| Ghich Pich | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ankur Singla |
| Written by | Ankur Singla |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Sukhan Saar Singh |
| Edited by | Syed Mubashshir Ali |
| Music by | Ritwik De |
Production company | Barsaati Films |
| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 92 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Ghich Pich [1] is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language comedy-drama, written and directed by Ankur Singla. Set in Chandigarh during the early 2000s, the coming-of-age film explores the complex relationships between three middle-class teenage boys and their fathers, delving into themes of rebellion, tradition, and ambition. [2]
The film was screened at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on 17th August 2025 and was theatrically released on 8th August 2025. [3] The film opened to positive reviews from critics and audience and was praised for its cast performances and authentic portrayal of Indian paternal relationships.
The narrative follows Gurpreet, Gaurav, and Anurag—three 17-year-old friends navigating adolescence in early 2000s Chandigarh. Gurpreet, a Sikh boy, desires to become a cricketer against his father's wishes. Gaurav uncovers a dark secret about his father, while Anurag struggles with his father's aggressive ambition and authority. Their intertwined stories depict the tension between personal desires and familial expectations.
Ghich Pich marks the directorial debut of Ankur Singla under the Barsaati Films banner, an independent studio based in Delhi. The film draws inspiration from Singla's own experiences growing up in Chandigarh, aiming to authentically portray the city's culture and architecture of the late 1990s. [5] The film was shot across 13 locations in and around Chandigarh.
The film delves into the complexities of father-son relationships within the framework of Indian middle-class values. It examines themes of rebellion, identity, and the struggle between tradition and modernity, reflecting the societal dynamics of the time. [6]
Ghich Pich premiered at the CineVesture International Film Festival in March 2025 [7] , held at Jagat Cinema in Chandigarh. The film was showcased on March 22 and 23, 2025. The theatrical release of Ghich Pich was initially scheduled for August 1 [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] , but was later rescheduled to August 8. The film also screened at IIFM and Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
Ghich Pich received mixed to positive reviews from critics following its theatrical release on August 8, 2025, with praise for its authentic period details and performances, though some critics noted issues with the film's climax.
Abhishek Srivastava of Times of India gave the film 3.5/5 rating, writing "For a film named ‘Ghich Pich’ (which loosely suggests confusion or entanglement), it’s surprisingly cohesive, a well-structured, well-performed slice-of-life drama that knows exactly what it wants to say". The review noted that there are no big stars, flashy gimmicks, or marketing muscle, just a heartfelt story that hits home. What it lacks in star power, it makes up for in sincerity. [13]
Rahul Desai of The Hollywood Reporter praised the film, describing it as “a bittersweet slice-of-life mindie” and urging audiences to “come for the nostalgia, stay for the heart.” He praised the film’s understated sincerity and emotional resonance, marking it as a quietly compelling debut. [14]
Uday Bhatia of Mint (newspaper) noted that Ghich Pich captures Chandigarh with an unforced specificity, weaving the city’s architecture into its storytelling. He praised the film’s modest, clear-cut structure and its heartfelt performances, especially from the young cast. Bhatia described it as an uncomplicated yet resonant debut that leaves a gentle aftertaste. [15]
Anuj Kumar of The Hindu praised Ghich Pich as a heartfelt coming-of-age story that captures the angst of adolescence with honesty and restraint. Kumar noted how Singla evokes the nostalgia of 90s Chandigarh without letting it overpower the film. [16]
Sritama Bhattacharyya of Outlook India noted that Ghich Pich has a strong foundation with well-drawn characters, measured pacing, and genuine emotional investment. She praised the film’s tenderness in portraying father-son relationships, calling it one of its standout strengths. [17]
Devesh Sharma of Filmfare rated Ghich Pich 3.5/5, describing it as “a coming-of-age story of three Chandigarh boys coming to terms with what life has in store for them.” He praised Singla for capturing pre-smartphone India with tenderness and authenticity, where small gestures carry emotional weight. Sharma also highlighted the heartfelt performances, especially Nitesh Pandey’s moving final turn. [18]
Tanushree Ghosh of Moneycontrol describes Ghich Pich as “a tender tale of fathers and sons in a hypermasculine Indian filmscape,” highlighting its heartfelt portrayal of boyhood and familial bonds. [19]
In a review for ETV Bharat News, Minal Rudra wrote, "The film is unapologetically nostalgic, but its deeply beating heart around adolescence and father-son relationships carries it through. Sometimes, the quiet, honest moments say more than grand gestures ever could."
Bollywood Hungama (3.5/5) praised the performances, particularly highlighting Satyajit Sharma's portrayal of the authoritarian father figure. [20]