In the Shadows (2017) Poster

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8/10
The maze of Old Delhi
suprabhattacharya1 May 2019
Cast-Manoj Bajpayee,Ranvir Shorey,Neeraj Kabi,Shahana Goswami,Om Singh.

Khadoos(Bajpayee) lives in the shabby,claustrophobic lanes of Old Delhi.The ugly,dull lanes reflect his activities,he doesn't follow any calendars,hardly comes out of his home,and watch his neighbors via some CCTVs he attached unknowingly to them.One day he overhears some little boy getting abused by his father ,(that family shares the same wall with Khadoos) and this turns out to be a regular phenomenon. Khadoos decides to save the boy from the clutches of his father and thus reuniting the human connection he lost somewhere in the past.All the above traits give Khadoos a creepy,peculiar look in your mind ,doesn't it?then just see in the poster or in the trailer look at Manoj Bajpayee,his insomniac eyes,his torn dress,his gibberish way of talking,you will be stunned by his physical transformation for this Indie film.A true artist,Manoj Bajpayee delivers another performance which is enough to make anyone spellbound.If i say more about him,I will involuntarily give spoilers.

Neeraj Kabi is rough as an abusive father and a unfaithful husband .He makes his character the most hated one by his vigilant acting.

Shahana Goswami is the most sympathetic character playing the role of the wife of Neeraj Kabi,gentle and kind to her children and always in fear that her husband might lose his cool and beat her and their children.Every frame she is in you can feel her pain,her fear,her unconditional love to her family.

Ranvir Shorey plays the role of the only friend of Khadoos ,which he has ,as always, done with perfection.The child artists are spontaneous and quite good in their roles.

The photography is top notch,the way old Delhi is captured-lifeless alleys,the worn out houses are vividly haunting and you will never even want any day to pay a visit there. The shadow of hopelessness is disturbing in those ghostly existence.

The sound design fits perfectly and increases the discomfort of watching this film.The movie is difficult to bear with for popcorn movie lovers.Dipesh Jain in his debut has shown his caliber of film making.

8.5/10
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7/10
lost, and not found .....
THEgongoozler29 January 2022
IN THE SHADOWS (GALI GULEIYAN, 2017) shares a similar spirit with SALAAM BOMBAY (1988) and SHADOWS OF TIME (2004), but not in the same league. It has a brilliant idea (interweaving a man's past and present, to manifest how cruel reality's firm grip on a little poor guy is), wonderful acting and a production team doing good job. Nevertheless, it is seriously hampered by the thin and somewhat unconvincing plot.

The biggest hole of the story, in my opinion, is that the gentle boy decided, and dare, to kill the much stronger ruler of the family. Based on what the director showed to the audience, the boy got slapped and kicked for a short while (for understandable reason). If that could have been the cause of patricide, probably half of Indian parents were dead already (not to be disrespect to peoples of India, but just making a point here). Harsh discipline was quite common in last century's Asia. Of course, violence in any form is not "right," truth is it still exist even today, in lower class, in developing countries. The father in ITS seemed abstemious, given the circumstances.

There is another problematic issue in the screenplay. Since the boy realized the father cheated on the mother, would that be the cause of patricide? It surely fueled the boy's resentment, but hardly enough to instigate murder against a man double his size. The boy is far from tough, otherwise he would be running away long ago.

After the murder, the boy should be kept in institution for a period of time. Then, how come he was back to the slum again? Why did his mother let him go back (we all know how much she loves him)? Why did the affluent friend let him go back (we all know how kind and helpful this friend is)? As a long time resident he must be infamous around, it's unnatural that no one shows any emotion (eg scared, annoyance or trying to make fun) towards this weirdo and murderer. He set up dozen of cameras on neighbors' doorway for YEARS and no one noticed? ..... Too many illogical and unrealistic "holes" reduced ITS to near mediocrity. It is really unfortunate for all participated talents.

