Ajeeb Daastaans Movie :Review Story, Cast, Music

Ajeeb Daastaans Movie Review: Story, Cast, Music

📖 Story and Plot Summary – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Non-Spoiler Overview

Ajeeb Daastaans is an anthology film made up of four unique stories. Released on Netflix in 2021, this Hindi-language drama dives deep into themes of love, betrayal, class divide, gender roles, and emotional disconnect. Produced by Karan Johar under Dharmatic Entertainment, the movie presents a rich mix of tones and storytelling styles.

Each story in the movie stands on its own. However, they are all bound by a common thread: the complexity of human emotions and how relationships can take strange, unexpected turns. These tales explore hidden desires, misunderstandings, personal choices, and consequences that follow.

Rather than telling one straightforward tale, the film lets viewers experience a mix of emotions—from shock and sadness to empathy and discomfort. There’s no easy resolution in any of the stories, making the viewer reflect on their own perspectives on love, morality, and society.

The cinematography is intimate, the writing sharp, and the performances striking. Unlike mainstream dramas, Ajeeb Daastaans takes a bold and experimental route, making it a fresh addition to Indian cinema’s growing anthology culture.

Spoiler-Filled Plot Summaries

1. Majnu

Directed by Shashank Khaitan, this segment is set in a small town where married couple Lipakshi and Babloo live in a loveless relationship. When Raj Kumar, the new driver’s son, joins Babloo’s business, things get complicated. Lipakshi finds herself drawn to Raj, hoping he’ll fill the emotional void in her life. But things take a dark, twisted turn when secrets unfold, and revenge enters the picture.

2. Khilauna

Directed by Raj Mehta, this story follows Meenal, a young maid, and her younger sister Binny. Meenal tries to secure electricity for her home by charming her wealthy employer. However, when class conflict and childhood trauma intertwine, a horrific and shocking ending awaits. This story is layered with social commentary on power imbalance and survival in urban poverty.

3. Geeli Pucchi

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, this is perhaps the most powerful story of the anthology. It tells the tale of Bharti Mandal, a factory worker from a Dalit background. When an upper-caste woman Priya joins the factory and earns a desk job, things get tense. A subtle and layered relationship begins between the two women, bringing caste, sexuality, and workplace politics into focus. This segment is rich in nuance and depth.

4. Ankahi

Directed by Kayoze Irani, this emotional story revolves around Natasha, a married woman whose husband refuses to learn sign language despite their daughter being hearing-impaired. Feeling unheard and lonely, Natasha begins an affair with a deaf photographer, Kabir. The story unfolds without much dialogue and relies heavily on gestures, expressions, and silences, making it deeply moving.

Each story ends with a punch—sometimes shocking, sometimes heartbreaking. None of the endings feel conventional, which is what makes this anthology “ajeeb” or strange in the most haunting and beautiful way.

🎭 Cast and Characters – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Ajeeb Daastaans brings together a stunning ensemble cast. Each story is driven by strong, layered characters played by some of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. The casting is not just about star power; it’s about choosing the right faces for emotionally complex roles.

Story 1: Majnu

• Fatima Sana Shaikh as Lipakshi: A woman stuck in a loveless marriage, searching for affection.
• Jaideep Ahlawat as Babloo: Her cold, ambitious husband hiding secrets of his own.
• Armaan Ralhan as Raj Kumar: The charming young man who becomes the catalyst for drama and betrayal.

The tension between these three leads to an intense, psychological play of love, revenge, and deceit.

Story 2: Khilauna

• Nushrratt Bharuccha as Meenal: A resilient domestic worker who navigates the class divide.
• Inayat Verma as Binny: Meenal’s younger sister, sharp and observant.
• Abhishek Banerjee as Sushil: Meenal’s love interest, who tries to help her rise above poverty.

This story is driven by the performances of the children and the chilling climax that makes their presence unforgettable.

