squeezed in which, despite not being very far fetched, seems a bit synthetic about the interaction between the leading characters and the native dancers. One can't help but wonder how Shutu's misfortune seems to be endless. As if fate has been conspiring against him. Surprisingly, the depiction of the servants/domestic-help has been quite naive. It borders on poverty porn. It neither explains nor symbolizes the back story of their characters representing the poorer section of the society. And the final climax is quite over the top, straight out of a Bollywood masala movie.

Acting performances carve the foremost objet d'art of the movie. Vikrant Massey is a revelation. Having never seen any of his movies before, his extremely skilled acting looks quite enigmatic. He gets into the skin of Shutu and saves him from whatever little follies the script writer might have overlooked. Even in the parts where the plot is tacky, Massey rescues it. Gulshan Devaiah delivers a nuanced performance, much subtle than what he did in Hunterrr. Om Puri is beyond criticism. Everybody else blends in perfectly. Everybody, except Kalki Koechlin. For some reason, she seems oddly stiff and not herself in the entire movie.

All sides considered, 'A Death in the Gunj' is a reasonably well made movie. Not the best, but definitely one of the better movies of 2017. Definitely worth a watch.

Touches the right chords

[banerjeenirmalya · 8/10 · 29 March 2020]

A brilliant thematic adaptation of Tagore's "Unwanted" theme coupled with a tragic turn of fate. What enables a caterpillar to morph into a butterfly is profound tendering and patience. But what if the society around us is too harsh and abides by the principle of "Survival of the fittest" ? The infinite possibility of blossoming can often be nipped in the bud. Set in the picturesque small town of McCluskieganj of late 70s, the story depicts the tale of a young man Shyamal aka Shatu (Vikrant Massey) who's a misfit in an otherwise boisterous and well to do group. He suffers from an identity crisis, yearns for love and has no idea of what to do with life. He struggles to deal with his emotions and frequently gets sidelined by others. What happens with him in a week's stay in the small town is what the film all about.

Cinematography is simply breathtaking which gives a 70s feel and yet appears glossy and fresh. The ensemble starcast is the biggest asset combining actors of mettle - Om Puri, Tanuja, Tilottama Shome, Ranvir Shorey, Gulshan Devaiah, Jim Sarbh and Kalki Koechlin. All were literally fantastic with Massey being the icing on the cake.

This is Konkona Sensharma's debut direction and it simply acts as a corollary to the fact that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

A stirring directorial debut by Konkona! [+74%]

[arungeorge13 · 7/10 · 11 July 2017]

Based on a short story by Mukul Sharma and scripted by the duo of Konkona Sen Sharma (who is also making her directorial debut) and Disha Rindani, 'A Death in the Gunj' opens with the rather uncanny shot of a couple of men staring into a trunk discussing how to proceed with a reeking corpse (which is not shown to the viewer).

The timeline suddenly moves back to a week earlier where an Anglo-Indian couple Nandu (Gulshan Devaiah) and Bonnie (Tillotama Shome) with their daughter Tani (Arya Sharma), their timid cousin Shutu (Vikrant Massey) and their childhood friend Mimi (Kalki Koechlin) visit Nandu's parents'(played by Om Puri and Tanuja) at their house in McCluskieganj, Bihar. They're shortly joined by other friends Vikram (Ranvir Shorey) and Brian (Jim Sarbh).

From the moment the group arrives at the house, it becomes partially clear that the reserved Shutu is the one the senior cousins enjoy tyrannizing. He is the one who is constantly picked on, especially by the intimidating Vikram, who still seems to have a thing for Mimi, even though he's married (to a small-town woman he isn't exactly proud of!). Shutu walks around in his late dad's brown sweater drawing, making notes, admiring frogs and dead insects and enjoys wiling away his time with the youngest member of the house - Tani. It also becomes evident that he has failed his exams despite being designated brilliant in academics.

A spirit summoning scene (maneuvered by Vikram) paints a vivid picture on Shutu's diffidence when it comes to the matter of 'death'. While the rest of them (except Bonnie) seem to be having a ball of a time making a fool out of Shutu, the viewer gets to delve a lot deeper into Shutu's unusually introverted psyche. The man is terrified when he takes driving instructions from his cousin and ends up ramming the back of the car against a pillar.