Last but not least, IN THE SHADOWS is entitled to be considered a decent movie, for audience with patience and sympathy. If taking out "entertaining" elements on the marking sheet, it should be regarded higher than SLUMDOG BILLIONAIRE (2009).
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8/10
Gali guleiyan is a state of mind.
rik9419219 May 2019
Individuals want to escape when they come to know the reality around them. Great script and well directed. We need more movies like that.
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10/10
Beautifully made, psychologically perplexing.
vineethingorani10 September 2018
Gali Guleiyan (In the Shadows) is quite a smart and well made film. It attacks a poignant topic prevalent in the society and portrays it in a way that's both intense and emphathetic. A tad bit slow, but that slowness is a driving and important factor of the movie as a whole. The movie leaves you spellbound and asking questions. Manoj Bajpayee is so great when it comes to the smaller nuances and as useal delivers an over the top perfomance. Neeraj Kabi and Shahana Goswami add to the film the many undertones required. Beautifully made, psychologically perplexing, it is Dipesh Jain's perfect masterpiece.
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6/10
Very good performances
beevenkat10 September 2018
#Galiguleiyan is a different n interesting film, but it may not appeal to everyone. Theres this lonely n unkempt man who sits at home all day n spies on his neighbors. He always looks drowsy n disoriented. But who is he? Is he a criminal or is he a victim? In his neighborhood, is there a young boy who keeps crying? Is this boy being abused by his dad? His mom does love him, but is her love enough to ensure a carefree n secure future? Why does he peep into others homes? Very good performances, simple dialogues n authentic locations r the plus points. Rating 3/5.
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10/10
Outstanding Cinema, On par with hollywood.!
sahilpathan-0217011 May 2019
To start with, gali guleiyan is a psychological movie without big names,cast,no songs...but my god i saw the movie and i was totally overwhelmed with the storyline and content. Manoj bajpayee is a lonely guy who has only one friend rishi(played by Ranvir shorey) who keeps visiting him and helps him in every possible way. He lives in the old city of delhi which is a complete bhool bhulaiya and the protagonist wants to get out of it but is unable to. Meanwhile, there is a small kid who has a strict father and somehow the boy wants to escape this place also. Manoj bajpayee has done full justice to the role and is seen completely indulged in the character. He has proved himself as one of the best method actors in the business. Other performances by ranvir shorey, Neeraj kabi etc are equally good. This movie wont find its audience in the theatres which is very disheartening. I Salute the filmmaker dipesh jain for showcasing extraordinary cinema and i have high hopes this kind of cinema will definitely find its future in bollywood 10/10 PS: Do watch it ASAP
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7/10
Difficult to comprehend, a lot of topics touched, but overall a delight to watch
aniketburman2118 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a bit different and to be honest I really couldn't understand this movie completely I don't know what exactly the director wanted to debate in this movie there are arrays of topics that I could see and observe and some of the most important topics I think the director has tried to give the audience knowledge about all the prospective arounding loneliness household violence why reason and butcher's life and poverty and a child will to have an independence.

When we talk about the central character I think there are not one single character in the movie it's not just the Manoj Vajpayee playing the central late also the father figure it's also the child the elder child and somewhere important the mother role is also.

The movie starts with the loneliness depiction of Manoj Bajpai how lonely he is he his family has moveed on from Hemant is now very much successful recently successful living in at a poors area in Delhi congested area of purani Delhi which is unclean and bad.

Then there is talk about wirism where in the child and his friend as well as this Manoj Bajpai character also likes to speak into other people's life this is Vajpayee gets to know about the affair that a lot of people.

Now this lonely person is worried about the child mental health as well as physical health wear in the violence is being inflicted over the child by his dominant and violent and fears father.

You wants to save this child from the atrocities but he is unable to because the character he himself as is not very clean and very much respected in fact it is opposite the neighbourhood doesn't like a man even though he wants to stand up against the right thing the neighbourhood want give any sort of backing to his righteous move.

The character is open talks about how the neighbourhood does not care about the bad things that are happening they are just being the new expectators these are morons waiting bad things to happen with themselves only then they considered reacting or responding.

It also talk about how parenting effects the child mental health cheating the partner with someone else by getting into family in a family where in the father is carefree even when the mother is 9 months pregnant and good have the baby anytime the delivery that takes place is very much unsuccessful the child born is still born and all of this very much affects the mental health of the elder child who is now old enough to understand the relationship.

Moving on I think the other thing that we can discuss upon her his kind of.
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9/10
Must watch movie
nitesh_thakur15 April 2019
Every thing in this movie is incredible , the way #Manoj_Bajpayee went to the skin of the character is really treat to watch. And what a beautiful storyline that blows your mind .
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3/10
For all the fans of popcorn cinema, this movie could act like a stepping stone towards appreciating proper cinema and nuanced acting.
sushant04066 November 2019
When I saw the climax of this movie, I confidently predicted what the story would be and what would happen at the end. But, then this movie was released to rave reviews at a foreign film festival and Manoj Bajpayee, who happens to be one of my favorite actors received rave reviews for his acting from all the critics. In addition to this, the presence of Neeraj Kabi and Ranvir Shorey made me give this movie a shot. As a cinema lover who despises the horrendous "paisa-vasool" films being churned out by the Hindi film industry, I wanted this movie to blow my mind.

