Gaddalakonda Ganesh Review

A wannabe director Abhilash (Atharvaa Murali) who is struggling for a breakthrough in his career gets a chance to direct a film.  Abhi decides to make a film about a real gangster. During his pursuit of a gangster who suits his requirement, he finds a dreaded don Gaddhalakonda Ganesh (Varun Tej). To develop his script completely, Abhi reaches Gaddhalakonda town to watch Gani closely and to know about him. During an encounter between Ganesh and Abhi, Ganesh agrees to do a film in his direction. Rest of the story deals about how Abhi manages to make his film with Ganesh and the difficulties he faces during its making. 

 

 

 

We mostly watched Varun Tej in a soft, boy next door kind of roles. But, this time he stuns the audience with his terrific makeover as a rugged and deadly gangster. The getup perfectly suits him which further complements his performance. Though the character is more for his age, He aced it with perfect aplomb. Varun Tej has given his career best as Gaddhalakonda Ganesh. He literally set the screen on fire with his explosive act.

 

Atharvaa Murali did a promising debut in Telugu in the role of a desperate director. He did complete justice to his character with his balanced performance. His scenes came out well with comedian Sathya. 

 

Pooja Hegde did a commendable job in her brief role as SriDevi which comes during  flashback. She looks beautiful in ‘Velluvochi Godaramma’ song. Mrinalini Ravi did a good performance as Bujjamma and She portrayed her role as an innocent village girl convincingly. Dimple Hayathi sizzles and adds glamour in ‘Zarra Zarra’ song.

 

Among the others characters Thanikella Bharani, Brahmaji, Sathya, Shatru are adequate and made an impression with their performances.

 

 

 

Varun Tej’s Performance

Harish Shankar’s Dialogues and Direction

Background Music

Mass Elements

Entertainment

Rich Production Values

 

 

Gets Slow at times in second half

 

 

 

Director Harish Shankar has developed a unique brand of entertainment that is full of energy. His writing, full of punches makes it instantly accessible to the masses. In Valmiki, Harish Shankar is in full flow and delivers a knockout punch.

 

The first half of Valmiki is typical Harish Shankar brand, energetic mass entertainer. The presentation of Varun Tej and the dialogue-based humour steal the show. Many scenes stand out with hilarious punches. Not only that, the heroism too, is properly elevated. 

 

The second half contains the core emotional essence. What also works here is the meta-angle where Harish Shankar channels him through the lead character, who plays a director. The insider knowledge of the director comes to fore here that makes for an engaging viewing on screen. Along with many clap worthy dialogues Harish Shankar has penned some superb dialogues about Cinema. His passion and love towards cinema is evident in a couple of sequences featuring Tanikella Bharani in second half. Watch out for the Cinema Kavitha which comes during end credits penned by Tanikella Bharani and Harish Shankar. 

 

The way the flashback of Gaddalakonda Ganesh is brought into the narrative and used to bring a change is well done. The climax, therefore, forms the heart of the movie in the world of Gaddalakonda Ganesh created by Harish Shankar. It shines through and wins the heart of the audience. 

 

Mickey J Mayer is known for his classy fares, but he goes full throttle mass for a change. He has done a fantastic job with the background score that keeps the proceedings high on mass-energy. The cinematography by Ayananka Bose is extraordinary. It gives the movie a different feel altogether. The editing by Chota K Prasad is impressive. Despite a near three hour length, we never feel that watching on the big screen. 

 

The producers Ram Achanta and Gopi Achanta, have left no stones unturned to make Gaddalakonda Ganesh a massive affair. The lavish production values and a keen sense of commerciality are visible on the screen. They deserve all the praise for bringing a fresh mass entertainer to the Telugu audience. 

 

Bottom-line: “Mass”ive Entertainment 

 

Rating: 3.5/5