Story 3: Geeli Pucchi

• Konkona Sen Sharma as Bharti Mandal: A brilliant Dalit woman who masks her pain with strength.
• Aditi Rao Hydari as Priya Sharma: An upper-caste newcomer with hidden vulnerabilities.

Their dynamic is subtle, making this segment the most socially layered and emotionally powerful of the four.

Story 4: Ankahi

• Shefali Shah as Natasha: A mother struggling with emotional neglect and seeking connection.
• Manav Kaul as Kabir: A deaf photographer who understands her silence.

The chemistry between Shefali and Manav, expressed through gestures and silences, makes this story heartbreakingly beautiful.

The casting choices throughout the anthology showcase a balance of mainstream and indie talent, proving the strength of performance-driven cinema.

🎵 Music and Soundtrack – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Music in Ajeeb Daastaans plays a subtle yet essential role. It never overpowers the narrative but enhances the emotional undertones of each story.

Background Score

• Composer: Karan Kulkarni
• His background music is minimalistic, often eerie and introspective, adding layers to the silence and mood of each story.
• Especially in Ankahi, the score uses ambient tones to reflect Natasha’s inner emptiness and her emotional affair.

Featured Songs of Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Though Ajeeb Daastaans is not song-heavy, it includes a couple of soulful tracks that stay with the audience.

• “Le Chal Mujhe”
  • Singer: Armaan Malik
  • Composer: Karan Kulkarni
  • A melancholic love ballad that plays during Ankahi, capturing longing and unsaid feelings.
• “Nayi Dhoop”
  • Singer: Yashika Sikka
  • Composer: Tanishk Bagchi
  • Plays during Geeli Pucchi, symbolizing Bharti’s hope for recognition and change.

Lyrics

• Lyrics are penned by Kausar Munir and Varun Grover, who use simple yet poetic language to reflect the emotions of the stories.
• The lyrics never distract from the narrative and instead serve as emotional bridges in key scenes.

Reception

• Critics appreciated the restrained use of music.
• Viewers found the soundtrack moving, particularly in Ankahi, where music filled the silence.

The music acts more like a character than just a background, guiding the emotional arc of the film.

🌟 Performances and Acting Reviews – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

The heart of Ajeeb Daastaans lies in its acting. Each story features deep, powerful performances that bring emotional realism to the screen.

Standout Performances

• Konkona Sen Sharma delivers a raw, layered performance as Bharti. Her body language, pauses, and glances convey unspoken caste trauma and quiet strength. She dominates every frame with natural ease.
• Shefali Shah shines in Ankahi. Without speaking much, she conveys heartbreak, loneliness, and longing. Her chemistry with Manav Kaul, who plays Kabir, is delicate and moving.
• Fatima Sana Shaikh balances sensuality with suppressed anger as Lipakshi in Majnu. Her expressive eyes and body language reveal a woman suffocating behind glamour.
• Jaideep Ahlawat brings his trademark intensity. He underplays Babloo’s brooding silence, giving the character a mysterious depth.
• Abhishek Banerjee, known for comic roles, surprises with his chilling performance in Khilauna. He plays a supporting role with dark undertones, and it adds shock value to the climax.
• Aditi Rao Hydari portrays innocence and fragility as Priya. Her character is gentle on the outside but unknowingly carries social privilege that impacts Bharti.

Across the anthology, each actor delivers more than just a role—they embody the mood of their story. These are not star performances; they are actor performances.

✍️ Dialogues and Writing Style – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

The writing across Ajeeb Daastaans is sharp, multi-layered, and often minimalist. Dialogues are used sparingly but with strong impact.

Story-Specific Writing Styles

• Majnu: The dialogues are restrained, reflecting the emotional distance between the characters. Much is conveyed through subtext and silent stares.
• Khilauna: The language is sharp, street-smart, and raw. It mirrors the struggles of people living in lower-class urban settings. The realism of the speech adds tension to the shocking climax.
• Geeli Pucchi: This segment uses socio-political dialogue beautifully. The contrast between Bharti’s directness and Priya’s soft-spoken lines reveals their class and caste differences.
• Ankahi: Most powerful here is the absence of dialogue. The story uses sign language and expressions instead of speech. When words are used, they are simple yet deeply meaningful.