A game of kabaddi goes out of hand when Vikram (in his overwrought determination to win) literally mauls Shutu, adding further insult to injury. A night of drunkenness (on New Year's eve) leads to Mimi bedding Shutu, which comes across as a temporary relief for him. One is reminded of Asghar Farhadi's 'About Elly' when Tani goes missing. However, the focus here is more on how the family emotionally abuses Shutu (although they fail to realize it) and shoves him around like a mishandled pet.

When Shutu comes to the conclusion that even (his supposed best-friend) Tani has begun to disregard him and Mimi (who is shown to be dominating and promiscuous) has no plans to to treat their fling seriously, it becomes all the more distressing for him. The climax of the film sees Shutu attempting to permanently resolve his ceaseless anguish. This movie is an intricately written character-study masquerading as a psychological thriller. The carefully-cast ensemble deliver confident performances. Vikrant Massey as Shutu exhibits the character's personal insecurities in a convincing manner. 'A Death in the Gunj' fleshes out characters that are usually written off as templates in the typical Bollywood family drama. Even the characters of gatekeeper and maid have well-defined purposes (they are the ones who end up looking after the puppy which is at first, enthusiastically adopted by Tani). The late Om Puri shines in those few scenes he's in.

Verdict: Recommended to the lovers of off-beat cinema!

Vikrant is real real star...

[spandanasoma · 9/10 · 7 July 2020]

Each time I watch his movies series I fall for him. Must watch movie. Konkona Sen rocks👍

I Knew I Didn't Like That Spoiled Brat of a Kid

[untilnow99 · 6/10 · 11 July 2017]

I had to laugh: all the reviews waxing poetic and rhapsodizing over the story, the cast, the directorial debut. 9 stars, 8 stars. Then, the last review is a complete refutation of all the rest, wonderfully witty in its simplicity: "What a Bore." Hahaha. Too funny.

This movie isn't a complete bore. It has a few redeeming qualities. It is a glimpse into another country, another time, another set of values. That said, I really don't know many people who would truly enjoy this film. I nearly stopped watching it a couple of times. And I will watch any movie on nearly any subject, made in any country----so long as it is well done. The only reason I hung in there was to see how Shutu bites the dust.

This film is s-l-o-w. The bouncing back and forth between English and subtitles is a bit awkward. The whole movie has a sort of primitive, novice film-making feel to it. I sort of expected that, after sitting through the strange "Thank you to you and heartfelt thanks to you" bits dragging on and on before the story even started.

This is another one of those "In the first five minutes we'll tell you who dies and then we'll spend another 90 minutes showing you how and why" movies. From the very beginning you know that it's Shutu who is going to wind up being smoothed into the fetal position in the trunk of the car. Also, within the first 10 minutes or so, you suspect it's that awful whiny kid who is going to be his undoing.

Spoiler alert (in case you're a sadist, I don't want to ruin this for you): burning bugs with a magnifying glass and sunlight is really not my cup of tea. And it seems so out of place here. Isn't Shutu supposed to be the "sensitive one?" Is this cruel act supposed to foreshadow his own senseless self-destruction? (I wasn't at all surprised that the spoiled brat of a kid didn't turn a hair at killing something just for the fun of it.)

Yeah. I blame her. I think Shutu could have survived failing his exams, disappointing his mother, getting bullied by the studly guy and then being rejected by studly guy's cast off "bit on the side." Shutu could have weathered all of that.

It is the kid who pushed Shutu over the edge. He was so good to her. She turned out to be a jealous little bitch who made him out to be the bad guy. Sure, the rest of Shutu's family were a bunch of shallow, self-centered jerks. But they were all happy jerks. If not for that conniving brat . . .

The kid is the villain. Shame on her. I hope she loses sleep over causing such a sweet, kind guy to blow his own brains out. Somehow I doubt she will care one lousy little iota.

I think my favorite part of this movie was seeing the little tiny white letters: "Smoking Kills," every time someone lit up a cigarette. Now that's a terrific innovation we should definitely be including in all films, old and new.

Femme fatale and a sensitive young man

[Blue-Grotto · 9/10 · 7 May 2023]

Femme fatale and a sensitive young man. The story of my life.

In a resort town in 1970s India a sensitive young man, Shutu, is recovering from a series of traumas. He runs into the wrong family and the wrong woman. Even more unfortunate for him, spirits from the past inhabit people and take care of unfinished business.

India isn't all Bollywood. There is much more to the country and to its film industry. This film dares to think outside the box. I love how it weaves nature, color, song, spirits, eclectic people, and foreign myths into a compelling story. It is based on a true short story by Mukul Sharma.

