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Gehraiyaan
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Gehraiyaan
The poster is divided in three horizontal strips, each showing different people
Official release poster
Directed byShakun Batra
Screenplay by
Story byShakun Batra
Ayesha Devitre
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKaushal Shah
Edited byNitesh Bhatia
Music byKabeer Kathpalia (OAFF)
Savera Mehta
Production
companies
Distributed byAmazon Prime Video[1]
Release date
  • 11 February 2022 (2022-02-11) (India)
Running time
148 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

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]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Gehraiyaan is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by and produced by , , and Jouska Films. The film stars as Alisha Khanna, alongside as Zain, as Tia, and as Karan, with supporting roles by and . It premiered on on 11 February 2022. The story centers on , a 30-year-old instructor whose long-term live-in relationship with Karan has grown stagnant, while her ambitions for a yoga app remain unfulfilled. Her life intersects with her cousin Tia and Tia's fiancé Zain during a getaway, leading to emotional entanglements, reflections on past traumas including dysfunction and loss, and explorations of and personal growth. Story by ; screenplay by , Ayesha DeVitre, and Sumit Roy, the screenplay draws inspiration from themes in Woody Allen's , emphasizing the intricacies of adult relationships, vulnerability, and the consequences of choices in contemporary urban . Produced under the banner of ’s with key involvement from and , the film features cinematography by Kaushal Shah and a soundtrack composed by OAFF and Savera, including the titular track that underscores its emotional depth. With a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes, Gehraiyaan delves into psychological layers of love, betrayal, and self-discovery against Mumbai's coastal backdrop. Upon release, Gehraiyaan received mixed reviews from critics, praised for its nuanced performances—particularly Padukone's portrayal of emotional turmoil—and atmospheric visuals, but critiqued for pacing issues and occasional narrative ambiguity in its latter half. It holds a 64% approval rating on based on 22 reviews, reflecting its appeal as an intimate study of relational complexities despite divisive elements. The film sparked discussions on , , and modern in Indian cinema.

Background

Development

The development of Gehraiyaan began as Shakun Batra's follow-up project to his 2016 film , with initial public announcement in December 2019 revealing it as a relationship drama starring in the lead role. 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. The screenplay was co-written by and Devitre Dhillon, with additional contributions from Sumit and Yash Sahai, emphasizing emotional depth in modern relationships, including themes of and personal dilemmas. 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. Production was handled jointly by , , and Batra's own Jouska Films, with serving as a key producer under , marking a collaboration that supported the film's exploration of contemporary emotional landscapes. The title Gehraiyaan, translating to "depths" in , was finalized in late , reflecting the narrative's plunge into relational complexities. 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 due to their prior professional rapport and her ability to embody the emotional depth required for the lead role of . Batra had known Padukone would align with his vision for exploring complex relationships, allowing casting to begin even before the script was fully finalized. Siddhant Chaturvedi was confirmed for the role of Zain in December 2019, capitalizing on his breakout success as MC Sher in (2019), which showcased his raw intensity and screen presence suitable for the film's intimate dynamics. was cast as Tia in December 2019 following a series of that highlighted her youthful vulnerability and ability to portray relational nuances, recommended by co-writer Ayesha Devitre Dhillon during the scripting phase. , 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. Veteran actors and joined the supporting cast in mid-2020, adding to familial roles and balancing the ensemble's energy. emphasized chemistry reads among the leads to foster authentic , building the ensemble step-by-step to create natural on-screen sparks rather than forced pairings. 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. The process faced challenges from scheduling conflicts amid the , which delayed auditions and required adaptive protocols during the 2020 shoot, making the extended preparation period particularly demanding for newcomers like Karwa.

Production

Filming

Principal photography for Gehraiyaan commenced in September 2020 with the first schedule in , where beach and resort scenes were captured at locations including the Ahilya by the Sea, despite ongoing restrictions that had initially delayed production from a planned shoot in . Subsequent filming took place from late 2020 onward in for urban sequences and for the beach villa and family getaway scenes, with the production wrapping up in August 2021 after a final schedule that began in March. Cinematographer Kaushal Shah employed Venice cameras paired with Master Anamorphic lenses to achieve a aesthetic that balanced texture for emotional close-ups and dynamic sequences, such as a key dream scene filmed over several days of preparation using a crane and Ronin rig between and . To handle sensitive scenes involving relationships and , 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." The schedule faced disruptions from 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 .

Post-production on Gehraiyaan commenced following the completion of in August 2021, focusing on refining the raw footage captured across and locations. The 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. Sound design and mixing were led by Ayush as supervising sound editor and sound designer, with contributions from Sagnik on sound effects; this phase emphasized integrating ambient waves and environmental cues from the Goan coastal settings to underscore the characters' internal turmoil, alongside seamless blending of the emotional score. Color enhanced the film's prevailing blue-toned palette, evoking the thematic "depths" of relationships and psychological , with work handled at Nube Cirrus by colorist Michele Ricossa to achieve a cohesive, moody visual identity. 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. The final cut received approvals in late 2021, coinciding with the release of a teaser on , and included refinements to pacing tailored for the streaming format on , prioritizing viewer engagement over theatrical constraints.