Now, while the acting performances of the entire cast was spectacular, this movie fell short when it came to the story-line and direction. Despite, having all the right cards the director absolutely folded. AND the biggest disappointment was that my earlier mentioned prediction was 100% accurate thereby ridding me of any possible suspense.

While the cast of this movie deserves full credit, the makers do not.

Summary: for all the fans of popcorn cinema, this movie could act like a stepping stone towards appreciating proper cinema and nuanced acting. For cine-lovers like me, this was a miss.
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10/10
A very important film!
ramgopal-dav-sharma20 September 2018
The best of cinema, the best of acting, the best of storyline, this movie offers the best of everything! I am not a critic, only an art lover. But while watching this film, I couldn't set my eyes off it even for a second. Great performances by all the actors, especially Manoj Vajpayee. And the issue raised is the important of all!
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5/10
Lost world
nehapd11826 March 2019
Great performances, director was lost somewhere and it was an incomplete movie , not great !!
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10/10
Nolanesque
kapil88938 July 2023
Dipesh Jain's mesmerizing manipulation of time in this film rivals the mastery of Christopher Nolan himself. To dismiss it based on lower ratings suggests a lack of understanding. Those who appreciated the brilliance of Udaan will undoubtedly find similar enjoyment in this work as well. In fact, I dare say it introduces a new term, "Nolanesque," reminiscent of the impact and intrigue associated with the term "Kafkaesque."

Dipesh Jain's film is a mesmerizing exploration of time, comparable to Christopher Nolan's genius. Those who fail to appreciate it likely misunderstand its complexity. Fans of Udaan will undoubtedly find it captivating. I even propose a new term, "Nolanesque," to describe its profound impact, akin to the evocative term "Kafkaesque."
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8/10
A movie with great depth..!!
Tejas_Vinda_AITS18 September 2018
The film is a psychological drama about a man who is trapped within the city walls and in his own mind. He attempts to break free to find a human connection.

A movie with great depth, with great visual and experiential story telling. As the character goes through a maze of madness, you as an audience are pulled into it, while coming across a really important message. It was a thoroughly immersive experience.

Manoj Bajpayee Delivers Outstanding Performance.
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8/10
This slow-burn movie will reward your patience with a flip at the end
mehulmepani4 December 2022
Watched GaliGuleiyan absolutely by accident because saw Manoj Bajpayee poster - star power working here! I had no idea what I was getting into.

Soon I realised that I was in for a treat and this was not some ordinary bollywood flick. It compelled me to pause and search for the credentials. It seems young turk Dipesh Jain (seems to be an American Indian with promising work he has already churned out) is director/producer. And what a star-cast that greeted me - Ranvir Shorey, Neeraj Kabi, Shahana Goswami to name a few. There are foreign contributions in the other departments of the film too - Music, Editing and Cinematography to name a few.

It is a story of a loner, disturbed and s suffering individual who is clearly disoriented and lives in a dingy solitude. Throughout the movie the Lighting, Cinematography and Direction creates cringeworthy atmosphere making you feel as if you should just get-up and clean Khuddoos (Manoj) and his place - power of creativity and conveying exactly what is intended. Movie slows down to a halt - resonating with life that Khuddoos lives. At time you want to hit the FF button but, the detailing stops you. You are sure to miss out on the detail because the Direction and the whole package is so brilliant.

And of course the wait pays. The flip in the last five minutes is so unexpected, unassuming and deeply moving. Then you recollect the whole movie backwards and the things fit so well, so flawless and so seamless that it keeps you in awe and wonder.

Not the for the people with short attention-span and habituated of the usual masala - this ones for the patient ones who love the blandness to enjoy the last morsel!

Thanks for the treat Gali Guleiyan team.
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5/10
Boring and Predictable
kuljeetsabharwal22 September 2023
Don't know what to write about this movie but i was bored of watching it.. Such a boring and depressed movie..

It was predictable, I knew what was going on with the character right feom the beginning.

I knew it his own story running side by side. Director could have kept it as a mystery by making it complicated but he chose to make it very very predictable..

I kept watching it because i thought i might get to see a twist in the end but no. After finishing the movie i realized that i have wasted 2 hours of my life.

