As someone who grew up in the bustling lanes of a small Indian city, watching Ghich Pich felt like flipping through an old photo album—each frame brimming with nostalgia, raw emotions, and the chaotic beauty of teenage years. Directed by Ankur Singla, this coming-of-age drama, set in the vibrant ’90s Chandigarh, is a tender exploration of father-son relationships, friendship, and the messy yet beautiful journey of growing up. With stellar performances by Geeta Agrawal Sharma, Satyajit Sharma, and Aryan Singh Rana, the film is a warm hug that lingers long after the credits roll.
A Story That Hits Close to Home
Ghich Pich, which loosely translates to an “emotional tangle,” captures the essence of middle-class Indian life with an authenticity that’s hard to come by. The film follows three teenage friends—Gaurav (Shhivam Kakar), Gurpreet (Kabir Nanda), and Anurag (Aryan Singh Rana)—as they navigate the turbulence of adolescence, rebellion, and the weight of familial expectations. Set against the backdrop of Chandigarh’s crowded homes, scooter-filled streets, and lively cafés, the story feels like a love letter to the ’90s, a time when life was simpler yet infinitely complex for a teenager.
The film weaves three distinct father-son stories, each layered with its own emotional depth. Gurpreet’s struggle with his Sikh identity, particularly his desire to cut his hair for a fleeting teenage romance, tugs at the heartstrings. His realization of the turban’s significance during a wedding scene is portrayed with such quiet beauty that it’s impossible not to feel his internal conflict. Gaurav’s discovery of his father’s hidden truth forces him to confront his own biases, while Anurag grapples with the pressure of an overbearing father who sees only one path to success. These stories, though distinct, are bound by a universal thread—the longing to be understood by those who raised us.
Performances That Steal the Show
The cast of Ghich Pich brings an authenticity that makes every scene feel lived-in. Satyajit Sharma, as CA Naresh Bansal, delivers a masterclass in understated acting. In one unforgettable scene, the wrinkles on his forehead and the trembling of his lips speak volumes without a single word. His portrayal of a father torn between societal expectations and personal truths is both heartbreaking and powerful. Geeta Agrawal Sharma, playing Ritu Arora, Gaurav’s mother, is equally compelling. As a renowned theater artist, she infuses her role with a quiet strength, embodying the compromises of a middle-class wife with impactful dialogue delivery that resonates deeply.
Aryan Singh Rana, as Anurag Bansal, is a revelation. His portrayal of a young man buckling under the weight of his father’s expectations is raw and relatable. The subtle shifts in his expressions—from defiance to vulnerability—capture the essence of a teenager trying to find his place in the world. The chemistry among the three friends—Shhivam Kakar, Kabir Nanda, and Aryan Singh Rana—is electric, their banter and camaraderie evoking memories of school days and late-night chats with friends.
The supporting cast, including the late Nitesh Pandey as Rakesh Arora, Lilly Singh as Ashima, and Mia Magar as Gurpreet’s mother, adds further depth. Pandey’s warmth, especially in a scene where he subtly hints at his character’s truth by removing his partner’s specs, is a testament to his craft. Lilly Singh’s expressive gestures and Mia Magar’s silent yet powerful presence elevate the film’s emotional landscape.
Chandigarh as a Character
What makes Ghich Pich stand out is its vivid portrayal of Chandigarh. The city isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself. From the cluttered living rooms to the street-side cafés where friends share secrets, the film captures the heartbeat of middle-class life with refreshing honesty. The cinematography by Sukhan Saar Singh is understated yet evocative, lingering on small details—a nervous glance, a cluttered kitchen, an unsent text—that ground the story in reality. The color palette, with its warm tones, mirrors the modesty and warmth of Chandigarh, making every frame feel like a memory.
A Director’s Labor of Love
Ankur Singla, a former tech entrepreneur turned filmmaker, pours his heart into Ghich Pich. The film, shot in a grueling 23-day schedule in February 2023, took five years to complete, with editing alone spanning nearly two years. Singla’s writing is real and unpretentious, reflecting the way people actually talk in Chandigarh—no over-the-top dialogues, just heartfelt conversations that hit home. His direction keeps the narrative focused, resisting the urge to lean into melodrama. Instead, the film finds its strength in subtlety, letting emotions simmer beneath the surface.
The film’s title perfectly encapsulates its essence—an emotional mess that’s both chaotic and beautiful. Singla’s personal connection to the story is evident; he has said that the three boys carry pieces of himself—rebellion, vulnerability, and the pressure to perform. This personal touch makes Ghich Pich feel like a story told by someone who’s lived it, not just imagined it.
Why Ghich Pich Matters
In an era of big-budget blockbusters and star-studded casts, Ghich Pich is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t rely on flashy visuals or grand declarations; instead, it finds beauty in the everyday. The film’s 9.7 rating on IMDb is a testament to its universal appeal, joining the ranks of heartfelt Indian films like Udaan and Monsoon Wedding. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful stories are often the ones that reflect our own lives—the silences, the misunderstandings, and the quiet acts of love that shape us.
As an Indian, watching Ghich Pich felt like reconnecting with my own teenage years—the reckless joy of friendships, the weight of parental expectations, and the bittersweet realization that growing up means understanding those we love in new ways. Whether you’re a parent, a child, or somewhere in between, this film will leave you smiling, maybe a little teary-eyed, and definitely reflecting on your own relationships.
Ghich Pich is more than a movie; it’s a mirror to our lives, a reminder to cherish the tangled, imperfect, yet beautiful bonds that define us. Don’t miss it when it hits theaters on August 1, 2025.
Sources: IMDb, ABP Live, ETV Bharat
