In a humorous twist, I first mistook ‘Greater Kalesh’ for the upscale Delhi neighborhood, Greater Kailash, known as GK to locals. The film revolves around Twinkle Handa, a professional from Bengaluru, as she heads home to Delhi for Diwali. As soon as Twinkle arrives, she hears her parents arguing—definitely not the warm welcome she expected.
Directed by Aditya Chandiok and written by Ritu Mago, the film stars Ahsaas Channa as Twinkle. She aims to surprise her family, but instead walks into a house brimming with awkwardness. Her mother, Sunita (played by Supriya Shukla), covers up family tensions with endless food offers. Meanwhile, her father Ranjan (Happy Ranajit) avoids her gaze, and her brother Ankush (Poojan Chhabra) hides the unease with sarcasm.
Sitting at just under an hour, ‘Greater Kalesh’ captures a mix of family dynamics and festive chaos. Many can relate to Supriya Shukla’s Sunita, a mom who diverts serious conversations with tasty treats. When Twinkle probes about family issues, her mother responds with offers of chai—despite it being late in the evening. Even her initially disinterested brother eventually requests a cup.
However, the film complicates a story that could have been straightforward. The first half offers relatable comedy, but the second half cluttered with too many subplots feels forced. Twinkle’s attempt to address family pressures during a hectic celebration seems misguided, making the resolution awkward amidst the chaos.
This piece of cinema might have been better if it focused solely on the warmth of returning home rather than convoluted family dramas. Twinkle feels like a stranger in her own house until her family finally opens up, revealing the film’s heartwarming message about the significance of homecoming.
In the end, ‘Greater Kalesh’ ends on a sweet note, though its last-minute twist feels almost like a fairy-tale cliché. For anyone seeking a light-hearted glance into the quirks of a dysfunctional family, this film is perfect for a weekend watch.
**Rating: 6 out of 10.** You can catch ‘Greater Kalesh’ on Netflix.
