Gaddalakonda Ganesh lives up to its hype

Hyderabad: Mega Prince Varun Tej has enjoyed a particular hype around his various roles, and he has been able to use that to get back-to-back hits in recent times. His latest movie Valmiki had to go through a string of last-minute tensions and finally emerged with the title changed to Gaddalakonda Ganesh. Here is the full review of the film, also featuring Atharvaa Murali, Pooja Hegde and Mirnalini Ravi in prominent roles.

Star Cast: Varun Tej, Atharvaa, Pooja Hegde, Mirnalini Ravi

Director: Harish Shankar

Producers: Achanta Ramu, Achanta Gopinath

Music Director: Mickey J Meyer

Cinematography: Ayananka Bose

Gaddalakonda Ganesh is the official remake of Tamil super hit Jigarthanda starring Siddharth and Bobby Simha in the lead. Atharvaa plays the role of a struggling director who is trying to prove himself. In the pursuit of a mass, raw, and untold story, he thinks a gangster’s story is apt for him to get a breakthrough. Gaddalakonda Ganesh comes to his mind, and the director starts studying this gangster.

While Varun Tej is well known for his silent, shy, reserved roles, he has attempted to play a raw, unpolished, mass role in the movie. The actor deserves our applause for taking up the challenge and living up to the expectations. Varun’s rugged look and twirled moustache have a significant impact on his role’s elevation. Though his voice needs more bass for such a part, his performance grabs the full attention.

Pooja Hegde has a small role in the movie but she deserves all the praise. Her appearance in the retro song (Velluvochi Godaramma) is too good.

Actor Atharvaa, Mirnalini Ravi, comedians Satya and Brahmaji justified their respective roles as well. Dimple Hayati looked oomph in the item song Zarra Zarra. Performance-wise, the movie is a satisfying experience.

Harish delivers an engaging and entertaining product after a brief gap. Though it appeared as if the pre-climax was dragged, other elements were well-paced and well-executed. Varun Tej who stole the show has given his best in the massy role of a gangster. The movie is well made with a good plot and an engaging script.

Ayananka Bose’s cinematography complements the whole mood of the movie. Mickey J Meyer’s music worked well for the songs. The background score does serve its purpose. Pre-climax was a bit dragged, and hence the editing would have been better with a few scenes trimmed.

Final Verdict: Varun Tej excelled in this movie. His makeover and his acting prowess is appreciated by all quarters of the audience. The film is a one-time, watch-worthy commercial movie.