Movie Review: Gangs of Godavari

Upcoming Tollywood actor Vishwak Sen has made a name for himself by choosing different stories and excelling in acting. He recently captivated the audience with a diverse film like ‘Gami’. This experimental film received critical acclaim. Today, he greeted the audience once again with the movie ‘Gangs of Godavari’, directed by Krishna Chaitanya. Let’s see the complete review of how well this movie fared with the audience!

Story

The entire story of this movie is set in the 1990s. Ratnakar alias Ratna (Vishwak Sen) from Lanka village in the Godavari district roams around the village committing thefts without any proper employment. Ratnakar, who has a tendency to exploit those around him for his gain, learns about the sand mafia operating in the area. He discovers that local MLA Doraswamy Raju (Goparaju Ramana) is behind it and gets close to him. Within a few days, Ratnakar becomes Doraswami’s right-hand man. He then falls in love with Bujji (Neha Shetty), the daughter of Doraswamy’s political rival Nanaji (Nassar), and gets close to Nanaji for her. How did Ratnakar become an MLA by using two politicians? What happened after that? How did Doraswamy take revenge on Ratnakar, who betrayed him? What did Ratnakar do after learning that his own men had turned against him? To find the answers to these questions, you must watch the movie.

Screenplay-Analysis

Many movies have been made with themes of politics and factionalism set in the backdrop of Rayalaseema. ‘Gangs of Godavari’ also follows a similar story. However, the hero in this movie is not from the Rayalaseema region but a boy from the Godavari region. This is a pure mass story. Casting a hero like Vishwak Sen was already half of the battle won for the movie team. Vishwak fits perfectly in the role of Ratna. The audience immediately likes the character once the movie starts. Director Krishna Chaitanya has driven the story forward entirely with the hero’s role. The fight before the interval is at a different level. Compared to the first half, the second half is a bit slower. The director effectively showed how the hero rose to power by exploiting political loopholes and then declined. Although the director chose an old story, he tried to present it somewhat freshly on screen. However, there are many flaws in it. The storyline seems far from reality. The hero’s rise to the MLA level appears cinematic. Additionally, traits like even after becoming an MLA, behaving like a bully, attacking opponents and falling in love with the heroine do not appeal to the audience’s interest. Some scenes are boring in between.

Actors

Vishwak Sen excelled in the role of Ratna. It can also be said that he gave life to that character. This is a perfect choice for Vishwak, who naturally likes mass characters. Vishwak’s effort to speak in the Godavari dialect should be appreciated, although occasionally, the Telangana accent came through. Neha Shetty, in the role of Bujji, impresses with her performance while presenting herself glamourously on screen. Anjali did justice to the role of the prostitute Ratnamala. Gagan Vihari is impressive as the villain Yadu. Nasser, Sai Kumar, Hyper Aadi, and the rest of the actors performed to the extent of their roles.

Technical Elements

Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is a plus point for this movie. The songs are very good, and the song ‘Suttamla Susi’ became a super hit even before the movie’s release. Cinematographer Anith Madadi captured the beauty of the Godavari region wonderfully. Naveen Nooli’s editing is also commendable. The production values of Sitara Entertainments are impressive, and it appears that no expense was spared in the making of the film.

Plus Points

• Vishwak’s performance
• Action scenes

Minus Points

• Slowing down of the second half
• Some boring scenes

Punch Line

‘Gangs of Godavari’ is a treat for the mass audience!