Rating – 2.75/5
Film: Gundello Godari
Starring: Lakshmi Manchu,Aadhi, Tapasee,Sundeep Kishan
Director: Kumar Nagendra
Producer: Lakshmi Manchu
Banner: Manchu Entertainments
Music: Illayaraja
Story
Story is set in a remote village in Rajahmundry in the year 1986. Malli (Aadi) and Chitra (Lakshmi Manchu) are newly married couple yet have few differences. A flood hits the village badly and the couple stuck in the flood loses hope on their survival and so decides to reveal their past to each other, also trying to save each other. While Malli reveals about his past love Sarala (Tapsee), Chitra tells about her admiration for Suri Babu (Sundeep Kishan) and her dark past. How does the duo react after knowing about each other and Will Malli and Chitra survive the flood forms the rest of the story.
Performances
Aadi is quite good as fisherman and he delivers his best. Sundeep Kishan is natural at his acting and is impressive in his role.
Tapsee looked beautiful as village belle and her role as a seductress is a bit bold but was well portrayed. Lakshmi Manchu does a commendable job. Ravi Babu fits the bill aptly, Murali Mohan is ok while Suja sizzles in item number. Rest of the cast is adequate.
Technical Analysis
Ilayaraja’s music is one of the assets of the film and the background score elevates the happenings. Dialogues work well with the mass movie lovers. Cinematography by Palani Kumar is first-class and all the flood scenes are brilliantly captured. Kumar Nagendra direction is good while the screenplay is predictable in the latter half. VFx works are impressive. Editing could have been better. Production values by Manchu Entertainments banner are good.
Analysis
Director Kumar Nagendra needs appreciation for his commendable efforts trying out a distinct rural backdrop film which isn’t routine. The first half of the film is good with cinematography, music and taking standing out. Aadhi and Tapsee’s story keeps entertaining you while the interval bang is okay though the film moves at slow pace.
However, the second half misses the needed magic with the lack of emotional depth in the content and the pace drops. The flood scenes are superbly captured and starting scenes amazes you with good visuals and background score. But the pace of the movie drops and after the first hour Sundeep Kishan, Lakshmi Manchu story begins which could have been scripted well as it becomes extremely predictable despite some good performances. There is more melodrama in the second half but the scenes lack depth and are unconvincing with few loopholes. Cinematography, music and the first half are positives of Gundello Godari while the second half fails to fulfill the excitement factor after a very good first half.
Final Verdict
Laudable attempt by debutant director Kumar Nagendra. Watch Gundello Godari without much expectations