Cast and characters

Lead roles

portrays Alisha "Al" Khanna, a 30-year-old ambitious instructor navigating personal insecurities stemming from , including the loss of her mother to , while facing professional crossroads in developing a wellness app. Her character embodies a at a relational and career , grappling with emotional depth and self-doubt amid familial expectations. To authentically depict Alisha's 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 , ensuring a holistic mind-body-soul preparation that aligned with her existing practice. Siddhant Chaturvedi plays Zain Oberoi, a charismatic entrepreneur whose outward confidence masks deeper vulnerabilities in intimacy and past adversities, revealing a complex, intense persona through evolving emotional layers. Zain's arc highlights his internal conflicts, blending charm with a "messy yet beautiful" life that challenges perceptions of in relationships. For authenticity, Chaturvedi immersed himself by writing notes from Zain's perspective, exploring his romance style and psyche through trial-and-error sessions with director , including research into entrepreneurial mindsets to capture the character's professional poise. 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. Tia's underscores her transition from apparent lightness to thoughtful introspection amid relational complexities, highlighting bonds strained by unspoken tensions. Panday prepared by embracing silence and internalized expression, drawing on to access new emotional depths, which she credits as a pivotal growth in her acting. 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. Karan's portrayal captures a grounded, introspective figure whose arc reflects the challenges of maintaining equilibrium in evolving personal dynamics.

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. 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. 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. 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. The selections reflect director Shakun Batra's to leverage experienced performers for authentic familial ties, particularly linking to Alisha's backstory with her lead counterpart.

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. Their work blended influences with electronic and elements, creating an atmospheric sound designed to evoke emotional and align with the narrative's themes of complex relationships. This fusion aimed to produce a cohesive, immersive sonic landscape that mirrored the characters' inner turmoil without relying on conventional Bollywood orchestration. The lyrics were penned by and Ankur Tewari, drawing inspiration from motifs of love, loss, attraction, and to deepen the emotional resonance of the tracks. Tewari also served as , guiding the integration of these elements into the film's fabric. Recording sessions took place in during at studios like Bombay Live Studios, where the duo incorporated live instruments such as guitars to add organic texture alongside electronic production. This process emphasized experimentation, starting with laptop-based demos before refining in a professional setup to ensure the music supported the story's nuances. Key tracks originated from conceptual ideas tied to the film's emotional core. "Doobey," for instance, served as a for sinking into overwhelming emotions, capturing the heady rush and freefall of newfound attraction through its lush, sensual pop arrangement. The title track "Gehraiyaan" was an adaptation of the duo's earlier English original "Frontline" from 2018, which had explored personal grief; the version reimagined it with lyrics evoking melancholic hollowness and relational complexity to fit the characters' psychological depth. Director envisioned the music as a subtle for the film's psychological layers, emphasizing ambient and sad tones to enhance while ensuring it never overshadowed or performances. He provided a detailed brief focused on "hollowness" and nuance, allowing OAFF and Savera creative freedom as collaborators rather than mere service providers. This approach integrated the audio seamlessly during , amplifying the story's emotional undercurrents.

Release and tracks

The soundtrack album for Gehraiyaan, titled Gehraiyaan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), was released on 7 February 2022 by Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd. 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.
No.TitlePerformersLength
1"Doobey"OAFF, Savera, Lothika3:12
2"Gehraiyaan Title Track"OAFF, Savera, Lothika3:23
3"Beqaaboo"OAFF, Savera, 2:58
4"Gehraiyaan Reprise"OAFF, Savera, , Lothika3:29
5"Aisi Baat"OAFF, Savera, Lothika2:45
6"Kanaa Re"OAFF, Savera, 2:41
The "Doobey", featuring vocals by emerging artist Lothika, was rolled out first with a teaser shared on in early 2022, followed by its full release on 24 2022, where it rapidly gained viral traction through and shares on platforms like and . The track's infectious rhythm and lyrics capturing impulsive romance resonated widely, propelling it to top Spotify's Viral 50 and Top 200 charts in shortly after launch. "Doobey" amassed over 6 million streams on shortly after its release, underscoring the soundtrack's immediate digital success. The album's collaborations with a mix of indie and mainstream vocalists, such as playback singer and newcomer Lothika, aimed to infuse cross-cultural electronic influences into , broadening its appeal beyond traditional Bollywood audiences. Initial reception highlighted the music's fresh, atmospheric sound, with "Doobey" praised for bridging indie and commercial spaces.

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 , building anticipation for its premiere. 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 . The cast, including , , , and , embarked on promotional tours primarily in , conducting interviews and meet-and-greets at venues like Taj , where they discussed the film's relational themes while avoiding plot spoilers. Additional events included appearances on , further engaging audiences through lighthearted conversations on personal growth and intimacy. Social media played a central role in the campaign, with 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 encouraged a "deep dive" into these elements, fostering organic conversations. As an 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. Promotional tie-ins extended to fashion, where lead actors donned contemporary urban looks for events—Deepika Padukone notably in a bold —to mirror the film's aesthetic of sophisticated, city-dwelling characters.

