“Gangs of Godavari” is a Telegu gangster film written and directed by Krishna Chaitanya that explores the themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of success. The movie, starring Vishwak Sen, Anjali, and Neha Shetty, follows the journey of Lankala Ratnakar (Vishwak Sen), a cunning and opportunistic man who rises from a small-time trade to a powerful political figure in the Godavari region.
The film’s narrative quickly establishes the milieu and its people, introducing the practice of “Kaththi kattadam” or placing a trident to avenge a wrongdoing. The story unfolds in a period when ballot boxes were still in use and smartphones were not yet prevalent.
Ratnakar’s rise to power is marked by his shrewd manipulation of his rivals, MLA Doraswami Raju (Goparaju Ramana), and Nanaji (Nassr). His story is intertwined with the lives of sex workers Ratnamala (Anjali) and Bujji (Neha Sshetty), whose lineage adds an interesting twist to the narrative.
Vishwak Sen’s Captivating Performance
Vishek Sen delivers a standout performance as Lankala Ratnakar, effectively capturing the character’s evolution from a vulnerable man to a powerful and arrogant figure. His portrayal of Ratnakar’s swag, rage, and vulnerability is particularly noteworthy, especially when the creaks in his armor are exposed, and he faces his fears.
Anjali and Neha Shetty also contribute strong performances, with Anjali’s portrayal of Ratnamala being particularly intense and effective. Neha Sshetty’s character, initially seeming decorative, gradually develops into a more substantial role, and she delivers a convincing performance.
Ambitious Yet Flawed Execution
“Gangs of Godavari” is an ambitious attempt to create a compelling gangster drama, drawing inspiration from films like “Nayakan,” “Vada Chennai,” and Gangs of Wesseypur.” The film’s first half is well-paced and engaging, exploring the various facts of the gangster drama and the complexities of the characters.
However, the film’s execution falters in the second half, as the narrative loses momentum and fails to maintain the same level of excitement. While Krishan Chaitanya’s direction is commendable overall, the screenplay lacks the necessary punch to sustain interest throughout.
The film’s attempt to explore themes of power and ambition is admirable, but it falls short of fully developing these themes. The film touches upon caste politics in certain scenes but fails to delve deeper into this complex issue.
Technical Aspects and Highlights
The film’s technical aspects are noteworthy, with Anith Madadi’s cinematography capturing the sun-kissed warmth of the Godavari region, accentuating the brooding narrative. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s score stands out as a highlight, enhancing the movie’s mood and intensity.
The well-designed action sequences in the first half, combined with Yuvan Shankar Raja’s score, elevate the movie. The film also avoids treating its female characters as mere pawns, giving them agency and depth.
Verdict
“Gangs of Godavari” is an interesting attempt at creating a compelling gangster drama, but it falls short of its ambitious goals. While Vishawak Sen’s performance and the film’s technical aspects are commendable, the screenplay’s lack of consistency and the inability to fully explore its themes prevent the film from reaching its full potential.
The movie is a decent watch for fans of the genre and Vishwak Sen’s work, but it may not leave a lasting impact on the audience. With more focus on its writing and a tighter narrative, “Gangs of Godavari” could have been a solid addition to the gangster film genre in Telegu Cinema.