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Gehraiyaan
View on WikipediaThis article may incorporate text from a large language model. (September 2025) |
| Gehraiyaan | |
|---|---|
Official release poster | |
| Directed by | Shakun Batra |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by | Shakun Batra Ayesha Devitre |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Kaushal Shah |
| Edited by | Nitesh Bhatia |
| Music by | Kabeer Kathpalia (OAFF) Savera Mehta |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Amazon Prime Video[1] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 148 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Gehraiyaan (transl. Depths) is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra under Dharma Productions, in collaboration with Viacom18 Studios and Jouska Films.[2] The film stars Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi in lead roles, alongside Ananya Panday and Dhairya Karwa, with supporting performances from Rajat Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah.[3] Set against a contemporary urban backdrop, the narrative explores themes of infidelity, trauma, and emotional complexity through the intertwined lives of four individuals navigating love, ambition, and betrayal.
Principal photography took place in Goa, Mumbai, and Alibag, with cinematography by Kaushal Shah. The screenplay was co-written by Batra, Ayesha Devitre Dhillon, Sumit Roy, and Yash Sahai. The soundtrack features original compositions by OAFF and Savera, with lyrics by Kausar Munir and Ankur Tewari.
Premiering digitally on 11 February 2022 on Amazon Prime Video, Gehraiyaan received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.[4][1] While the performances of the cast—particularly Padukone—alongside its cinematography, visual tone, and soundtrack were widely praised, the screenplay and third act drew criticism for lacking narrative depth.
Plot
[edit]Alisha "Al" Khanna, a 30-year-old yoga instructor in Mumbai, is running a Yoga studio and is also actively developing a wellness app. She is financially supporting her work-shy boyfriend, Karan, an aspiring writer. Karan is supposedly working on a novel but never seems to find time to find a publisher and make some money. She suffers from anxiety, rooted in unhelpful current boyfriend as well as an unresolved trauma from her childhood when she came to know about her mother Sonali's suicide. She is currently estranged from her father, Vinod.
One day Alisha's cousin, Tia, invites the couple to her family's beach house in Alibag, where she is staying with her fiancé, Zain Oberoi, a successful real estate developer. To Alisha's surprise, Zain starts flirting with her, while supposedly on a romantic getaway with his own current girlfriend Tia. Zain is in his current financial position, due to winning the confidence of Tia's rich parents demonstrating his skills as a shrewd real estate businessman.
After numerous surreptitious romantic encounters hidden from their own current partners, Alisha and Zain bond apparently over their own pervious emotional struggles. Alisha's disappointment with Karan increases, after she learns that Karan shared his in-progress manuscript with their mutual friend Tia but not with her. Zain for his part wins over Alisha by arranging for his company to invest in Alisha's app. The affair intensifies and along the way, Zain makes promise that he intends to end his engagement. In reality it is a false promise since he is not only romantically linked to Tia, but financially as well, through Tia's own parents' company where he is a senior level executive.
Finding Karan intolerable due to his continued laziness, Alisha ends the relationship with Karan and continues seeing Zain secretly.
As Zain's company comes under investigation for financial irregularities, all due to Zain's own business mistakes, tensions rise. Tia becomes suspicious and confronts Zain, who denies any misconduct. Alisha later finds herself pregnant and reveals the news to Zain. Due to Zain's pressure, Tia agrees to get a big loan pledging the family beach house to save Zain's company, but Zain sells it instead without informing Tia. Jitesh, Zain's associate, deduces the affair going on and pressures Alisha to call it off and confront Zain during a business meeting.
Zain is now in a full-blown panic mode over simultaneous entanglement with two women with differing motives. So, he invites Alisha onto his yacht, telling her he has ended his engagement. When Alisha notices him spiking her drink, she tries to leave. During the confrontation, Zain slips, hits his head, and drowns. Alisha returns home and later suffers a miscarriage.
Jitesh, for his personal financial benefits, blackmails Alisha into retrieving documents that would allow him to conceal Zain's death as a suicide, something that could also help Alisha as well since she was previously involved in his secret life.
Tia later reveals that Alisha is the daughter of her father, Kumud, and Sonali, the result of an extramarital affair. Alisha confronts her father, Vinod, who confirms the story. Alisha discovers that her life long hatred for her father Vinod was completely unjustified, since Vinod was not even a biological father who accepted that role silently.
Two years later, Alisha attends Karan's engagement party. She reconnects with Tia there, who is blissfully still ignorant of the Alisha's affair. After numerous mistakes, affairs, terrible entanglements, even near-death situations, Alisha is now optimistically looking forward to a more peaceful life with more answers than unresolved questions. The film ends on a cliffhanger where an old lady that Zain & Al had once encountered while on a romantic getaway greets Alisha with Tia being surprised about how they know each other.
