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Ghoomketu
Promotional poster
Directed byPushpendra Nath Mishra[1]
Written byPushpendra Nath Misra
Produced by
Starring
CinematographySatya Rai Nagpaul
Edited byPushpendra Nath Misra
Kratika Adhikari
Music by
Production
companies
Distributed byZEE5
Release date
  • 22 May 2020 (2020-05-22)
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Ghoomketu is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language comedy drama film written and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra. The film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ragini Khanna, Anurag Kashyap, Ila Arun, Raghuvir Yadav and Brijendra Kala in the main lead roles while also featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha and Chitrangada Singh in cameo appearances.[2] The film was produced under two production banners Phantom Films and Sony Pictures Networks Productions, acquired by ZEE5.[2] The plot based on an aspiring novice writer from a small town who runs away to Mumbai to achieve his dreams. The film was streamed via ZEE5 platform on 22 May 2020 instead of theatrical release due to COVID-19 pandemic in India.[3][4][5]

Synopsis

[edit]

Ghoomketu is the story of an aspiring writer from a UP village called Mahona. His father referred by everyone as 'Dadda' (elder brother) has a very high temper and married for the second time after death of his first wife, whereas his younger brother a local muscle-man remains unmarried after father of his lover refuses to marry his daughter with him. Over a period of time he becomes a strong politician of the region but is never out of word of Dadda. He is recently married to a girl in a group marriage ceremony, charitable function which was organized by his uncle. As fate would have it, his to be bride gets exchanged in the confusion of the group marriage and he ends up with a fat lady Janaki Devi and out of disappointment he doesn't even see her face even after 10 days marriage.

Dadda is deeply disappointed by antics of his Ghoomketu and never supports his dream of becoming a writer, however his aunt gives supports him wholeheartedly and gives him money and supplies enough to last 1 month in Mumbai so that he can fulfill his dream. After his disappearance his family launches a complaint in police and his uncle pressurizes police to find him within a month.

Here in Mumbai Badlani, a lazy corrupt officer is assigned the case to find him in 30 days or be sent on a punishment posting. As fate would have it Ghoomketu finds nighttime accommodation in Badlani's Tailoring shop, however since there is no photo of Ghoomketu he is not able to identify him. Ghoomketu is of simple and jovial nature and befriends everyone around him including son and wife of Badlani.

Ghoomketu faces rejection everywhere, disheartened he decides to return. On his way home after visiting Shahrukh Khan's office his file of scripts is stolen. He goes to the police station where Badlani is working and as he is giving out his details Badlani realizes he is the person he is looking for. As he goes to verify his details Ghoomketu leaves for home. After a close chase he finally sees Ghoomketu's train departing and his final hope of retaining his post.

When he reaches home, he whole heartedly apologizes to his wife and after some convincing she accepts his apology. Later his father comes terms with his son's aspirations and they have an emotional reunion. He is however pleasantly surprised to find Janaki has lost weight (because of depression) and when she reveals her face for the first time, he realizes how beautiful she is. His scripts are sold by a thief to a scrap dealer, which is bought by Bhelpuri vendor and reaches Amitabh Bachhan whilst he got Bhelpuri wrapped in Ghoomketu's script. He uses these lines in the climax of his film, which Ghoomketu watches at a local theater with his wife.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Nawazuddin signed in this project to play the titular role of Ghoomketu in the lead role and it was the first time he signed to play a comic role in his film acting career.[6] The film marks maiden collaboration for Anurag Kashyap and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Anurag was roped in to play the small role as a police cop.[7] Lyricist Swanand Kirkire was roped into play the role of chacha to Nawazuddin.[8]

The shooting of the film was completed in 2014 and due to financial troubles as well as inability to find ideal distributors for film release, the film release was delayed for years.[2] The film was initially speculated to have its theatrical release on 16 November 2018 but was postponed.[citation needed]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Ghoomketu
Soundtrack album by
Sneha Khanwalkar Jasleen Royal
Released20 May 2020 (2020-05-20) (Film)
Recorded2020
GenreFeature Film soundtrack
LanguageHindi
LabelSangeet Music
ProducerSneha Khanwalkar
Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Truck Song"Pushpendra Nath MisraSneha KhanwalkarBappi Lahiri 
2."Inspector Badlani Song"Pushpendra Nath MisraSneha Khanwalkar
  • Ramon
  • Varsha Singh Dhanoa
 
