Such a Long Journey 2000

Gustad Noble, portrayed by Roshan Seth, is a Parsi bank clerk navigating life with his family in Bombay, just on the brink of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Initially, he appears to be a self-absorbed and neurotic individual, entangled in his own emotional turmoil over both past grievances and present struggles, making it difficult for him to connect with friends and family alike.

Haunted by reminiscences of his privileged upbringing and the once-great fortune of his father—now embezzled by a corrupt uncle—Gustad wrestles with various personal crises. He is perplexed by the changes in his eldest son, Sohrab, played by Vrajesh Hirjee, who has chosen to forgo an opportunity at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology. Additionally, he faces anxiety regarding his youngest daughter, Roshan, who falls ill, further complicating his already precarious life.

Gustad’s existence is colored by his peculiar interactions with quirky neighbors and his bond with his dear friend and colleague, Dinshawji. One character, Tehmul, who appears to be insignificant and mentally disabled, surprisingly becomes pivotal in Gustad’s life, revealing his tenderness and embodying the innocence of existence.

The plot thickens when Gustad receives a mysterious letter from an old acquaintance, Major Bilimoria. This correspondence gradually pulls him into a web of government deception, filled with threats, secrecy, and substantial sums of money. As Gustad embarks on this unfolding journey, he discovers new perspectives that illuminate every aspect of his tumultuous life.