Cast
[edit]- Deepika Padukone as Alisha "Al" Khanna: Vinod and Sonali's daughter; Tia's cousin; Karan's girlfriend; Zain's lover
- Ananya Anand as young Alisha
- Siddhant Chaturvedi as Zain Oberoi: Jitesh's friend and business partner; Kumud's former employee; Tia's boyfriend and later fiancé; Alisha's lover
- Ananya Panday as Tia "Ti" Khanna: Kumud and Vaani's daughter; Alisha's cousin; Zain's fiancée and girlfriend
- Arzoo as young Tia
- Dhairya Karwa as Karan Arora: Raman and Neetu's son; Tia's friend; Alisha's boyfriend
- Rajat Kapoor as Jitesh: Zain's business partner and friend
- Naseeruddin Shah as Vinod Khanna: Kumud's elder brother; Sonali's former husband; Alisha's father
- Imran Chappar as young Vinod
- Sahiil Sagar as Zain Oberoi's Office staff
- Vihaan Chaudhary as Bejoy Sen (Banker)
- Pavleen Gujral as Sonali Khanna: Vinod's late wife; Alisha's mother (died by suicide)
- Deepak Kripalani as Raman Arora: Neetu's husband; Karan's father
- Kanika Dang as Neetu Arora: Raman's wife; Karan's mother
- Natasha Rastogi as Vaani Khanna: Kumud's wife; Tia's mother
- Anup Sharma as Kumud Khanna: Vinod's brother; Vaani's husband; Tia's father
- Shataf Figar as Ranjeet
- Yamini Joshi as Sejal
Production
[edit]Development and casting
[edit]In April 2019, director Shakun Batra was initially reported to helm a biopic based on spiritual leader Osho; however, the project was later shelved.[5] At the 21st edition of the MAMI Film Festival (MAMI) in October 2019, Batra confirmed his next directorial would feature Deepika Padukone and described it as a "domestic noir."[6] Following a script narration at the Dharma Productions office in December 2019, Padukone officially joined the project.[7] That same month, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Vicky Kaushal were reported to be under consideration for the male leads; however, Chaturvedi was ultimately cast, while Kaushal was replaced.[8] Ananya Panday was finalized as the second female lead, marking her first collaboration with Dharma Productions after Student of the Year 2 (2019).[9][10] In March 2020, Dhairya Karwa joined the cast as Padukone's character's love interest.[11]
Filming
[edit]Principal photography was initially scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions, production was delayed and later relocated to Goa due to its comparable coastal setting.[12][13] Filming began in September 2020 and continued for approximately one month.[14] The team resumed production in Mumbai in December 2020, following a short hiatus.[15] A final shooting schedule commenced in March 2021 and concluded in August 2021.[16][17][18]
The film employed an intimacy department, led by intimacy director Dar Gai, which included coach Neha Vyas and coordinator Aastha Khanna.[19] This marked one of the first mainstream Hindi films to credit such a team for choreographing intimate scenes. The project had been referred to internally as "Production No. 70" for two years before the title Gehraiyaan was revealed with a teaser on 20 December 2021.[17]
Soundtrack
[edit]The film's music and background score were composed by independent music artists Kabeer Kathpalia (also known as OAFF) and Savera Mehta, marking their mainstream film debut.[20] The lyrics were written by Kausar Munir and Ankur Tewari.[21] The track featured in the announcement teaser was the Hindi version of "Frontline," originally performed by Lothika Jha, with Hindi lyrics adapted by Tewari.[22][21]
Reception
[edit]Gehraiyaan received mixed reviews from critics. While the film's performances, visual style, cinematography, and soundtrack were widely praised, its screenplay, story, and climax drew criticism.[23] On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 64% approval rating based on 22 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10.[24]
Anna M. M. Vetticad of Firstpost rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, writing that it "has an enigmatic air from its opening scene and gradually takes on an additional layer of unrelenting foreboding."[25] Sanjana Jadhav of Pinkvilla similarly awarded it 4 stars, noting that the film is "a deep dive into an individual's and family's past choices, relationships, and why we do what we do."[26] Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India gave it 3.5 stars, observing that director Shakun Batra "tries to decode complex human behavior and its consequences through a story that's tough to narrate."[27]
Several other critics praised the film's technical aspects and performances. Umesh Punwani of Koimoi rated it 3.5 out of 5, commenting that "the film's title does so much justice to its story."[28] Filmfare's Devesh Sharma echoed the sentiment, calling it "a technically sound film having some fine performances and carrying a hint of mystery as well."[29] Roktim Rajpal of Deccan Herald, Simran Singh of DNA India, and Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com also gave 3.5-star reviews, with Verma noting that Deepika Padukone "embodies to perfection the Gehraiyaan in the title."[30][31][32] Shilajit Mitra of The New Indian Express found the film commendable for a mainstream Hindi release but noted flaws in its dialogue.[33]
Other critics offered more tempered responses. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 3 stars, describing it as "a mature relationship drama with niche appeal, bravura performances, and an exciting climax."[34] Phuong Le of The Guardian also rated it 3 out of 5, comparing its twists to those of '90s erotic thrillers, while praising Padukone's performance as a standout.[35]
Less favorable reviews came from The Indian Express, NDTV, and The Free Press Journal. Shubhra Gupta rated it 2 out of 5, stating that the film "doesn't go deep enough."[36] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV shared a similar view, calling it "utterly devoid of humor and zing."[37] Shantanu Ray Chaudhari of The Free Press Journal was more critical, rating it 1 star and writing that "the writing veers between the trite and the ridiculous."[38]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award[a] | Date of ceremony[b] | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Film Festival of Melbourne | 16 August 2022 | Best Actress | Deepika Padukone | Nominated | [39] |
