Konkona Sen Sharma
Bharti Mandal (segment 'Geeli Pucchi')
Overview
An anthology of four stories that explore the surprising ways in which unexpected catalysts inflame the uncomfortable emotions simmering under fractured relationships.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Unspoken Edges of Love and Longing
I’ve always been drawn to anthologies—not for their convenience, but for their stubborn refusal to let any one story settle. Ajeeb Daastaans (transl. Strange Stories) is no different. Four directors, four narratives, each a self-contained world, yet all orbiting the same quiet catastrophe: the things we don’t say to the people we’re supposed to love. Netflix’s 2021 Hindi-language anthology doesn’t just explore fractured relationships; it lingers in the cracks, where light slips through and reveals what’s been buried.
The anthology format is a gamble. Too often, it feels like a sampler platter—some bites satisfying, others forgettable. But here, the unevenness isn’t a flaw; it’s part of the point.
These are stories about imbalance—power, desire, regret—and the film’s own rhythm mirrors that. Some segments land with the precision of a scalpel; others feel like they’re still searching for their mark. Yet even the missteps have a rawness that lingers, like a bruise you can’t stop pressing.
Take Neeraj Ghaywan’s Geeli Pucchi, the standout of the four. It’s a story about class, caste, and the quiet violence of being unseen. Konkona Sen Sharma plays Bharti, a Dalit woman working in a factory, whose life is upended when a new hire, Priya (Aditi Rao Hydari), arrives—upper-caste, educated, and effortlessly charming.
The film’s genius lies in its restraint. Ghaywan doesn’t rely on melodrama; instead, he lets the camera linger on small, devastating details. The way Bharti’s fingers tremble as she adjusts Priya’s dupatta.
The way Priya’s smile falters when she realizes the weight of what Bharti is asking of her. It’s a story about the lies we tell ourselves to survive, and the moments when those lies collapse under their own weight.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.0/10
"An uneven but compelling anthology that shines in moments, carried by strong performances and bold storytelling choices."
Viewers appreciate the anthology format for its variety and the opportunity to see different directorial styles, with standout performances from the cast adding depth to the stories. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the uneven quality of the segments and some underdeveloped narratives leave audiences wanting more consistency and emotional payoff.
What viewers praise
- Strong performances The cast, particularly Konkona Sen Sharma, Shefali Shah, and Jaideep Ahlawat, delivers powerful and nuanced performances that elevate the stories.
- Bold storytelling The anthology format allows for diverse and unconventional narratives, offering fresh perspectives on relationships and societal issues.
- Emotional depth Some segments resonate deeply, exploring complex emotions and human connections in a relatable way.
- Visual appeal The film’s cinematography and visual style are praised for enhancing the storytelling and creating immersive atmospheres.
Common complaints
- Uneven quality The anthology’s segments vary widely in impact, with some feeling rushed or underdeveloped compared to others.
- Lack of cohesion The stories don’t always feel connected, making the anthology seem disjointed rather than a unified whole.
- Weak endings Some segments struggle with unsatisfying or abrupt conclusions, leaving viewers wanting more closure.
- Pacing issues A few stories feel slow or drag in places, testing the audience’s patience.
Recommended for
Anthology film enthusiasts Fans of Indian drama Lovers of character-driven stories Those who enjoy bold storytelling Admirers of strong female leads
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s Ajeeb Daastaans: The Anthology That Stirred Censorship Debates and Star Power
Ajeeb Daastaans (2021), Netflix’s Hindi-language anthology film, arrived with a buzz—partly for its star-studded cast, partly for the controversies simmering behind the scenes. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and Raj Mehta (alongside Kayoze Irani and Shashank Khaitan, per source 
), the movie weaves four distinct stories exploring love, desire, and societal taboos. latestnetflix.com's take is that but before its release, whispers about OTT censorship and creative tensions hinted at a production more fraught than its trailer let on.
The Censorship Cloud
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3mzal_KJZA
One of the biggest talking points around Ajeeb Daastaans was its brush with censorship. Konkona Sen Sharma, who stars in one of the segments, hinted at the challenges in an exclusive interview . While she didn’t dive into specifics, her comments suggested that Netflix’s internal review process had raised concerns over the film’s content—particularly its portrayal of relationships deemed "unconventional" for mainstream Indian audiences. The anthology’s bold themes, including queer subtext and marital infidelity, likely triggered scrutiny, though neither Netflix nor the filmmakers confirmed any cuts .
Rumors swirled that one segment, possibly Ghaywan’s, faced the most resistance. Ghaywan, known for his unflinching social commentary in Masaan (2015), has a history of pushing boundaries, and Ajeeb Daastaans appeared to be no exception. However, without official statements, the extent of the censorship remains unconfirmed.
Star Power and Segment Secrets
The anthology’s ensemble cast—Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and others—brought heft to its four narratives, each helmed by a different director. Here’s what the evidence reveals about the segments:
YTYouTube·Ajeeb Daastaans | No Rating Movie Review | Jaide… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O8SVYLXAag- Shefali Shah and Manav Kaul starred in Raj Mehta’s segment, a drama reportedly centered on marital discord. Shah’s performance, described as "raw" in reviews , became a standout, though details about the plot remain scarce.
- Konkona Sen Sharma and Arjun Rampal were rumored to share screen space in one story, though Rampal’s name doesn’t appear in the official cast list . This discrepancy suggests either a misreport or a cameo that didn’t make the final cut .
- Jaideep Ahlawat and Nushrratt Bharuccha led another segment, with Ahlawat playing a character described as "morally ambiguous" in a no-rating review . Bharuccha’s role, though less discussed, reportedly explored themes of ambition and exploitation.
- Fatima Sana Shaikh and Armaan Ralhan anchored a third story, with Shaikh’s performance earning praise for its emotional depth . Little else is confirmed about their segment’s plot.
The fourth segment, likely directed by Shashank Khaitan or Kayoze Irani, remains the most opaque, with no cast or thematic details surfacing in the available evidence.
Reception: Praise and Polarization
Ajeeb Daastaans premiered to mixed but engaged reactions. On SensCritique, the film earned a 7/10 rating from 24 voters, with users praising its "bold storytelling" but critiquing its uneven pacing . Rotten Tomatoes lists the cast but offers no aggregate score or critic consensus , leaving its critical reception unclear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8tlNvYsH18
YouTube reviews, like the "No Rating Movie Review" , highlighted the anthology’s strengths—particularly its performances—while noting that some segments felt "incomplete" or "rushed." A Movie Club discussion delved into the film’s themes, with participants debating whether its fragmented structure enhanced or diluted its impact.
The Netflix Factor
As a Netflix original, Ajeeb Daastaans benefited from the platform’s global reach but also faced its constraints. The streaming giant’s algorithm-driven approach to content often clashes with indie sensibilities, and Ghaywan’s segment, in particular, may have been a casualty of this tension. While Netflix hasn’t commented on creative differences, the film’s existence on the platform suggests a compromise was reached—though what was lost in the process remains a mystery.
Unanswered Questions
Despite the buzz, Ajeeb Daastaans leaves several threads dangling:
- The Arjun Rampal Mystery: Why was his name tied to the project if he doesn’t appear in the final cast? Was it a last-minute exit or a miscommunication ?
- Censorship Details: What specific scenes or themes were flagged, and how did the filmmakers respond ?
- The Missing Segment: Which director helmed the fourth story, and what was its focus? The evidence offers no clues.
For now, Ajeeb Daastaans stands as a fascinating, if incomplete, experiment—one that showcases the challenges of balancing artistic vision with platform demands.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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