The narrative takes an unexpected turn when the couple, having grown distant and resentful, seriously contemplates divorce. Sahil’s love for qawwalis and Amir Khusro’s poetry clashes with Sangeeta’s attempts to find fulfilment in making attar at home, and this growing incompatibility threatens the foundation of their relationship. Through their story, the film delicately explores the idea of rediscovering self-worth and love after years of feeling lost in a marriage that no longer feels fulfilling. Let’s add here that the film is set in Kannauj, traditionally known as the perfume capital of India.
While the film also follows their son, Yug (Pavail Gulati), and his romantic relationship with Kiara (Isha Talwar), it is the portrayal of Sahil and Sangeeta that truly stands out. The chemistry between Ashutosh Rana and Sheeba Chaddha is palpable, with their performances bringing both humour and depth to the characters. Ashutosh Rana played a veteran general in the recently released Chhaava, where he was all fire and brimstone. Here, he’s the slightly henpecked husband whose wife has never understood his love for qawali, for Amir Khusro’s poetry. His body language is subservient, even apologetic at times. The same can be said of Sheeba Chaddha, whose eyes remain full of unspoken thoughts, even during her daily arguments with her husband. Her body language changes when they reconcile, she becomes more youthful, almost shy in her demeanour. And during the divorce hearings, one gets a certain regret, a sense of loss, emanating out of her. It’s Ashutosh’s and Seema’s film and more time should have been concentrated on them.
Seema Desai, the director, deserves credit for handling such a sensitive topic with both humour and poignancy. She skilfully explores the generational gap, highlighting the contrast between Yug’s modern sensibilities and his parents’ more traditional worldview. However, the film truly shines when it centres on the complexities of long-married couples trying to navigate the changing dynamics of their relationship. It offers a refreshing take on love and marriage, encouraging viewers to empathise with both sides of the relationship and reflect on their own familial bonds.
In a cinematic landscape that often shies away from depicting the realities of middle-aged relationships, Kaushaljis VS Kaushal is a welcome departure. The film provides a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the evolving nature of love and connection, particularly in later life. If we hadn’t checked the credits, we would have thought this family drama was directed by Sooraj Barjatya. This sanskari film about relationships would definitely have you taking a closer look at the kind of bond your parents share with each other and perhaps help the older viewers gain better empathy towards one another.
Pavail Gulati is as reliable as ever and so is Isha Talwar. His scenes with his parents smack of real-life situations and his regret towards their impending separations sounds genuine. We would have liked to know more of Isha Talwar’s character as she’s the most sorted of them all, despite her own parents’ separation when she was young. Supporting actors such as Deeksha Joshi (who plays Yug’s sister, Reet), Grusha Kapoor, and Brijendra Kala add depth to the story. Ashish Chaudhary, in his brief screen time as Yug’s boss, Maurya, still makes an impression.
It’s good to see filmmakers aren’t being shy of talking about the elephant in middle class Indian households. Kudos to Seemaa Desai for making this sensitive, heartfelt film that goes beyond the typical family drama. Kaushaljis VS Kaushal is currently streaming on JioHotstar.
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