| Indian Television Academy Awards | 11 December 2022 | Best Debutant Actress of the Year – OTT | Ananya Panday | Won | [40] |
| Bollywood Film Journalist Awards | 2023 | Best Film | Gehraiyaan | Nominated | [41] |
| Best Director | Shakun Batra | Nominated | |||
| Best Actress | Deepika Padukone | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Naseeruddin Shah | Nominated | |||
| Siddhant Chaturvedi | Nominated | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Ananya Panday | Nominated | |||
| FOI Online Awards | 20 January 2023 | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Deepika Padukone | Nominated | |
| Best Music Director | Oaff and Savera | Nominated | |||
| Best Original Song | "Doobey" | Nominated | |||
| News18 REEL Movie Awards | 4 March 2023 | Best Film on OTT (Hindi) | Gehraiyaan | Nominated | [42] |
| Best Actress | Deepika Padukone | Nominated | |||
| Hitlist OTT Awards | 17 March 2023 | Best Film | Gehraiyaan | Nominated | |
| Best Actress | Deepika Padukone | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Naseeruddin Shah | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Ananya Panday | Nominated | |||
| Zee Cine Awards | 18 March 2023 | Best Actor – Female | Deepika Padukone | Nominated | [43] |
| Best Actor (Critics) – Female | Nominated | ||||
| Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female | Ananya Panday | Nominated | |||
| Song of the Year | "Doobey" | Nominated | |||
| BollywoodLife Awards | 24 March 2023 | Best Film on OTT (Hindi) | Gehraiyaan | Won | |
| Best Actor – Hindi Film | Siddhant Chaturvedi | Nominated | |||
| IIFA Awards | 26–27 May 2023 | Best Music Director | Oaff and Savera | Nominated | [44] |
| Best Lyricist | Ankur Tewari for "Gehraiyaan" | Nominated | |||
| Best Male Playback Singer | Mohit Chauhan for "Gehraiyaan (Reprise)" | Nominated | |||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Lothika Jha for "Doobey" | Nominated | |||
| Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards India | 27 June 2023 | Favourite Bollywood Song | "Doobey" | Nominated | [45] |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Ananya Panday starrer Gehraiyaan to now release on February 11, 2022". Bollywood Hungama. 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan first look: Deepika Padukone kisses Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday suffers heartbreak". Hindustan Times. 20 December 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan teaser: Deepika Padukone-Siddhant Chaturvedi's passion throw Ananya Panday, Dhairya Karwa into the deep". The Indian Express. 20 December 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Shakun Batra's Gehraiyaan starring Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi to release on Amazon Prime Video on 25. January". Firstpost. 20 December 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Alia Bhatt keen to work with Shakun Batra on Osho biopic? - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone says her next with Shakun Batra isn't a light movie: 'It's called domestic noir and the audience is ready for it'". Hindustan Times. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone to unite with Karan Johar for her next? - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ "After allegedly refusing to work with Vicky Kaushal in 'Padmaavat', Deepika Padukone to star opposite him in her next with Karan Johar? - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ "Shakun Batra looking to cast Deepika Padukone and Siddhanth Chaturvedi in his next". Filmfare. 7 December 2019. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi find their third lead in Ananya Panday for Shakun Batra directorial!". Bollywood Hungama. 14 December 2019. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone To Romance 83 Actor Dhairya Karwa In Shakun Batra's Next- EXCLUSIVE". SpotboyE. 23 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone shares a glimpse of director Shakun Batra turning into a DJ while she goes through a fitting session". Times of India. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi to start shooting for Shakun Batra's next in Goa from mid-September". Mumbai Mirror. 4 September 2020. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday return from Goa". Mumbai Mirror. 4 November 2020. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Ananya Panday's expressions while talking to Siddhant Chaturvedi are unmissable, Deepika Padukone also spotted". Hindustan Times. 30 March 2021. Archived from the original on 20 December 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone shares BTS pictures with Ananya Panday and Siddhant Chaturvedi as she wraps Shakun Batra's untitled next". Bollywood Hungama. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ a b "'Ab toh title rakhlo': Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday, Deepika Padukone wrap the shoot of Shakun Batra's untitled next". Bollywood Hungama. 13 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ "Ananya Panday says, "We don't want this film to end," as Deepika Padukone wraps up Shakun Batra's next". Bollywood Hungama. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 18 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ Upadhyay, Karishma (31 January 2022). "Inside the intimacy department of Gehraiyaan: Intimacy director Dar Gai and her team on the art of shooting sex scenes". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Trailer Release Date Set for January 20". Gadgets NDTV. 19 January 2022. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ a b A Humming Heart [@ahummingheart] (20 December 2021). "Kabeer Kathpalia aka OAFF and Savera Mehta have composed the album and BGM for Shakun Batra's upcoming film 𝐆𝐞𝐡𝐫𝐚𝐚𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐧. The music that you heard in the teaser is the Hindi version of '𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞' ft. Lothika Jha (who sings both)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "5 things you did not know about the title track of Gehraiyaan". Bollywood Hungama. 9 February 2022. Archived from the original on 9 February 2022. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
