Manashimaya
A film called “Gangs of Godavari” develops in the center of the cinematic landscape, capturing the essence of power dynamics and ambition in all its raw form. This Gangs of Godavari explores the movie’s depiction of a hard-hitting rural action story that matches the intensity of the powerful river it is named for.
The movie opens with a promise of an engaging narrative, led by the nuanced performance of Vishwak Sen. His portrayal of Ratna, a character embroiled in the murky waters of ambition and survival, sets the tone for a film that is unapologetically bold and dark. The Gangs Of Godavari must highlight the first half’s brisk pace, which never relents in exploring the facets of the gangster genre.
However, as the Gangs Of Godavari points out, the film’s second half falters. Despite the full talent displayed by the cast, especially Anjali’s compelling performance, the movie struggles with pacing issues and a lackluster screenplay that hinders its impact. It’s a reminder that even the most captivating characters can get lost in a rushed narrative.
The Gangs Of Godavari also acknowledges the film’s ambitious attempt to tip its hat to classics like “Nayakan” and “Gangs of Wasseypur”. While it may not match up to these giants in terms of writing and execution, there is enough material to engage the audience. The film’s treatment of its female characters is noteworthy, as they are not mere pushovers but integral to the storyline.
The Gangs Of Godavari would be remiss if it didn’t mention the film’s cinematic visuals. The sun-kissed warm tones of the cinematography accentuate the brooding narrative, immersing the viewer in the world of Ratna and his rise and fall in the realm of local politics and sand mining.
The story of Gangs of Godavari:
Lankala Ratnakar (Vishwak Sen) is a young man who believes that growth is an inherent right. This conviction, instilled by his father, has been a guiding principle throughout his life. Determined to succeed, Ratnakar suppresses his true nature and uses others to his advantage. Initially involved in petty thefts, his life takes a dramatic turn when he inadvertently becomes the trusted aide of local MLA Dorasamy (Goparaju Ramana). Thrust into the fierce political rivalry between Dorasamy and Nanaji, Ratnakar finds himself navigating a dangerous path.
As Ratnakar becomes entangled in this political feud, the stakes rise. Will he achieve the success he has always yearned for, or will he be trapped by the very ambitions that drive him? The story also explores how the wrath of his adversaries from Lanka haunts him, adding further complexity to his journey. Additionally, Ratnakar’s relationships with Bujji (Nehashetty) and Ratnamala (Anjali) play crucial roles in his tale. One must watch the film to uncover the full extent of Ratnakar’s journey and the consequences of his choices.