Doctor G – A shot in the arm for wearied Bollywood

After seeing empty halls in the last few months, Bollywood movies are beginning to woo back the viewers in the theatres. One can call ‘Brahmastra’ as a game-changer for Bollywood under these circumstances.

Ayushmann Khurrana, who has perfected playing the everyman from India’s heartland and highlighting hitherto taboo issues, returns as a reluctant gynaecologist in ‘Doctor G’. His previous outing as a defence personnel in the action-packed ‘Anek’ based on the insurgency probel in the North-East, didn’t find many takers.

But in ‘Doctor G’, Ayushmann is in his elements as Dr Uday Gupta, who wants to be an orthopaedic doctor, but has to settle for gynaecology due to his low marks. He is flanked by some strong female characters – including his single parent mother (Sheeba Chaddha) and department head (Shefali Shah).

How Dr Gupta ditches his stereotypical notions on masculinity and finds his ‘woman’s touch’ is a delightful journey to watch.

Ayushmann is a master at his role; whether he is the troubled doctor on school attempting to deal with all of his female classmates, dealing the affairs of his heart, or discussing topics like "log kya kahenge" with his mother at home, he is absolutely convincing, humorous, and on target. He maintains control even as his persona changes.

Sheeba Chaddha portrays a sweet mother who develops feelings for a man, and her cunning ways of interacting with the character make it easier to relate to her in the situation. One of the finest and worst aspects of the movie was Abhay Chintamani Mishr. I wanted to see so much more of him developing the incredible humor he had with Ayushmann, but he remained one of those supporting characters who the authors didn't seem to care too much about. The support offered by Shraddha, Priyam Saha, Ayesha Kaduskar, and Indraneil Sengupta is adequate, nothing more, nothing less.

Doctor G's breezy storytelling, which is filled with moments that shift between the funny and the touching, is what gives it its strength. The film makes it a point to avoid shrillness and overt solemnity even as it takes a serious turn in the build-up to the climax and its impact noticeably increases.

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rakul Preet, Shefali Shah, Sheeba Chaddha, Abhay Chintamani Mishr, Shraddha, Priyam Saha, Ayesha Kaduskar, Indraneil Sengupta

Director: Anubhuti Kashyap