Cast
View All
Konkona Sen Sharma
as Bharti Mandal (segment 'Geeli Pucchi')
Shefali Shah
as Natasha (segment 'Ankahi')
Aditi Rao Hydari
as Priya Sharma (segment 'Geeli Pucchi')
Abhishek Banerjee
as Sushil (segment 'Khilauna')
Nushrratt Bharuccha
as Meenal (segment 'Khilauna')
Inayat Verma
as Binny (segment 'Khilauna')
Jaideep Ahlawat
as Bablu Bhaiya (segment 'Majnu')
Fatima Sana Shaikh
as Lipakshi (segment 'Majnu')
Armaan Ralhan
as Raj (segment 'Majnu')
Manav Kaul
as Kabir (segment 'Ankahi')
Sara Arjun
as Samaira (segment 'Ankahi')
Tota Roy Chowdhury
as Rohan (segment 'Ankahi')
Shreedhar Dubey
as Inspector Jairam (Khilauna) / Shiv (Geeli Pucchi)
Arvind Pandey
as Gopal (segment 'Majnu')
Abhay Joshi
as Mishra (segment 'Majnu')
Crew
Director
- Neeraj Ghaywan
- Raj Mehta
- Shashank Khaitan
- Kayoze Irani
Writer
- Uzma Khan
- Sumit Saxena
- Neeraj Ghaywan
- Shashank Khaitan
Producer
- Karan Johar
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ajeeb Daastaans examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Neeraj Ghaywan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ajeeb Daastaans took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 142 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 181 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 191 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ajeeb Daastaans shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike CTRL, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ajeeb Daastaans subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mera Karam Mera Dharam and Sagina explore similar territory, Ajeeb Daastaans stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 16, 2021
- Runtime: 2h 22m
Where to Watch