- ^ "Deepika Padukone calls response to Gehraiyaan 'dizzying', Ranveer Singh says: 'You are pure magic, my jaan'". The Indian Express. 16 February 2022. Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
While Padukone's central performance has been appreciated, the film itself has received a mixed reaction from the critics as well as the audience.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan movie review: Deepika Padukone is all kinds of breathtaking in a page-turner of a film". Firstpost. 11 February 2022. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Review: Deepika Padukone steers Shakun Batra's complex love drama remarkably". Pinkvilla. 11 February 2022. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "GEHRAIYAAN REVIEW : AN INTIMATE PORTRAYAL OF COMPLEX RELATIONSHIPS". The Times Of India. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Movie Review: Chaos That Almost Soothes You, Thanks To Deepika Padukone, Shakun Batra & Team!". Koimoi. 11 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Movie Review". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "'Gehraiyaan' movie review: Deepika Padukone delivers effective performance in compelling romantic drama". Deccan Herald. 11 February 2022. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "'Gehraiyaan' movie review: Deepika Padukone, Ananya Panday starrer is too complicated for the masses". DNA India. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Review". Rediff. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "'Gehraiyaan' Review: Shakun Batra's film really goes there". The New Indian Express. 11 February 2022. Archived from the original on 5 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Movie Review". Bollywood Hungama. 11 February 2022. Archived from the original on 21 March 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
- ^ Phuong Le (11 February 2022). "Gehraiyaan review – Deepika Padukone mesmerises in a torrid drama". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan review: Deepika Padukone film is too designed, choppy". The Indian Express. 12 February 2022. Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan Review: The Only Reason To Invest Two And A Half Hours - Deepika Padukone". NDTV. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Gehraiyaan review: All noise, zero substance make this Deepika Padukone-starrer a horrifying bad film with flaws of great depths". The Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ Hymavati, Ravali (2 August 2022). "Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2022 Nominations: Alia Bhatt's Gangubai Kathiawadi And Suriya's Jai Bhim Make Into The List". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "ITA Awards 2022 complete winners list: Varun Dhawan, Nakuul Mehta, The Kashmir Files win big". The Indian Express. 12 December 2022. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "Powerbrands BFJA". www.bfja.in. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ "News18 Showsha Reel Awards (2024) - An Initiative by News18". News18. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
- ^ Prasanth, Vijay (8 April 2023). "Zee Cine Awards 2023 Online Voting | Zee Cine Awards 2023 Nominees". Ticket News India, UAE & USA. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "REVEALED! NOMINATIONS FOR THE 23rd EDITION OF IIFA WEEKEND &AWARDS". IIFA. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ^ "Nickelodeon India Announces Kids' Choice Awards 2022 Winners". Retrieved 23 August 2023.
External links
[edit]Gehraiyaan
View on GrokipediaBackground
Development
The development of Gehraiyaan began as Shakun Batra's follow-up project to his 2016 film Kapoor & Sons, with initial public announcement in December 2019 revealing it as a relationship drama starring Deepika Padukone in the lead role.[9] The story originated from Batra's and co-writer Ayesha Devitre Dhillon's observations of urban life and human interactions, aiming to portray "good people who make bad choices" in complex, morally ambiguous scenarios rather than idealized romance.[10] The screenplay was co-written by Batra and Devitre Dhillon, with additional contributions from Sumit Roy and Yash Sahai, emphasizing emotional depth in modern relationships, including themes of infidelity and personal dilemmas.[11] Influences drew from real-life dynamics of flawed individuals navigating grey areas of love, avoiding oversimplification to foster authentic conversations about intimacy and betrayal, as Batra described it as a "messier, murkier story" distinct from earlier Indian cinema's romantic tropes.[12] Production was handled jointly by Dharma Productions, Viacom18 Studios, and Batra's own Jouska Films, with Karan Johar serving as a key producer under Dharma, marking a collaboration that supported the film's exploration of contemporary emotional landscapes.[13] The title Gehraiyaan, translating to "depths" in Hindi, was finalized in late 2021, reflecting the narrative's plunge into relational complexities.[11] Pre-production planning included intimacy workshops to ensure sensitive handling of the script's themes, setting the stage for actor selections that aligned with the characters' nuanced portrayals.Casting
Deepika Padukone was the first actor attached to the project in December 2019, brought on board by director Shakun Batra due to their prior professional rapport and her ability to embody the emotional depth required for the lead role of Alisha.[14] Batra had known Padukone would align with his vision for exploring complex relationships, allowing casting to begin even before the script was fully finalized.[14] Siddhant Chaturvedi was confirmed for the role of Zain in December 2019, capitalizing on his breakout success as MC Sher in Gully Boy (2019), which showcased his raw intensity and screen presence suitable for the film's intimate dynamics.[9] Ananya Panday was cast as Tia in December 2019 following a series of screen tests that highlighted her youthful vulnerability and ability to portray relational nuances, recommended by co-writer Ayesha Devitre Dhillon during the scripting phase.[14] Dhairya Karwa, a newcomer at the time, was selected for Karan through rigorous auditions in early 2020, enduring four rounds over a month, including a challenging seven-page scene opposite Padukone that tested his emotional range and helped him grasp the director's style.[15][16] Veteran actors Rajat Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah joined the supporting cast in mid-2020, adding gravitas to familial roles and balancing the ensemble's energy.[14] Batra emphasized chemistry reads among the leads to foster authentic emotional intimacy, building the ensemble step-by-step to create natural on-screen sparks rather than forced pairings.[14] The decision to assemble a relatively younger core cast, including rising talents like Panday and Karwa, aimed to reflect the authenticity of millennial urban experiences in relationships.[15] The process faced challenges from scheduling conflicts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed auditions and required adaptive protocols during the 2020 shoot, making the extended preparation period particularly demanding for newcomers like Karwa.[16][17]Production