3."Bird Song"Pushpendra Nath MisraJasleen RoyalJasleen Royal 

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Ghoomketu

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from Grokipedia
Ghoomketu is a Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama film written and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra. The story follows an aspiring writer from a small town in who runs away to , giving himself 30 days to prove his worth amid family pressures and personal challenges. Starring in the lead role, the film features supporting performances by Raghuvir Yadav and , along with special cameo appearances by prominent actors such as , , , and . Produced by , , and under Phantom Films and , Ghoomketu explores themes of ambition, family, and the pursuit of dreams in contemporary . With a runtime of 108 minutes, the film blends humor and heartfelt moments, drawing on Siddiqui's nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's journey from rural innocence to urban disillusionment. Originally completed in 2014 and delayed multiple times, it premiered directly on the streaming platform on 22 May 2020, bypassing a theatrical release due to the . Critically, Ghoomketu received mixed reviews, praised for its strong and Siddiqui's performance but critiqued for a disjointed script and uneven pacing. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 4.9 out of 10 based on nearly 5,000 user votes, reflecting its niche appeal among audiences who appreciate its quirky narrative and Bollywood cameos. The film's direct-to-OTT release marked it as one of the early casualties of the pandemic's impact on Indian cinema, contributing to discussions on the shift toward digital platforms for storytelling.

Plot

Synopsis

Ghoomketu is an aspiring writer hailing from the small village of Mahona in , where his attempts to secure a job at the local newspaper end in failure, leaving him disillusioned with his prospects. Compounding his frustration, he is thrust into an arranged where his bride is exchanged, leaving him unhappy with the match. Determined to chase his dreams in Bollywood, he steals 20,000 rupees from his father and flees to , setting himself a strict 30-day deadline to achieve success as a . Armed with a on cinema writing and a large metal trunk filled with his belongings, including besan laddus from his aunt, Ghoomketu arrives in the bustling city and rents a modest room to begin his quest. Upon reaching , Ghoomketu navigates the chaotic urban landscape, encountering a colorful array of characters including a smarmy who shows initial interest in his ideas. He pitches multiple script concepts inspired by his own life, envisioning them as elaborate Bollywood spectacles featuring imagined roles for stars like and , which unfold in vivid, comedic fantasy sequences. These pitching efforts lead to a series of hilarious mishaps, such as losing his original script and getting entangled in unexpected situations that test his resolve. Meanwhile, back in Mahona, Ghoomketu's sudden disappearance prompts his family to report him missing, drawing the attention of the corrupt and inept Inspector Badlani, who is tasked with locating him within a month. As Ghoomketu's adventures in intersect with a involving shady dealings and pursuits, his journey evolves into a blend of and self-discovery, ultimately circling back to themes of family reconciliation.

Themes

Ghoomketu explores the theme of unfulfilled dreams through the protagonist's journey from a small town in to , where he grapples with the harsh realities of pursuing a career in the film industry. As an aspiring , Ghoomketu's naive clashes with the cutthroat environment of Bollywood, serving as a for the broader migrant struggle faced by individuals from rural backgrounds seeking opportunities in urban centers. This narrative highlights the tension between small-town aspirations and the impersonal, competitive nature of city life, where limited resources—such as his 30-day deadline to succeed—underscore the precariousness of such migrations. The film employs to critique Bollywood tropes, particularly through Ghoomketu's repeated failed attempts to pitch his scripts, which elements like melodramatic horror stories such as Khooni Bathroom and dramas like Sauteli Maa. These sequences mock the industry's reliance on formulaic narratives, , and commercial exaggeration, using cameos by real stars to highlight the absurdity of aspiring to fame in a system that favors clichés over originality. By weaving in references to classic films and over-the-top pitches, Ghoomketu lampoons the self-referential nature of , exposing its disconnect from authentic storytelling. Central to the story is the theme of and redemption, depicted through the protagonist's rural dynamics, including generational conflicts with his short-tempered father and bickering siblings, which influence his script ideas and personal motivations. When Ghoomketu flees home, his family's filing of a missing person's report initiates a quest that forces him to confront failure, ultimately leading to personal growth and a reevaluation of beyond fame. This arc emphasizes redemption through embracing one's roots, resolving conflicts, and finding fulfillment in authenticity rather than external validation. Whimsical elements, such as dream sequences and imaginative pitches, further critique exaggeration while underscoring the value of authenticity over superficial stardom. These surreal vignettes allow Ghoomketu to blend his rustic experiences with cinematic fantasies, revealing how true stems from rather than imitated glamour. Through this, the film advocates for in , portraying the protagonist's growth as a rejection of hollow fame in favor of genuine self-expression.

