Jab Khuli Kitaab
| Jab Khuli Kitaab | |
|---|---|
Official release poster | |
| Directed by | Saurabh Shukla |
| Written by | Saurabh Shukla |
| Based on | Jab Khuli Kitaab by Saurabh Shukla |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Adri Thakur |
| Edited by | Kunal Walve |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | ZEE5 |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Jab Khuli Kitaab (transl. When the Book Opened) is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Saurabh Shukla.[1] Produced by Applause Entertainment and Shoe Strap Films, it is a cinematic adaptation of Shukla's own stage play of the same name. The film stars Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia as an elderly couple who decide to seek a divorce after 50 years of marriage.[2]
The film premiered on the streaming service ZEE5 on 6 March 2026.[3][4]
Plot
Set in the picturesque town of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, Gopal Chandra Nautiyal has spent the last two years devotedly caring for his wife, Anusuya, who has been in a coma. When Anusuya miraculously awakens, the family's joy is short-lived. During a moment of reflection, she confesses to a brief extra-marital affair that occurred decades earlier in their marriage.
Stunned and feeling betrayed by the revelation, the elderly Gopal decides to file for divorce, much to the shock of their grown children and the local community. The film follows the legal and emotional fallout as the couple navigates the proceedings with a young lawyer, eventually exploring themes of aging, forgiveness, and the complexity of long-term relationships.
Cast
- Pankaj Kapur as Gopal Chandra Nautiyal
- Dimple Kapadia as Anusuya Nautiyal
- Aparshakti Khurana as RK Negi, the lawyer
- Manasi Parekh as Asha,the judge.
- Samir Soni as Param, Gopal and Anusuya's son
- Nauheed Cyrusi as Farnaaz
- Sunil Palwal
- Devyani Ratanpal
Production
The film was officially announced in December 2021. Director Saurabh Shukla stated that the story was originally written as a screenplay before he adapted it into a play for the Aadhyam theater festival.[5] Principal photography took place in late 2021 and early 2022, primarily in Ranikhet and other parts of Uttarakhand.[6]
Reception
The Times of India gave the film 3/5 stars, noting that while the "stellar performances" by Kapur and Kapadia keep the movie afloat, the transition from stage to screen feels "stagnant" in parts.[7] News18 highlighted the emotional weight of the drama but felt the humor was occasionally forced.[8]
Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com praised the "dignity" Kapadia brings to her role but remarked that the film struggles to maintain momentum.[9] Scroll.in was more critical, describing it as an "open-and-shut case" that fails to fully capitalize on its unique premise.[10] Amar Ujala and ABP News both appreciated the film's family-centric emotional core, particularly the chemistry between the lead pair.[11][12]
Rajiv Vijayakar of KoiMoi rated 4 stars out of 5 stating "Dimple Kapadia & Pankaj Kapur Shine In A Warm Yet Turbulent Family Drama."[13]
References
- ^ "Jab Khuli Kitaab Review: Scenes From a Marriage | Filmfare.com". www.filmfare.com. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ "Jab Khuli Kitaab Movie Review: Pankaj Kapur And Dimple Kapadia's Dramedy Lacks Emotional Depth". Times Now. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Srivastava, Abhishek (6 March 2026). "Jab Khuli Kitaab Movie Review: Love, doubt and memories shape this quiet story anchored by Pankaj Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia". moneycontrol.
- ^ "Jab Khuli Kitaab: Release date, OTT platform, cast, plot, and more about the romantic dramedy". OTTPlay. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Singh, Simran. "Exclusive: Not Satya, Saurabh Shukla calls Jab Khuli Kitaab his 'best work', explains how OTT changed cinema for good: 'You can work without fear of...'". DNA India. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Information, Film (21 December 2021). "'Jab Khuli Kitaab' Complete | 21 December 2021". Film Information. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ "Jab Khuli Kitaab Movie Review: Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia shine in a mature story about the quiet strength of love". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Narain, Yatamanyu. "Jab Khuli Kitaab Movie Review: Pankaj Kapur-Dimple Kapadia Shine In Saurabh Shukla's Emotional Drama". News 18.
- ^ GAHLOT, DEEPA. "Jab Khuli Kitaab Review: Charming, Gentle Humour". Rediff. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Staff, Scroll (6 March 2026). "'Jab Khuli Kitaab' review: An open-and-shut case about divorce among seniors". Scroll.in. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Bhatia, Amit (6 March 2026). "Jab Khuli Kitaab Review: Pankaj Kapur, Dimple Kapadia's Latest Film Brings Families Closer, One Secret At A Time". ABP Live. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ "Jab Khuli Kitaab Review: पंकज कपूर और डिंपल कपाड़िया दमदार, इमोशंस से भरी फिल्म; आधे में भटकती है कहानी". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- ^ Vijayakar, Rajiv (6 March 2026). "Jab Khuli Kitaab Movie Review: Dimple Kapadia & Pankaj Kapur Shine In A Warm Yet Turbulent Family Drama". Koimoi. Retrieved 6 March 2026.