Gangs Of Godavari Movie Review : Captivating characters lost in a rushed narrative

Story: Set against the vibrant backdrop of yesteryear Kovvuru in the Godavari region, the story follows Lankala Rathnakar, aka Rathna (Vishwak Sen). Rathna, who has had a tumultuous upbringing, rises through the ranks driven by ambition and survival instincts. While he navigates the treacherous waters of power and politics in the lawless region, his morality is questioned time and again by the women in his life, Rathnamala (Anjali) and Bujji (Neha Shetty). What led to his thug behaviour, and will he survive the enemies he made along the way?

Review: Gangs of Godavari, directed by Krishna Chaitanya and featuring Vishwak Sen, Neha Shetty, and Anjali in the lead roles, attempts to narrate a rustic action drama of a bygone era. Vishwak Sen, playing Rathna, delivers a standout performance, embodying the grit and determination of his character with intensity. His portrayal of Lankala Rathna is both compelling and authentic, especially given the dialect switch. Anjali, as Rathnamala, captivates with her bold and nuanced performance. Neha Shetty, as Bujji, performs well, becoming both Rathna’s weakness and strength, though her character could have been written better.

Krishna Chaitanya succeeds in establishing the locale and its characters in the first half, showcasing the lives of natives living in the rural Godavari region and their political opponents, Nanaji (Nassar) and Doraswami (Goparaju Ramana), who rule over them. Seasoned performances from the likes of Nassar, Goparaju Ramana, and Hyper Aadi add gravitas to the film. However, the relentlessly rushed screenplay and choppy writing, especially in the second half, prevent the film from reaching its full potential. P Sai Kumar plays an important role alongside other actors, including Madhunandan, Praveen, Prudhvi Raj Palaparthi, Mayank Parakh, and Ayesha Khan in a special song.

The cinematography by Anith Madadi captures the essence of the time with dynamic compositions, immersing the audience in the rustic ambiance of the rural Godavari region. Some of the action sequences are well choreographed, adding to the film's engaging moments. Yuvan Shankar Raja's musical score elevates the film's atmosphere, complementing its rushed narrative, although some songs are a letdown. The film showcases high production values, resulting in a polished and engaging cinematic product. Despite these strengths, the editing needed to be better. The disjointed cuts and abrupt transitions disrupt the narrative flow, diminishing the overall impact of the story.

Gangs of Godavari begins on a promising note, with Vishwak Sen delivering a nuanced performance exploring themes of ambition, survival, and the complex interplay of power dynamics. However, as it progresses, it fails to leave a lasting impression, let down by its lacklustre screenplay in the second half. Watch the film for its strong performances and cinematic visuals.