Nestled within the narrow, decaying lanes of Old Delhi, Khuddoos, a solitary man, inhabits a dimly lit house, physically isolated but engulfed by the bustling neighborhood. His surroundings, shrouded in gloom, mirror his inner turmoil, as he further isolates himself behind the confines of his home. As a voyeur, Khuddoos observes the lives of his neighbors through strategically placed CCTV cameras. Through this lens, we glimpse into his past, marked by childhood trauma and abuse.
When Idu, a neighborhood youth, becomes the target of his abusive father’s wrath, Khuddoos’s empathy is stirred. In Idu, he sees a reflection of his own troubled childhood, prompting him to intervene and protect the boy as if he were safeguarding his own younger self.
Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Khuddoos is what makes ‘Gali Guleiyan’ a truly haunting and difficult watch. With minimal dialogue, Bajpayee relies heavily on silence, conveying a deafening sense of inner turmoil. His performance captures the loneliness often felt in the impersonal expanse of big cities, emphasizing the crucial need to prioritize mental well-being.
To fully embody Khuddoos, Bajpayee undertook an intense process of internalization, which took a toll on his mental health. During filming, he struggled with overwhelming stress and even experienced signs of a nervous breakdown. Yet, he persevered, recognizing the importance of delving deep into the character’s psyche to achieve the desired impact.
Despite critical acclaim at international film festivals, ‘Gali Guleiyan’ faced distribution challenges in India. Eventually released with limited screens, it initially went unnoticed. However, following its OTT release and Manoj Bajpayee’s passionate discussions about the project, the film began to gain audience interest and recognition.
‘Gali Guleiyan’ stands as a testament to Manoj Bajpayee’s exceptional talent, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters with raw vulnerability. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after viewing, prompting reflection on the profound impact of mental health and the often-isolating nature of urban existence.