Filming
Principal photography for Gehraiyaan commenced in September 2020 with the first schedule in Goa, where beach and resort scenes were captured at locations including the boutique hotel Ahilya by the Sea, despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions that had initially delayed production from a planned shoot in Sri Lanka.[18][19][20] Subsequent filming took place from late 2020 onward in Mumbai for urban sequences and Goa for the beach villa and family getaway scenes, with the production wrapping up in August 2021 after a final schedule that began in March.[19][21] Cinematographer Kaushal Shah employed Sony Venice cameras paired with Master Anamorphic lenses to achieve a widescreen aesthetic that balanced texture for emotional close-ups and dynamic underwater sequences, such as a key dream scene filmed over several days of preparation using a crane and Ronin rig between Mumbai and Alibag.[22] To handle sensitive scenes involving relationships and physical intimacy, the production implemented an intimacy department led by director Dar Gai, who conducted workshops with the cast to ensure comfort and choreograph movements like a collaborative "dance of feelings and technique."[23][24] The schedule faced disruptions from COVID-19 protocols, including regular testing and isolated crew bubbles to maintain safety during shoots, as the film was among the early Bollywood productions to resume amid the pandemic.[25][26]Post-production
Post-production on Gehraiyaan commenced following the completion of principal photography in August 2021, focusing on refining the raw footage captured across Mumbai and Goa locations. The editing process was overseen by Nitesh Bhatia, who assembled the film's final 148-minute runtime while incorporating non-linear narrative elements to disrupt pacing and amplify emotional tension, such as teasing revelations about character backstories.[19][27][28] Sound design and mixing were led by Ayush Ahuja as supervising sound editor and sound designer, with contributions from Sagnik Basu on sound effects; this phase emphasized integrating ambient ocean waves and environmental cues from the Goan coastal settings to underscore the characters' internal turmoil, alongside seamless blending of the emotional score.[29][30] Color grading enhanced the film's prevailing blue-toned palette, evoking the thematic "depths" of relationships and psychological introspection, with work handled at Nube Cirrus by colorist Michele Ricossa to achieve a cohesive, moody visual identity.[31][32] Visual effects were subtly incorporated by Red Chillies VFX for invisible enhancements, including smooth transitions in dream-like sequences and realistic rendering of financial app interfaces central to the protagonist's startup storyline, ensuring seamless integration without drawing attention to the digital augmentations.[33][34][35] The final cut received approvals in late 2021, coinciding with the release of a teaser on December 20, and included refinements to pacing tailored for the streaming format on Amazon Prime Video, prioritizing viewer engagement over theatrical constraints.[36]Cast and characters
Lead roles
Deepika Padukone portrays Alisha "Al" Khanna, a 30-year-old ambitious yoga instructor navigating personal insecurities stemming from childhood trauma, including the loss of her mother to suicide, while facing professional crossroads in developing a wellness app.[8][37] Her character embodies a woman at a relational and career impasse, grappling with emotional depth and self-doubt amid familial expectations.[38] To authentically depict Alisha's yoga expertise, Padukone underwent intensive training with celebrity instructor Anshuka Parwani, focusing on strength, stamina, and flexibility through daily asanas like headstands, backbends, hip openers, and pranayama, ensuring a holistic mind-body-soul preparation that aligned with her existing practice.[39] Siddhant Chaturvedi plays Zain Oberoi, a charismatic real estate entrepreneur whose outward confidence masks deeper vulnerabilities in intimacy and past adversities, revealing a complex, intense persona through evolving emotional layers.[40][41] Zain's arc highlights his internal conflicts, blending charm with a "messy yet beautiful" life that challenges perceptions of morality in relationships.[42] For authenticity, Chaturvedi immersed himself by writing diary notes from Zain's perspective, exploring his romance style and psyche through trial-and-error sessions with director Shakun Batra, including research into entrepreneurial mindsets to capture the character's professional poise.[43][44] Ananya Panday embodies Tia "Ti" Khanna, Alisha's carefree younger cousin, who represents youthful optimism and familial closeness but confronts layered emotional turmoil through restraint and subtle vulnerability, diverging from her typically energetic persona.[45] Tia's character arc underscores her transition from apparent lightness to thoughtful introspection amid relational complexities, highlighting bonds strained by unspoken tensions.[46] Panday prepared by embracing silence and internalized expression, drawing on self-reflection to access new emotional depths, which she credits as a pivotal growth in her acting.[26] Dhairya Karwa depicts Karan Arora, Alisha's long-term partner and an aspiring writer, who symbolizes stability and quiet supportiveness yet experiences relational strain from unfulfilled ambitions and external pressures.[47] Karan's portrayal captures a grounded, introspective figure whose arc reflects the challenges of maintaining equilibrium in evolving personal dynamics.[48]Supporting roles