Distribution and premiere

Originally scheduled for January 25, 2022, Gehraiyaan received a direct-to-OTT release on on 11 February 2022 after postponement due to the rising cases, opting out of a theatrical rollout due to the prevailing waves and associated uncertainties in the film exhibition sector. The film's world premiere occurred exclusively on the streaming platform, making it accessible worldwide in over 240 countries and territories, with original audio tracks and English provided for broader reach. Prior to its streaming debut, Gehraiyaan was certified with an 'A' (Adults Only) rating by India's (CBFC), reflecting its exploration of mature themes such as complex relationships and infidelity, and it was cleared without any cuts. Post-release, the film was integrated into 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.

Narrative and themes

Plot summary

Gehraiyaan centers on Khanna, a 30-year-old ambitious yoga instructor and fitness app developer in , who is grappling with a stagnant six-year relationship with her boyfriend Karan and professional hurdles in securing investors for her buggy application. Her life intersects with her cousin Tia, Tia's fiancé Zain—a successful entrepreneur—and Karan during a weekend vacation in , where hidden tensions among the group begin to surface through budding attractions and strained dynamics. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear structure, blending present-day events in coastal and urban with flashbacks that reveal past traumas shaping the characters' emotional landscapes and relationships. 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. 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 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.

Themes and analysis

Gehraiyaan explores the complexities of within millennial relationships, portraying it not as a failing but as a symptom of deeper institutional and emotional pressures in modern . The 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. A central motif is generational trauma, illustrated through characters grappling with the lingering effects of parental and emotional , 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 of , perpetuating cycles of relational dysfunction across generations. This portrayal highlights the transmission of unspoken family secrets and their impact on , urging viewers to confront inherited emotional burdens. 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 . The narrative contributes to cultural discourse on urban Indian youth's struggles by normalizing 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 support among millennials. Director 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. Critical analyses post-release have praised the film's feminist undertones in Alisha's character development, presenting her as a multifaceted exercising agency amid societal expectations of and success. Her evolution from emotional repression to challenges traditional roles, offering a nuanced depiction of female ambition intertwined with personal healing.

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 , the film holds a 64% approval rating based on 22 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. Critics frequently lauded Padukone's nuanced portrayal of , highlighting her ability to convey emotional complexity and vulnerability in a modern urban romance. The was commended for capturing intimate moments and the moody atmosphere of relationships, with shots of the and Mumbai settings enhancing the film's sensual tone. Additionally, the 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. However, several reviewers pointed to a predictable with foreseeable twists that undermined the film's ambitions, particularly in the 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. In , of 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. 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. 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.

Audience and streaming performance

Gehraiyaan achieved significant streaming success on 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 release on the platform. 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 platforms buzzing with discussions and viral content, including memes and appreciation posts that highlighted the film's emotional depth and . Audience reactions were mixed, with praise for its realistic portrayal of and personal growth contrasted by criticism of perceived and pacing issues. Commercially, Gehraiyaan contributed to ' 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 earnings but was valued through its acquisition by , enhancing Deepika Padukone's appeal as a streaming lead with unexpectedly strong viewer responses. Following its release, the film trended at number one on in six countries and number two in four others, while holding positions in the top 10 in , the , and the .

Accolades

Awards won

Gehraiyaan and its cast received recognition at several award ceremonies for their contributions to OTT content. won the Best Debutant Actress of the Year – OTT at the 22nd on 11 December 2022, for her role as Tia in the film. The film itself was honored with the Best Film on OTT – at the BollywoodLife.com Awards 2023, held on 24 March 2023, highlighting its impact in the digital streaming landscape. 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. While the film earned numerous nominations across categories like acting and music direction, these wins affirm its standing among contemporary digital releases.
Award CeremonyDateCategoryRecipient
11 December 2022Best Debutant Actress of the Year – OTT
BollywoodLife.com Awards24 March 2023Best Film on OTT – 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 and the . At the (IFFM) 2022, was nominated for for her portrayal of , highlighting the film's emotional depth in a global Indian cinema context. The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2023 featured multiple nominations for Gehraiyaan, emphasizing its musical contributions and acting ensemble. received a nomination for – Hindi Film for his role as Zain. The music team of OAFF (Kabeer Kathpalia) and Savera Mehta was nominated for Best Music Direction. In the playback singing categories, was nominated for Best Male for the reprise of the title track "Gehraiyaan," while Lothika Jha earned a nod for Best Female for "Doobey." Additionally, Ankur Tewari was nominated for Best Lyricist for the title track "Gehraiyaan." At the 2023, was nominated for – Female, acknowledging her nuanced performance amid the film's focus on psychological intimacy. Overall, Gehraiyaan accumulated at least 12 nominations across five events, with categories often highlighting debut technical aspects and innovative storytelling suited to the platform.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/[hindi](/page/Hindi)/gehraiyaan/ottmoviereview/89428966.cms
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