May 2024 ends on a disappointing note for Telugu cinema with three big releases—Gam Gam Ganesha, Bhaje Vaayu Vegam, and Gangs of Godavari—failing to meet expectations. Here’s a detailed review of each film.
Gam Gam Ganesha: Misses to Impress
Anand Deverakonda returns with a crime comedy in Gam Gam Ganesha, directed by Uday Bommisetty. Despite the high expectations, the film misses the mark.
Plot Summary: Ganesh (Anand Deverakonda) and his friend (Emmanuel) are petty criminals. Ganesh loves Shruti (Nayan Sarika) but faces a major setback. Determined to turn his life around, Ganesh plans a major heist, but it goes awry. The movie follows his quest for success.
Review: The film’s emphasis on entertainment over storytelling is a significant flaw. The narrative feels stagnant, especially in the second half, where it seems the makers ran out of ideas. The story lacks originality, and the emotional elements feel forced. Despite some humorous moments, the characters and plot fail to engage the audience.
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam: Barely a Timepass Thriller
Kartikeya stars in Bhaje Vaayu Vegam, directed by Prashanth Reddy, with Iswarya Menon as the female lead. The film is a timepass thriller that picks up after a slow start.
Plot Summary: Venkat (Kartikeya) and Raju (Rahul Tyson) are the sons of a struggling farmer (Tanikella Bharani). They move to the city to pursue their dreams but are deceived. Venkat loses his savings in IPL betting and decides to rob a car belonging to David (Ravi Shankar), the head of the betting mafia. This triggers a series of events involving the mafia and police.
Review: The film starts off slow, with the plot taking time to develop. The heroine’s character and the villain conflicts lack depth and impact. However, a gripping screenplay compensates for these shortcomings. The film remains engaging despite its routine storyline and some over-the-top scenes.
Gangs of Godavari: A Half-Baked Action Drama
Mass Ka Das Vishwak Sen headlines Gangs of Godavari, written and directed by Krishna Chaitanya. Set in the village of Kovvuru, the film promises action but delivers a half-baked drama.
Plot Summary: Lankala Ratnam (Vishwak Sen) joins MLA Dorasami Raju’s (Goparaju Ramana) faction but later switches sides to Nanaji’s (Nasser) group, becoming an MLA. He faces numerous challenges and transforms into Tiger Ratnakar. The film explores his survival and his relationship with Bujji (Neha Sshetty).
Review: The first half is well-paced, but the second half loses steam. The screenplay lacks the punch to maintain interest throughout. Neha Sshetty and Anjali’s roles are underdeveloped, and Goparaju Ramana’s portrayal as an MLA is unconvincing. Some scenes miss their potential impact, and the director could have focused more on the emotional sequences.
Looking Ahead: June 2024
As May ends on a disappointing note for the Telugu film industry, hopes are high for June. The biggest event film, Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, is set to release on June 27, 2024. This highly anticipated film promises a monumental cinematic experience with its futuristic setting and grand scale.
Before Kalki 2898 AD, audiences are also looking forward to Kajal Aggarwal’s Satyabhama. Despite its delays, the film has generated significant interest. However, all eyes are on Nag Ashwin’s directorial magnum opus, which is expected to redefine the standards of Telugu cinema.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting month for Telugu film enthusiasts!
