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
Recent Random Post:
Balakrishna Lines Up Multiple Projects, Directors Race for Next Film
Among senior heroes, Nandamuri Balakrishna is clearly the busiest right now, juggling multiple projects at once. He is currently shooting for a mass action entertainer directed by Gopichand Malineni. While this film is progressing at a brisk pace, discussions about his next project are already creating a buzz in the industry, with fans eagerly waiting for an official announcement.
One of the strongest names in consideration is Vivek Athreya. Reports suggest that a project backed by Mythri Movie Makers is almost locked, although there’s no formal confirmation yet. Apparently, Balakrishna was impressed with the story idea as it offers a fresh and different approach compared to his routine mass entertainers. Given their successful collaboration on Veera Simha Reddy, the banner already shares a solid rapport with the actor.
Another interesting option is Vijay Kanakamedala, who gained recognition with Naandhi. He is said to have pitched a powerful script that impressed Balakrishna. Producer Sudhakar Cherukuri is ready to bankroll this project, which is expected to be completed quickly with a controlled budget—making it a practical and efficient choice. However, Balakrishna is yet to finalize which project will go on floors first.
Meanwhile, there are also rumors about Harish Shankar being in the race. After Ustaad Bhagat Singh failed to meet expectations, the director is reportedly being extra cautious about his next move. It remains to be seen whether this combination will materialize.
Following the setback of Akhanda 2, Balakrishna is said to be more selective with his scripts. He has reportedly dropped a historical subject and shifted his focus back to a commercial entertainer. Actress Nayanthara is likely to play the female lead, while Dimple Hayathi may appear as the second heroine.
The makers are aiming to release his current film during either Dasara or Diwali this year. If there are delays, the film could be pushed to Sankranti 2027. For now, Balakrishna remains fully focused on completing his ongoing project, while other senior stars are comparatively less busy with just one film each in hand.