Cast and characters

Principal cast

Nawazuddin Siddiqui leads the film as Ghoomketu, the titular protagonist, a naive and imaginative aspiring from a rural village in who dreams of making it big in Bollywood. Ragini Khanna plays Janki Devi, Ghoomketu's supportive wife, depicted as a homely and strong-willed woman who values family above all. Richa Chadha portrays Pagaliya, a quirky character entangled in the story's criminal elements as a gangster's associate. Anurag Kashyap takes on a triple role as the Badlani family of police officers—Inspector Badlani Jr., Raja Badlani, and Sr. Badlani—serving as comedic authority figures who add layers of bumbling pursuit to the narrative. In supporting roles, Raghubir Yadav appears as Dadda, Ghoomketu's strict and temperamental father who embodies traditional rural patriarchy. Brijendra Kala plays Editor Joshi, the eccentric local editor whose rejection influences Ghoomketu's journey, highlighting themes of small-town ambition and .

Guest appearances

The guest appearances in Ghoomketu feature several prominent Bollywood actors in brief, meta-fictional roles that parody industry and the protagonist's aspirations for fame. These cameos integrate seamlessly into Ghoomketu's daydreamed pitches, emphasizing the film's satirical take on stardom's allure and the barriers faced by outsiders in Mumbai's world. Ranveer Singh appears as himself in a dream sequence, embodying the heroic lead in one of Ghoomketu's imagined scripts—a humorous twist on the classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge romance, where he pursues the heroine amid exaggerated Bollywood tropes. This portrayal highlights the inaccessibility of leading-man roles for newcomers like Ghoomketu, underscoring the film's commentary on celebrity worship and scripted fantasies of success. Sonakshi Sinha joins Singh in the same sequence, playing a damsel-in-distress character who adds to the comedic recreation of the iconic train platform scene from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Her role satirizes the trope of the idealized female lead, reinforcing the narrative's critique of how Bollywood's star system marginalizes aspiring talents by glamorizing unattainable archetypes. Chitrangada Singh features in another fantasy segment as a romantic lead, depicting a stereotypical Bollywood heroine filming an over-the-top song sequence that mocks outdated industry conventions. This cameo further amplifies the film's meta-elements, illustrating the protagonist's escapist visions while poking fun at the formulaic nature of commercial cinema and the challenges of breaking into its elite circles. Amitabh Bachchan makes a cameo appearance as a lawyer in a courtroom fantasy sequence towards the end of the film, adding to the satirical portrayal of Bollywood archetypes and providing a climactic nod to the protagonist's dreams of industry success.

Production

Development

Ghoomketu marks the feature film directorial debut of Pushpendra Nath Misra, who also penned the screenplay. The story centers on the struggles of an aspiring screenwriter from a small town in venturing to to pursue his Bollywood dreams, reflecting the broader challenges faced by newcomers in the industry. Development began around 2014, with the film entering by late that year. The production was a collaboration between Phantom Films—founded by , , , and Madhu Bhandari—and Sony Pictures Networks Productions. This partnership aimed to blend indie sensibilities with broader distribution reach, positioning the film as a low-budget on the film industry. Casting commenced early, with attached to the lead role of Ghoomketu due to his proven versatility in blending drama and comedy, as seen in prior collaborations. Misra selected an to amplify the film's humorous and elements, including as the protagonist's love interest and in a supporting role; appears in a cameo role, having been initially announced for a supporting part. , also a producer, portrayed three characters—including the bumbling Inspector Badlani—to streamline production and add layers to the comedic narrative. Despite completion in 2014, the film faced delays in release due to financial troubles at Phantom Films and difficulties in securing suitable distributors, languishing for several years amid shifting market dynamics. Initial plans for a theatrical rollout were upended by the , prompting a pivot to a direct-to-digital premiere on on May 22, 2020, which allowed it to reach audiences during the .