Acting by Manoj Bajpai was good, Old delhi feel was good but man how lame and predictable it was and that ruined the whole movie for me..
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10/10
Great Movie...a type of movie which i wanted watch for a long time coming.
hfoperationsindia7 November 2022
Absolutely an intense movie, I knew there was something mysterious about the movie from description in Prime. But the ending leaves you with such thought proving mystery.

I'm sure to carry this mystery for a long time in my heart.

Great performances of all. Thank you Dipesh, Thank you Manoj. Thank you each and everyone who worked for the movie.

We all feel isolated, lonely, maroored, trapped in our worlds and want to get out but you can't life is like a maze you go around n around get lost and come back to where we started.

Time can play with the mind. He clearly heard sounds but when where n how is the mystery.

Thank you Dipesh. May you come out with more great movies.
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5/10
No Story
tushar_daftuar23 September 2019
It's perfect in all aspects expect the story part.
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9/10
One of finest human relation story
tariqueumarkhan8 September 2018
Amazing performance by all actor and kuddos to the director and writer to putting on screen
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10/10
One of the great movies
ajayucer28 October 2022
The film is a psychological drama about a man who is trapped within the city walls and in his mind. He attempts to break free to find a human connection.

A movie with great depth, with great visual and experiential storytelling. As the character goes through a maze of madness, you as an audience are pulled into it, while coming across a really important message. It was a thoroughly immersive experience.

Great movie with great performances and all the cast did a great job in this movie.

Manoj Sir did a great job in this movie.

This movie is very different from all the other movies nowadays.

This movie has a very unique concept.

The topic of the movie is also very interesting.

Great comeback by Manoj Sir.
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10/10
TamashBeen Samaj ko Kaise Badalein
RakeshkumarsahuSotiwala8 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Attention ! Even the walls have ears - swoon Ears can also be put on walls - Khudus.

If you want to change the spectacled society, then definitely watch Gali Guleiyan.

Khudus - away from himself and in the midst of society.

Cinema, by definition, invites us to step inside strangers' lives, wear their skin and peep inside their minds. Those few hours in a darkened theatre can lead to a gamut of emotions -- joy, grief or catharsis. In Gali Guleiyan, the lasting feeling is that of claustrophobia.

Brilliantly portrayed by Bajpayee, Khudoos is imprisoned in the maze that's the old city and inside his mind. A compulsive loner, his grasp on reality is slipping. His only refuge is his decrepit old shop, which is inhabited by outdated technology and years of loneliness. That's where he first hears the cries of Iddu (Om Singh), a teenaged boy chained to his abusive father (Neeraj Kabi). Like Khudoos, Iddu wants an escape from his smothering neighbourhood and familial ties.
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1/10
Pure torture
pipaliasamir30 December 2022
If you want to torture someone then make them watch this movie (only once is enough, twice would kill even the best of us). I fast forwarded most of the movie and even then I was depressed after watching this movie. Manojji is an excellent actor, but he needs to be more careful when choosing a movie like this. Luckily for him, he has plenty of good movies to make up for this, but I cannot say the same for producers or directors of this movie. I wish them all best of luck in their future endeavours, provided they don't torture us further. I don't understand what crime we have done to deserve such a torturous punishment.
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10/10
A learning experience for every movie lover.
mridulxm6 May 2021
If you just want to learn how to act how to direct how to write a story how to write a cinematography everything you will find here and specially ee we should all upload the performance by Manoj Vajpayee even he himself told once that he just wanted to get out of this character because it was so much want from him that he got into a depressing phase. And it was the toughest role he ever played on screen you will connect yourself till the last scene come up to the screen.

Unfortunately in country like India it is very tough for low budget films to get distributers and get on a big screen for a long time and to get the the correct amount of TV rights is very difficult so this movie doesn't get into headlines but believe me it will make you to love the cinema.
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5/10
Predictable!!
sriramthestranger31 May 2023
The protagonist is a confused man searching for a child to save him from house abuse. The screenplay is boring with no background music and repetitive scenes. The viewers are as confused as the protagonist, and there is no idea where the story is going about. The plot only relies upon a twist in the tale which is a bit predictable.

Manoj Bhajpayee is the only saving grace for this movie and the tragic scenes are not impactful. Man is literally nailed the insomniac confused protagonist surrounded by noises and hallucinations.

Nothing more to add for this movie. Nothing more to add for this movie.
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