Goodbye was theatrically released on 7 October 2022. Despite receiving positive response from critics, the film failed at the box office and finalised, as a box office bomb.[5]
Plot
The story revolves around the protagonist, Rhea (Rashmika Mandanna), a young woman in her late twenties, who lives in Mumbai. She works as a successful architect and is deeply devoted to her career. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives news of her father's sudden demise in their hometown in Himachal Pradesh.
Rhea is left shattered by the loss of her father, whom she shared a close bond with. She travels back to her hometown, where she is confronted with her past, memories, and unresolved emotions. Amidst her grief, she tries to come to terms with the loss while reconnecting with her estranged mother, Nandini (played by Neena Gupta), whom she hasn't been on good terms with for years due to misunderstandings and differences.
As Rhea navigates through the funeral rituals and the somber atmosphere of her hometown, she encounters Dev (Amitabh Bachchan), an elderly neighbor who knew her father well. Dev, a retired schoolteacher, becomes an unexpected confidant for Rhea during this emotionally challenging phase. His wisdom, compassion, and life experiences offer Rhea a different perspective on coping with loss and rebuilding relationships.
The film beautifully explores the themes of family dynamics, forgiveness, and the healing power of acceptance. Rhea gradually learns about the sacrifices her parents made for her and the reasons behind their conflicts. Through introspection and conversations with Dev, she starts to find closure and begins the process of healing.
The narrative unfolds through poignant flashbacks that reveal Rhea's childhood and the moments that shaped her relationship with her parents. These flashbacks help her comprehend the complexities of her family's dynamics and the significance of bidding a proper farewell to her father.
As the story progresses, Rhea discovers her father's hidden letters addressed to her, containing heartfelt messages and advice, providing her with emotional strength and guidance for the future. The letters become a crucial element in Rhea's journey towards self-discovery and coming to terms with her loss.
Cast
Amitabh Bachchan as Harish Bhalla: Gayatri's husband, Karan, Angad, Nakul and Tara's father, Delna's foster father and Daisy's father-in-law
Rashmika Mandanna as Tara Bhalla: Gayatri and Harish's only daughter, Karan, Nakul and Angad's only sister, Delna's foster sister and Daisy's sister-in-law
Neena Gupta as Gayatri Bhalla: Harish's late wife, Karan, Angad, Nakul and Tara's mother and Daisy's mother-in-law
Abhishekh Khan as Nakul Bhalla: Gayatri and Harish's youngest son
Pavail Gulati as Karan Bhalla: Gayatri and Harish's eldest son, Daisy's husband and Nakul, Angad and Tara's elder brother and Delna's foster brother.
Sahil Mehta as Angad Bhalla: Gayatri and Harish's adoptive third son, Karan, Nakul and Tara's brother, Daisy's younger brother-in-law and Delna's love-interest.
Samarjit Singh Mahajan as Angad (as Child): Gayatri and Harish's adoptive third son, Karan, Nakul and Tara's brother, Daisy's younger brother-in-law and Delna's love-interest.
Payal Thapa as Delna: Gayatri and Harish's foster daughter and Karan, Nakul and Tara's foster sister and Angad's love-interest. She works as a househelper for the Bhalla's
Shivin Narang as Mudassar, Tara's live-in boyfriend who is a DJ. Although Gayatri liked him but Harish disapproved of him as being a muslim.
Elli AvrRam as Daisy Bhalla: Karan's wife, Gayatri and Harish's daughter-in-law and Nakul, Angad and Tara's sister-in-law.
Goodbye received positive reviews from critics.[9]
Navneet Vyasan of News 18 rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vikas Bahl asks many questions in his latest film. It is hard to find loose ends in his film and even if it exists it proves to be inconsequential, unable to hamper the film's strong points".[10] Rohit Bhatnagar of The Free Press Journal rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye won't leave you soon but rather fiddle around your mind and make you rethink your equations with your family. It is a perfect family entertainer of the modern-day world but with strong roots".[11] Kartik Bhardwaj of Cinema Express rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "The Amitabh Bachchan, Rashmika Mandanna starrer is an emotional ride with its heart in the right place".[12] Ganesh Aaglave of Firstpost rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The emotional roller-coaster will make you smile, laugh and cry with every character making a special place in our hearts. The film deserves a special mention for the beautiful montages".[13] Mayur Sanap of Rediff rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye is embedded with solid emotional moments, a few chuckles and some nice ponderings upon life, love and everything inbetween. With its heart in the right place, the film is perfectly efficient and likable in both jerking tears and soliciting laughs".[14] Princia Hendriques of Mashable India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "In the era of power-packed, adrenaline-filled cinematic treats, Goodbye provides a breather for the audience to gather their family".[15] Sanchita Jhunjhunwala of Zoom rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye is the kind of film that's all heart, and is a sob-fest but also has ample of moments that will make you laugh through the tears".[16] Sonal Verma of Zee News rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye has proven that not everything is a myth and that not every myth is wrong. Vikas Bahl's family dramedy will take you on an emotional ride full of hurdles, tears and laughs all together".[17] Grace Cyril of India Today rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye is filled with heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. The unfiltered emotions in the film touch the right chord and even bring you closer to your loved ones".[18]
Renuka Vyavahare of The Times of India rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye is a story of a family coping with grief and laughing through their pain. Keep the tissues handy before watching this one".[19] Tina Das of The Print rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Amitabh Bachchan steals the show, and is only challenged by the iridescent Neena Gupta in Goodbye".[20]Bollywood Hungama rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye works due to the touching moments, relatability factor, and performances. However, the film suffers due to the bizarre developments, weak second half, and depressive tone".[21]Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Amitabh Bachchan-Rashmika Mandana's film delivers broad humour and heavy-handed sentimentality, which succeeds best when the emotion occasionally swims to the top without the belabouring".[22]Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye is crafted to deliver an unabashed workout for the lachrymal glands. Its grievously shallow methods undermine its avowed purpose".[23] Pratikshya Mishra of The Quint rated the film 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Goodbye is constantly asking you to feel something or the other till it comes to an end with a half-baked lesson on 'compromise'. A more concise script, fewer characters, and trust in the audience would've gone a long way for a film like Goodbye".[24]
Box-office
Movie earned ₹9.66 crore at the domestic box office on its opening day.[2] Its gross collection stands at ₹3.78 crores in first weekend.[2]
As of 13 October 2022[update] the film grossed ₹6.68 crore (US$840,000) in India and ₹2.06 crore (US$260,000) overseas for a worldwide gross collection of ₹8.74 crore (US$1.1 million).[2]