Writers of Ajeeb Daastaans movie

• Shashank Khaitan, Raj Mehta, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Kayoze Irani have each written or co-written their respective stories.
• Neeraj Ghaywan and Sumit Saxena’s writing in Geeli Pucchi has been praised for its bold take on caste and gender.

Themes in Writing

• Unexpressed love, loneliness, casteism, class conflict, and emotional betrayal.
• Use of silence, body language, and surroundings to express feelings.

The anthology’s writing style respects the intelligence of the audience. It trusts viewers to read between the lines.

🎬 Release and Promotion Strategy – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Ajeeb Daastaans was released at a time when Indian cinema was exploring more content on streaming platforms.

Release Details

• Release Date: April 16, 2021
• Platform: Netflix
• Language: Hindi
• Runtime: Around 2 hours
• It was launched as a Netflix Original Film under the banner of Dharmatic Entertainment, a digital extension of Dharma Productions.

Promotion Strategy

• The trailer was released on YouTube and social media platforms, highlighting the star cast and the theme of “strange tales”.
• Teasers were focused on each story’s unique tone—some intense, some emotional.
• Actors did digital interviews and promoted the film via Instagram Lives, YouTube discussions, and online press junkets.

Target Audience

• Viewers who enjoy anthology films, social commentary, and character-driven drama.
• The promotional content positioned the movie as a bold and unconventional take on modern Indian relationships.

The promotional campaign focused more on storytelling and the emotional journey rather than star power, which helped attract a niche but loyal OTT audience.

💰 Box Office and OTT Streaming Performance – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

As an OTT-exclusive release, Ajeeb Daastaans did not have a theatrical box office run. However, its streaming performance made headlines.

OTT Viewership

• Within the first week of release, Ajeeb Daastaans was among the Top 10 trending titles on Netflix India.
• It was widely discussed on social media, especially the Geeli Pucchi and Ankahi segments, which received high praise.
• Viewer engagement was high due to the movie’s emotional depth, unique format, and repeat-watch value.

Critical Performance Metrics

• Netflix doesn’t release exact viewership numbers, but third-party OTT analytics (like Ormax Media) listed it as one of the most-watched Hindi anthologies of 2021.
• It contributed to a growing trend of multi-story OTT films in India.

Long-Term Performance

• Continued to receive viewership over time as word-of-mouth spread.
• It remains a recommended title for viewers interested in layered storytelling and meaningful content.

The film’s success on Netflix proves that Indian audiences are open to non-linear, unconventional storytelling when backed by strong content.

🌍 Cultural Impact and Public Response – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Ajeeb Daastaans sparked many conversations about modern Indian society, particularly on issues that are often brushed under the carpet—caste, gender, emotional neglect, and the power divide between rich and poor.

Social Conversations

The most impactful segment, Geeli Pucchi, opened up strong debates around:

• Caste-based discrimination in urban settings.
• The intersectionality of caste and gender.
• The idea of privilege masked as politeness, portrayed through Priya’s character.

On social media, many users hailed Konkona Sen Sharma’s portrayal of Bharti as a watershed moment in mainstream depiction of caste realities.

Gender and Silence

Ankahi made viewers reflect on:

• Emotional neglect in marriages.
• The need for empathy in parenting, especially for differently-abled children.
• The beauty of communication beyond words.

Viewers and critics alike praised how Shefali Shah and Manav Kaul portrayed love through silence. Several deaf community advocates appreciated the respectful use of Indian Sign Language in the story.

Reflection on Class and Capitalism

In Khilauna, the brutal climax triggered conversations about:

• The dehumanization of domestic workers.
• Children being caught in adult conflicts.
• How economic inequality drives people to emotional numbness or even violence.