Sensitivity cannot thrive among insensitive monsters

[g_aparna · 6/10 · 29 June 2017]

Story of sensitive Shutu.

Shutu is a boy who lost his father when he was barely 7 or 8 years old. He lived with his mother in a small town in West Bengal - Bardaman and was academically very good. Topper kind of student. But his fate took him to a bigger city – Kolkata where he stared to live with his cousin brother and his wife. HE was very close to his 6 years old niece and took good care of her also.

But as he shifted to the big city, he saw a very different life – brother and sis-in-law smoking and partying, boozing etc. He had grown up in a small town and was leading a simple life – but exposure to city life confused him a lot. To top the confusion, in comes a flirtatious foreigner (played by Kalki) and they all decide to visit their parents in a McCluskieganj.

His cousin brother had friends in McCluskieganj who joined them to party etc. One of his cousin's friends – played by Ranvir was a very loud and flirtatious kind of a man. He had recently got married to a simple small town woman...but that didn't mean that he would stop all his flirtatious activities. It is shown in the film that Kalki and he had physical relationship (that continued after marriage)...but he married a simple woman because she was rich and father-in-law had gifted him a car also.

Anyways, they were spending their days in the peaceful Ganj (short form of McCluskieganj ) – Ranvir often used to tease and rag sensitive Shutu and the rest of them had fun at his expense. His sis-in-law basically made use of Shutu to babysit her daughter. One evening, Ranvir comes with his wife and Kalki tries her best to seduce him in front of his wife to make his wife jealous – but clever Ranvir kept a safe distance from her disappointing Kalkli a lot. That night she seduced young Shutu and initiated him in the world of sex. Next day, Shutu left his niece and took Kalki for a ride and again engaged in sex. In the meanwhile his niece got lost and there was complete pandemonium at home. Everyone went out hunting for the little girl and sis-in-law blames Shutu. Later SHutu, while trying to find his niece, falls in a wolf trap...and somehow manages to get out safely from there. When he returns home he sees that no one missed him and everyone had already started having dinner!

In a scene, it is also shown that Shutu had issues with his mother too. He called her up – being requested by his aunt – Tanuja – but as the phone got connected, he disconnected. Probably he blamed his mother to make him weak and meek – unable to face the city life! Plus he had failed in the exam which would be a shocking news to all..and his mother knew all about it. Later Shutu comes to know that the fact that he had failed in his exams had already leaked in the family...and he felt insulted.

He approaches Kalki – his eyes beaming with excitement ... sexcitement but she just turns him down saying that he better focus on his studies!

He goes to apologise from his niece- for leaving her alone - but she turns her back on him and didn't want to play with him anymore!....he thus lost touch with innocence – that kept him engaged and also made him feel comfortable!

So at the end what was Shutu left with? – He failed in exam, he didn't like his mother, his niece didn't want his company anymore, Kalki had just used him for sex, he was unconfident and uncomfortable to mix with loud flamboyant people....so he takes a drastic step! He ends his physical life...but his spirit or ghost continued to live....witnessing the dumb drama of the worldly people!

Arguably best bollywood movie of 2017!

[nishad2505 · 8/10 · 6 August 2017]

'A death in the Gunj' as the name suggests opens with a murder mystery. It could be anybody. We, as a viewers, are intrigued from the word go. Then, we are taken into a flash back and story unfolds from there, a week earlier.

Set in 1978's McCluskieganj, a town which had certainly seen better days probably in British era and it is a home to Anglo Indian families. The movie revolves around Bengali family, who are in for an year end vacation in the town, where they spend their time with parents OP (Om Puri) and Anupama (Tanuja). The movie has its own pace and introduces each character in detail. There is bossy Nandu played by Gulshan Devaiah and his wife Bonnie played by Tillottama Shome. They have daughter Tani (Arya Sharma) and Nandu's brother Shutu (Vikrant Massey). And then there are family friends: hot headed Vikram (Ranvir Shorey), charming and seductive Mimi (Kalki Koechlin) and Brian (Jimmy Sarbh).