Filming

Principal photography for Ghoomketu commenced in 2013 with initial shooting in and continued into 2014, wrapping up by the end of that year. The production captured the film's rural backdrop through on-location shoots in key areas of the state, including , Banaras, and the outskirts of to evoke the small-town life of the protagonist's village. Filming extended to for the sequences depicting the protagonist's chaotic urban adventures, utilizing street locations and studio sets to portray Bollywood's bustling environment. The ensemble cast, featuring numerous guest appearances from prominent actors such as , , and , necessitated careful logistical coordination to accommodate their schedules during the limited shooting window. Technical choices emphasized the film's comedic and parodic tone, with dynamic —including handheld shots—to convey the energetic, whimsical narrative, while integrated green screen elements for the dream-like Bollywood spoof sequences.

Soundtrack

Composition

The music for Ghoomketu was composed by and for the original songs, while the background score was handled by Zubin Balaporia. The features three songs that integrate seamlessly with the film's satirical and comedic narrative, enhancing character-driven moments through playful melodies and rhythmic structures suited to the story's whimsical tone. Khanwalkar and Royal's contributions draw on eclectic influences, incorporating upbeat, quirky arrangements that parody elements of traditional Bollywood music while grounding the score in the film's rural-urban contrast and dreamlike sequences. The lyrics, penned by director Pushpendra Nath Misra, emphasize humorous and emotional progression for the protagonist's journey. Vocalists including , Jasleen , Ramon, and Varsha Singh Dhanoa lent their voices to the tracks, adding layers of and energy that align with the movie's lighthearted . Balaporia's background score employs subtle, tension-building cues for key scenes, using minimalistic to underscore the film's blend of whimsy and without overpowering the dialogue-heavy . The recording process took place in studios during the film's pre-release production phase in 2019, with adjustments to sync the music with the edited footage for optimal pacing.

Track listing

The soundtrack of Ghoomketu consists of three original songs, composed by in collaboration with , with all written by Pushpendra Nath Misra. No commercial was released, and the songs were primarily showcased through the film and promotional clips.
No.TitleSinger(s)Composer(s)Lyricist
1"Truck Song", Pushpendra Nath Misra
2"Inspector Badlani"Ramon, Varsha Singh Dhanoa, Pushpendra Nath Misra
3"Bird Song (Aangan Ke Chhoote Taare)", Pushpendra Nath Misra
These tracks integrate into the film's narrative to underscore its quirky , with background score provided by Zubin Balaporia.

Release and reception

Release

Ghoomketu was released directly on the digital streaming platform on May 22, 2020, bypassing a theatrical premiere due to the nationwide cinema closures prompted by the . The distribution was managed primarily by in partnership with , making the film available in with English subtitles and options in additional languages to reach a broader audience. The marketing strategy emphasized the film's comedic elements and star-studded cameos, with promotional trailers released on and platforms highlighting Nawazuddin Siddiqui's portrayal of the aspiring writer and surprise appearances by actors like and . Campaigns tied into the period by promoting it as ideal family entertainment during , while posters featured the "30 days to fame" drawn from the protagonist's self-imposed deadline to succeed in . In terms of performance metrics, the film ranked as the second most-watched on the platform at the time, with 23% of active viewers tuning in shortly after launch. This direct-to-digital approach also positioned Ghoomketu for eligibility in awards categories recognizing OTT releases, amid evolving industry standards for non-theatrical films. The film had faced several years of release delays prior to the , which ultimately led to this streaming debut.

Critical response

Ghoomketu received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with praise centered on Nawazuddin Siddiqui's lead performance and the star-studded cameos, while facing criticism for its lack of humor and reliance on clichés. On , the film holds an average rating of 4.9 out of 10 based on nearly 5,000 user votes. Audience scores were somewhat higher, averaging around 6.9 out of 10 on BookMyShow. Critics highlighted the film's whimsical as a strength, with describing it as a "spaced-out trip to Bollywood [that] has its charms," appreciating its light-hearted take on an aspiring writer's journey. However, many found the pacing sluggish and the tropes outdated, as noted by , which called it a "creaky " that harps on the familiar without fresh comedic insight. The Times of India echoed this, labeling it an "unfunny spoof on Bollywood" hampered by a hackneyed plot. Reviews often appreciated the film's family-oriented elements and its of Bollywood conventions, particularly in sequences featuring cameos from like Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha recreating iconic scenes. Yet, it was frequently faulted for uneven humor, excessive length, and failing to sustain laughs throughout its runtime. remarked that Siddiqui, despite his efforts, was saddled with an undercooked character in a that collapses under its own weight. The film garnered no major awards, though received a for at the Star Eminence Awards in 2020 for his portrayal of the bumbling protagonist.

References

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