Audiences found this story disturbing yet revealing—a mirror to India’s growing urban class divide.

Public Response

• Millennials and Gen Z viewers appreciated the bold storytelling and experimental format.
• On platforms like Twitter and Reddit, users dissected each story’s message, especially the open-ended and morally grey tones.
• Ajeeb Daastaans became a case study in film clubs and cinema discussion forums.

Its cultural footprint may not be visible in numbers but certainly felt in the way it started new kinds of conversations—more personal, more political.

🎥 Comparisons with Similar Movies – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Ajeeb Daastaans belongs to the anthology genre, which has seen a revival on OTT platforms. Here’s how it compares with other Indian and international anthology films.

Indian Anthology Films

Lust Stories (2018)

• Also produced by Karan Johar and released on Netflix.
• Focused on female desire across four short films.
• Lust Stories had more sensual undertones, while Ajeeb Daastaans is broader in theme—dealing with betrayal, class, and love.

Ghost Stories (2020)

• Another Netflix-Dharma anthology, focused on horror.
• Received mixed reviews due to inconsistency in tone and execution.
• Compared to this, Ajeeb Daastaans was praised for tighter writing and stronger emotional arcs.

Modern Love Mumbai and Modern Love Hyderabad

• Inspired by the American Modern Love series.
• More romantic, less political.
• Ajeeb Daastaans wins for its social relevance and darker themes.

International Anthologies

Black Mirror (UK)

• While Black Mirror is sci-fi, it shares the same unpredictability and moral complexity as Ajeeb Daastaans.
• Each episode, like each story in Ajeeb Daastaans, leaves viewers questioning their beliefs.

Short Cuts (USA, Robert Altman)

• Multi-narrative film exploring American society.
• Ajeeb Daastaans is more rooted in Indian realities, but both follow the format of interwoven emotional tales.

Unique Edge

What makes Ajeeb Daastaans stand apart is:

• The emotional depth in ordinary settings.
• Its quiet treatment of loud issues—caste, class, and emotional silence.
• The balance of realism and metaphor.

Compared to its peers, this anthology strikes a better balance between heart and social commentary.

🏆 Awards and Recognition – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Ajeeb Daastaans received critical acclaim and was acknowledged by both Indian and international platforms.

Major Awards

• Filmfare OTT Awards 2021
  • Best Actress (Critics) – Konkona Sen Sharma for Geeli Pucchi
  • Best Story – Neeraj Ghaywan and Sumit Saxena
  • Best Background Score – Karan Kulkarni
• Asian Academy Creative Awards
  • Nominated for Best Anthology Drama
• Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
  • Geeli Pucchi was showcased and appreciated for its layered social storytelling.

Critical Recognition

• Praised by The Indian Express, Film Companion, and Hindustan Times for:
  • Realistic characters.
  • Power-packed acting.
  • Courageous themes.
• Featured in many “Best of 2021” lists for Hindi cinema on OTT platforms.

While not a commercial blockbuster, it became a critical darling—earning credibility for the OTT anthology format.

🧠 Conclusion and Final Thoughts – Ajeeb Daastaans movie

Ajeeb Daastaans is more than just four stories. It’s a mirror that reflects the hidden wounds of our relationships and society. Each segment takes us into a different world, yet all are bound by the common thread of emotional truth and human contradiction.

It doesn’t give easy answers. In fact, it leaves us uncomfortable at times—questioning love, morality, privilege, and empathy. From the icy silence of a marriage to the unspeakable anger of a child, from workplace bias to longing glances—every moment is crafted with honesty.

The film proves that Hindi cinema is ready for more complex storytelling. It also shows how OTT platforms can become playgrounds for bold, socially-aware narratives.

If you’re a fan of films that go beyond entertainment—films that make you feel, think, and discuss—then Ajeeb Daastaans is essential viewing. It may not be easy to watch, but it will definitely stay with you long after the credits roll.

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