We see darker side of this family unfold through Shutu. Shutu is a kind of person who exists in almost every family. Shy, introverted and often ridiculed for not being same as others. He wants to be a part of them but often ends up being a distant spectator. They take him sometimes, but he is hurled with insults, punches, either directly or indirectly. May be that is why, he finds happiness in solitude or in company of his niece Tani. They have their own innocent world. Vikrant Massey is a revelation in this role of Shutu. He brilliantly portrays vulnerabilities and intricacies of Shutu without speaking much. He has played smaller roles before but this is the big break actor dreams for. Hopefully, this is just the beginning for him.

Konkona SenSharma makes impressive debut with this gem of a film. She unravels the sentiment of bullying and gives us a layered film with strong characters. You can't ask for better ensemble then that. 'A death in the Gunj' has everything, a family drama, betrayal, thriller. The movie and Shutu will remain with you for a long time because of its unmistaken simplicity. Arguably, the best Indian film of the year so far.

One of the brightest movies of the decade

[niyantha · 7/10 · 17 January 2020]

" There's my name "

Film : A Death in Gunj Director : @konkona Dop : @sirsharay Music : @sagardesaimusic Cast : @vikrantmassey87 @kalkikanmani @ranvirshorey @tilottama_shome @gulshandevaiah78 @jimsarbhforreal #ompuri #tanuja

I was fall in love with Bengali language don't know may be it was the impact of #rabindranathtagore Ji literature or my favourite legendary Director Mr #satyajitray Ji ! After Mr Ray's death someone suppose to be fullfil his place in Bengal cinema ( In fact we know no one could replace his place ) no one deserves his position and his contribution towards Cinema , but some people tried to carry his legacy. @aparnasen is the one who walked on his path of Filmmaking style ( bit closer ) she also carried the legacy of Mr Ray ! Why I'm telling this means The maker of #adeathinthegunj #konkanasensharma is the daughter of #aparnasen she Also followed her mom's footsteps in filmmaking !

Mr Ray always tries to deliver the genuine and surrealistic simple story to audience even till today many maker's are following that , you could find those remarks while watching the Film !

When it comes to story which tells the death of #Shutu A young 23 year's old boy Who was dead by sucide ! Rest of the story deals with why he did that ? What are the incidents he faced while before he going to sucide !

That's remarkable performances of everyone specially #vikrantmassey #kalkikoechlin #Binni #ranvirshorey

#konkanasensharma Skillfully crafted Beautifully drafted every Character with the help of #Disharidani one of my favourite scenes dinner and golden anklet. Really enjoyed the high jink conversations. Bright treatment of sound and lighting !

Probably one of the best films of the year at Time of release !

Pls don't waste your time!

[hrhkalways · 3/10 · 28 November 2017]

I fail to understand certain movies. This too falls the same way. I mean, I don't understand why such forced and deliberately cool behavior? Very unnaturally happy and bright. It doesn't sound real. So either you show a proper slow life stuck in a time warp or cool...what is this new category slow-cool? And without a particular direction? Do people now make movies to show nostalgic life or with some particular objective? I failed to understand the objective here...

I wasn't able to buy into the setting for long. Initially I kind of liked the whole slow drawl, then the focus shifted to just showcasing the misery and futility of Shutu's life. What a waste of time! A simple play would have been far more entertaining. Total let down. Go see "Manorma six feet under" you will realize what are slow cool movies...this was really aimless and 'non entertaining"

Superb performances from the entire cast

[beevenkat · 8/10 · 2 June 2019]

#ADeathInTheGunj is the directorial debut of Konkona Sen n she nails it. Set in the hills of McCluskieganj, this film will definitely be devoured by lovers of good cinema. Superb performances from the entire cast n the natural locations make this film a must-watch. Vikrant Massey is excellent as the timid n innocent boy, who is constantly used n bullied by the elders. You will remember him long after the film is over. Such a member exists in every family n his character is well etched. The music is experimental n suits the mood of the film perfectly. A must watch. Rating 4/5.

Konkona Sen Sharma..! A name to remember!

[Filmaholic_Khan · 9/10 · 19 January 2018]

The best actress in present Bollywood delivers the best movie of 2017 as Writer-Director. A Death in the Gunj proves how much she knows the film making in general. Seriously guys! How many times do we see a debutante director experimenting? The story, the style is so Un-Bollywood and Dark which itself is an innovation. Movie presents the dark side of the people connected to "Shutu" played by Vikrant Massey who outshines all the other great acting performances including the veterans. The only Bollywood movie I can relate to is Ugly (2013) by Anurag Kashyap which also explores the same dark place. With Konkona Sen in Directors lineup, I see the Future of Indie-Bollywood in safe hands.