Gangs of Godavari

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Overview: Set in the 1990s and early 2000s, Gangs of Godavari tells the story of Rathna (Vishwak Sen), a local ruffian who climbs the ladders of local politics amidst a chaotic and turbulent environment. The film is ambitious, attempting to weave a vast narrative filled with crime, redemption, and religious symbolism. However, it ultimately falters due to its hasty storytelling, lack of emotional depth, and disjointed character development.

Narrative and Pacing: From the beginning, the film bombards the audience with a relentless flow of information and rapid developments, leaving little room for breathers. The narrative is riddled with turning points and familiar tropes that feel overwhelming rather than engaging. Krishna Chaitanya’s attempt to add a spiritual dimension to Rathna’s journey feels desperate and out of place, further muddling the already convoluted storyline.

Character Development: The protagonist, Rathna, fails to resonate emotionally with the audience. While his character is portrayed as a flawed individual making numerous mistakes, the director’s efforts to evoke a sense of tragic victimhood fall flat. Rathna’s journey is marred by inconsistent character development and a lack of emotional growth. The love story between Rathna and Bujji (Neha Sshetty) lacks depth and feels hollow, undermining its significance in the plot.

Setting and Time Period: The film’s setting, presumably in the early 90s, is poorly established, with inconsistent references to the time period. The introduction of a cellular phone and other modern elements disrupts the historical context. The film fails to convey the passage of time effectively, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters’ growth and development.

Performances: Vishwak Sen’s portrayal of Rathna is underwhelming. While he excels in conventionally heroic moments, he fails to delve deeper into the character’s complexities. The supporting cast, including Neha Sshetty, Anjali, and Goparaju Ramana, deliver passable performances but are hindered by poorly written roles. Anjali’s character, Mala, is particularly underutilized, despite her sincere performance.

Action and Style: The film includes several action set pieces that are visually engaging but lack originality. Excessive use of slow-motion shots and a deafening background score diminish their impact. The stylistic touches, such as the occasional black-and-white visuals, provide some novelty but do little to elevate the overall narrative.

Overall: Gangs of Godavari is an ambitious film that falls short of its potential. The hasty storytelling, lack of emotional depth, and inconsistent character development undermine the narrative. While there are moments of intrigue and stylistic flair, they are not enough to salvage the film. Krishna Chaitanya’s attempt to create a sprawling tale of crime and redemption is ultimately marred by its foundational flaws.

Final Verdict: Prepare for a film that overwhelms more than it engages, leaving you yearning for a quieter, more coherent experience. The first half of the movie is decent and well-paced, the second half loses momentum and fails to maintain the same level of excitement. The 2 stars is for Yuvan Shankar Raja BGM as it was ultimate.  The story revolves around his character who is dark, messy and on the wrong side of the moral compass.

“Gang Of Godavari” revolves around a character who embodies darkness, messiness, and moral ambiguity. Unfortunately, the film falls short in delivering a compelling action movie experience. The screenplay is particularly disappointing, failing to engage the audience or provide a coherent narrative.