Gangs of Godavari is one of the most awaited films in Telugu cinema. For the first time in his career, Vishwak Sen will be seen in a powerful role. Directed by Krishna Chaitanya, this film has hit the screens today. Let’s see how it is.
Gangs of Godavari Story: Lankala Ratnakar (Vishwak Sen), from Kovvuru, aspires to achieve fame by any means necessary. His ambition propels him into politics, where he becomes an MLA, adopting the name Tiger Ratnakar. However, his ascent to power attracts numerous enemies. The story reveals the ultimate consequences of his actions and the crucial roles played by MLA Dorasami Raju (Goparaju Ramana) and Nanaji (Nasser).
Performances: Vishwak Sen skillfully showcases his expressions and mannerisms, exuding a strong screen presence. His delivery of powerful dialogues is seamless, and he handles intense action scenes with commendable effort. Neha Sshetty looks good on screen and performs well, though her screen presence is limited, especially in the first half. Anjali leaves a lasting impression with her performance in a significant role, surprising fans with a different look and a compelling portrayal. Goparaju Ramama, who plays the local politician is a superb cast in the film.
Technicalities: Naveen Nooli‘s editing is adequate but could have been more streamlined. The dialogues are mostly ordinary, with only a few standing out. Solid production values contribute to the film’s overall presentation. Yuvan Shankar Raja makes a comeback to Tollywood with a powerful and thumping background score that elevates the scenes. Anith Madhadi’s cinematography is commendable, realistically showcasing the natural beauty of the Godavari locations.
Analysis: Directed by Krishna Chaitanya, Gangs of Godavari is a mass action entertainer set against the rustic backdrop of the Godavari region. The story follows the protagonist’s ascent to the top position in a gang, a premise seen in many similar films. The plot setup and character establishment are well-executed in the first half.
There are a few standout moments, such as the kidnap comedy and the intense police station mass fight. However, the second half descends into chaos with a formulaic narrative that often feels rushed. The plotline involving a conspiracy to kill the sitting MLA, portrayed as if he were a mere street thug, appears artificial.
The cunning strategies of both the protagonist and the antagonist lose their impact due to the hurried screenplay. The pre-climax and climax fail to convincingly wrap up the story, leaving it on an unsatisfactory note. Krishna Chaitanya had all the data to make a solid film, but he spoils it with both hands.
There are good scenes, but the drama clicks only in bits and pieces. Krishna Chaitanya showcases nothing new apart from setting the film in the Godavari region. Vishwak Sen makes some sense, but the rest are not that great in this boring action drama.
Verdict: Overall, Gangs of Godavari could have been a gripping political thriller, but falters in its execution. While Vishwak Sen is amazing, and so is the production design, the drama fails to deliver and makes the film a boring watch this weekend.
Bottom Line – A lost opportunity
Rating: 2.5/5