Rajat Kapoor portrays Jitesh, Zain's business partner and confidant, whose pragmatic advice and sharp wit inject moments of levity into the narrative while underscoring the pressures of professional ambition on personal relationships.[49][50] Kapoor, a seasoned actor with over three decades in Indian cinema, brings nuance to the role, drawing on his reputation for versatile supporting performances in films like Monsoon Wedding and Mithya. Naseeruddin Shah plays Vinod Khanna, Alisha's estranged father, whose subdued presence reveals layers of unresolved family history, enriching the exploration of inherited emotional burdens.[49][51] A veteran of parallel cinema with acclaimed roles in Nishant and Aakrosh, Shah's understated delivery highlights the quiet transmission of past mistakes across generations. Minor characters, such as the banker Bejoy (Vihaan Chaudhary), contribute subtle influences on pivotal choices, amplifying the web of interpersonal dependencies without dominating the central dynamics.[38] Collectively, these supporting figures deepen the film's portrayal of generational trauma—evident in how parental secrets ripple into the protagonists' romantic entanglements—while maintaining focus on the leads' emotional journeys.[52][53] The selections reflect director Shakun Batra's intent to leverage experienced performers for authentic familial ties, particularly linking to Alisha's backstory with her lead counterpart.[54]Music and soundtrack
Composition
The film's score and original songs were composed by the independent music duo OAFF (Kabeer Kathpalia) and Savera Mehta, marking their debut in mainstream Bollywood while retaining their indie sensibilities.[55] Their work blended indie folk influences with electronic and synth-pop elements, creating an atmospheric sound designed to evoke emotional introspection and align with the narrative's themes of complex relationships.[55][56] This fusion aimed to produce a cohesive, immersive sonic landscape that mirrored the characters' inner turmoil without relying on conventional Bollywood orchestration.[57] The lyrics were penned by Kausar Munir and Ankur Tewari, drawing inspiration from motifs of love, loss, attraction, and infidelity to deepen the emotional resonance of the tracks.[55][58] Tewari also served as music supervisor, guiding the integration of these elements into the film's fabric. Recording sessions took place in Mumbai during post-production at studios like Bombay Live Studios, where the duo incorporated live instruments such as guitars to add organic texture alongside electronic production.[59] This process emphasized experimentation, starting with laptop-based demos before refining in a professional setup to ensure the music supported the story's nuances.[57][58] Key tracks originated from conceptual ideas tied to the film's emotional core. "Doobey," for instance, served as a metaphor for sinking into overwhelming emotions, capturing the heady rush and freefall of newfound attraction through its lush, sensual pop arrangement.[55] The title track "Gehraiyaan" was an adaptation of the duo's earlier English original "Frontline" from 2018, which had explored personal grief; the Hindi version reimagined it with lyrics evoking melancholic hollowness and relational complexity to fit the characters' psychological depth.[55][58][60] Director Shakun Batra envisioned the music as a subtle underscore for the film's psychological layers, emphasizing ambient and sad tones to enhance introspection while ensuring it never overshadowed dialogue or performances.[55] He provided a detailed brief focused on "hollowness" and nuance, allowing OAFF and Savera creative freedom as collaborators rather than mere service providers.[58][56] This approach integrated the audio seamlessly during post-production, amplifying the story's emotional undercurrents.[55]Release and tracks
The soundtrack album for Gehraiyaan, titled Gehraiyaan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released on 7 February 2022 by Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd.[61] The album comprises six original tracks composed and produced by the electronic music duo OAFF (Kabeer Kathpalia) and Savera Mehta, blending indie electronic elements with Bollywood sensibilities to evoke the film's themes of love and emotional depth.[57]| No. | Title | Performers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Doobey" | OAFF, Savera, Lothika | 3:12 |
| 2 | "Gehraiyaan Title Track" | OAFF, Savera, Lothika | 3:23 |
| 3 | "Beqaaboo" | OAFF, Savera, Shalmali Kholgade | 2:58 |
| 4 | "Gehraiyaan Reprise" | OAFF, Savera, Mohit Chauhan, Lothika | 3:29 |
| 5 | "Aisi Baat" | OAFF, Savera, Lothika | 2:45 |
| 6 | "Kanaa Re" | OAFF, Savera, Darshan Raval | 2:41 |
Release and marketing
Promotion
The promotion of Gehraiyaan commenced with the release of a teaser on December 20, 2021, which unveiled the film's title, ensemble cast, and directorial vision by Shakun Batra, building anticipation for its Amazon Prime Video premiere.[65] This was followed by the official trailer on January 20, 2022, featuring evocative visuals of emotional entanglements in modern relationships, which quickly amassed over 45 million views on YouTube.[66] The cast, including Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday, and Dhairya Karwa, embarked on promotional tours primarily in Mumbai, conducting interviews and meet-and-greets at venues like Taj Lands End, where they discussed the film's relational themes while avoiding plot spoilers.[67] Additional events included appearances on The Kapil Sharma Show, further engaging audiences through lighthearted conversations on personal growth and intimacy.[68] Social media played a central role in the campaign, with Amazon Prime Video and the cast sharing trailer clips and thematic posts under hashtags like #GehraiyaanOnPrime, prompting fans to discuss complexities in love and life; the trailer's tagline encouraged a "deep dive" into these elements, fostering organic conversations.[69] As an Amazon Prime Video original, the film benefited from platform-specific partnerships, including exclusive behind-the-scenes content such as blooper reels and making-of videos released on official channels to heighten viewer immersion.[70] Promotional tie-ins extended to fashion, where lead actors donned contemporary urban looks for events—Deepika Padukone notably in a bold red gown—to mirror the film's aesthetic of sophisticated, city-dwelling characters.[71]Distribution and premiere
Originally scheduled for January 25, 2022, Gehraiyaan received a direct-to-OTT release on Amazon Prime Video on 11 February 2022 after postponement due to the rising COVID-19 cases, opting out of a theatrical rollout due to the prevailing COVID-19 waves and associated uncertainties in the film exhibition sector.[72][73] The film's world premiere occurred exclusively on the streaming platform, making it accessible worldwide in over 240 countries and territories, with original Hindi audio tracks and English subtitles provided for broader reach.[65][74] Prior to its streaming debut, Gehraiyaan was certified with an 'A' (Adults Only) rating by India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), reflecting its exploration of mature themes such as complex relationships and infidelity, and it was cleared without any cuts.[75][76] Post-release, the film was integrated into Amazon Prime Video's curated selections, including features on timeless love stories within the romance genre. As of November 2025, Gehraiyaan has not undergone any theatrical re-release.[77]Narrative and themes
Plot summary
Gehraiyaan centers on Alisha Khanna, a 30-year-old ambitious yoga instructor and fitness app developer in Mumbai, who is grappling with a stagnant six-year relationship with her boyfriend Karan and professional hurdles in securing investors for her buggy application.[74][78] Her life intersects with her cousin Tia, Tia's fiancé Zain—a successful entrepreneur—and Karan during a weekend vacation in Alibag, where hidden tensions among the group begin to surface through budding attractions and strained dynamics.[79] The narrative unfolds in a non-linear structure, blending present-day events in coastal Alibag and urban Mumbai with flashbacks that reveal past traumas shaping the characters' emotional landscapes and relationships.[80][53] Central conflicts emerge around professional ambitions, such as Alisha's pursuit of funding and Zain's business dealings, intertwined with personal betrayals that test loyalties and prompt paths of self-discovery.[81][82] In the film's runtime of 148 minutes, the first half establishes the setup of the characters' intertwined lives and initial relational frictions during the Alibag trip, while the second half escalates into direct confrontations amid Mumbai's high-stakes environment, culminating in emotionally charged events that drive toward resolutions without explicit closure.[27][81]Themes and analysis
Gehraiyaan explores the complexities of infidelity within millennial relationships, portraying it not as a moral failing but as a symptom of deeper institutional and emotional pressures in modern monogamy. The film delves into how unresolved desires and emotional unavailability lead to betrayals that disrupt personal and familial bonds, emphasizing the messiness of intimacy without endorsing or glamorizing such actions.[83][84][82] A central motif is generational trauma, illustrated through characters grappling with the lingering effects of parental infidelity and emotional neglect, which shape their adult choices and relational patterns. Alisha's arc, in particular, reflects how childhood exposure to her mother's depression and marital discord fosters anxiety, self-doubt, and a fear of vulnerability, perpetuating cycles of relational dysfunction across generations. This portrayal highlights the transmission of unspoken family secrets and their impact on mental health, urging viewers to confront inherited emotional burdens.[53][52][85] Symbolism in the film reinforces these themes, with the ocean serving as a recurring emblem of submerged emotions and psychological depths. Scenes set against the sea evoke the characters' internal turmoil, where waves represent the ebb and flow of suppressed feelings, freedom, and potential destruction, mirroring the "gehraiyaan" or depths of deception and self-deception.[86] The narrative contributes to cultural discourse on urban Indian youth's mental health struggles by normalizing therapy as a tool for processing trauma and ambition-related pressures. Through Alisha's journey toward seeking professional help, the film breaks taboos around emotional vulnerability in ambitious, cosmopolitan settings, reflecting broader conversations on destigmatizing mental health support among millennials. Director Shakun Batra intended this psychological realism to foster personal growth, drawing from influences in layered relationship dramas to avoid oversimplifying love and instead explore its raw, unfiltered realities.[87][52][88] Critical analyses post-release have praised the film's feminist undertones in Alisha's character development, presenting her as a multifaceted woman exercising agency amid societal expectations of fidelity and success. Her evolution from emotional repression to self-awareness challenges traditional gender roles, offering a nuanced depiction of female ambition intertwined with personal healing.[85]Reception
Critical response
Gehraiyaan received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its lead performances and technical elements while critiquing its narrative execution. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 64% approval rating based on 22 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10.[4] Critics frequently lauded Deepika Padukone's nuanced portrayal of Alisha, highlighting her ability to convey emotional complexity and vulnerability in a modern urban romance. The cinematography was commended for capturing intimate moments and the moody atmosphere of relationships, with shots of the ocean and Mumbai settings enhancing the film's sensual tone. Additionally, the soundtrack was appreciated for its atmospheric and emotional resonance, blending raw indie elements with pop sensibilities to complement the story's themes of desire and introspection.[58][89] However, several reviewers pointed to a predictable screenplay with foreseeable twists that undermined the film's ambitions, particularly in the climax where pacing felt uneven and rushed. Supporting characters were often described as underdeveloped, with arcs that lacked depth despite the focus on the leads' entanglements. The overall narrative was criticized for staying on the surface despite its promise of psychological depth, resulting in a choppy and overly stylized presentation.[90][91] In India, Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, praising the realism in depicting shifting relationships and Naseeruddin Shah's grounded performance but noting it fails to explore emotional layers sufficiently. Anupama Chopra of Film Companion gave 3 out of 5 stars, commending Shakun Batra's direction for its intriguing buildup of tangled lives but critiquing its reliance on familiar tropes that prevent it from achieving greater poetic impact.[90][92] Internationally, the reception was similarly mixed, with Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian offering a positive take for its bold exploration of infidelity and Deepika Padukone's mesmerizing presence in a torrid, erotic-tinged drama reminiscent of 1990s thrillers. In contrast, Siddhant Adlakha of IndieWire rated it 3 out of 5, appreciating the intimate cast dynamics but faulting the dialogue and explosive plot turns for feeling contrived and unresolved.[93][91]Audience and streaming performance
Gehraiyaan achieved significant streaming success on Amazon Prime Video following its exclusive digital release on February 11, 2022. In its first three days, the film garnered 6.5 million views, securing the second position on Prime Video's weekly viewership chart for Indian titles. By July 2022, it had accumulated 22.3 million viewers, ranking as the second most-watched direct-to-OTT Hindi release on the platform.[94][95] The film's audience primarily consisted of urban, upwardly mobile young adults aged 18-35, aligning with its themes of modern relationships and career ambitions, which resonated more strongly in OTT spaces than potential theatrical audiences. This demographic drove high engagement, with social media platforms buzzing with discussions and viral content, including memes and appreciation posts that highlighted the film's emotional depth and soundtrack. Audience reactions were mixed, with praise for its realistic portrayal of infidelity and personal growth contrasted by criticism of perceived melodrama and pacing issues.[96][6][97][98] Commercially, Gehraiyaan contributed to Dharma Productions' streak of successful OTT ventures, marking their fourth consecutive hit in the digital space within 18 months and bolstering the production house's revenue from streaming deals. As a direct-to-digital release, it bypassed traditional box office earnings but was valued through its acquisition by Amazon Prime Video, enhancing Deepika Padukone's appeal as a streaming lead with unexpectedly strong viewer responses. Following its release, the film trended at number one on Amazon Prime Video in six countries and number two in four others, while holding positions in the top 10 in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.[99][98][100]Accolades
Awards won
Gehraiyaan and its cast received recognition at several award ceremonies for their contributions to OTT content. Ananya Panday won the Best Debutant Actress of the Year – OTT at the 22nd Indian Television Academy Awards on 11 December 2022, for her role as Tia in the film.[101] The film itself was honored with the Best Film on OTT – Hindi at the BollywoodLife.com Awards 2023, held on 24 March 2023, highlighting its impact in the digital streaming landscape.[102] These accolades underscore the film's innovative approach to storytelling in the OTT space, particularly its exploration of complex relationships and strong performances by the lead actors.[103] While the film earned numerous nominations across categories like acting and music direction, these wins affirm its standing among contemporary Hindi digital releases.[103]| Award Ceremony | Date | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Television Academy Awards | 11 December 2022 | Best Debutant Actress of the Year – OTT | Ananya Panday |
| BollywoodLife.com Awards | 24 March 2023 | Best Film on OTT – Hindi | Gehraiyaan |
Nominations
Gehraiyaan received several nominations at major Indian film awards, reflecting recognition for its performances, direction, and technical elements, particularly in the context of its OTT release format. The film garnered attention for its exploration of complex relationships, leading to nods in acting and music categories across events like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and the International Indian Film Academy Awards. At the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2022, Deepika Padukone was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Alisha, highlighting the film's emotional depth in a global Indian cinema context.[104] The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2023 featured multiple nominations for Gehraiyaan, emphasizing its musical contributions and acting ensemble. Siddhant Chaturvedi received a nomination for Best Actor – Hindi Film for his role as Zain. The music team of OAFF (Kabeer Kathpalia) and Savera Mehta was nominated for Best Music Direction.[105] In the playback singing categories, Mohit Chauhan was nominated for Best Male Playback Singer for the reprise of the title track "Gehraiyaan," while Lothika Jha earned a nod for Best Female Playback Singer for "Doobey."[106][107] Additionally, Ankur Tewari was nominated for Best Lyricist for the title track "Gehraiyaan."[106] At the Zee Cine Awards 2023, Deepika Padukone was nominated for Best Actor – Female, acknowledging her nuanced performance amid the film's focus on psychological intimacy.[108] Overall, Gehraiyaan accumulated at least 12 nominations across five events, with categories often highlighting debut technical aspects and innovative storytelling suited to the platform.[103]References
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/[hindi](/page/Hindi)/gehraiyaan/ottmoviereview/89428966.cms
