Gaddam Gang Review

Behind the Movie Gaddam Gang: Angry man Rajasekhar is out of his comfort zone to do this crime comedy as remake of Tamil ‘Soodu Kavvum.’ Directed by Santosh Peter Jayakumar, let us see how far Rajasekhar is eligible to win a breakthrough?

In the Movie Gaddam Gang: Story begins with introduction to three friends (Sathyam Rajesh, Achu and one more guy) facing money problems in life with their silly stories. Thus enters Das (Rajasekhar) into their lives. Das is a different guy into kidnapping business guided by his imaginary girlfriend Shalu (Sheena). When all four (plus one for Shalu) make a good team with victorious assignments happily leading their lives, thus enters Nammina Bantu (Kadambari Kiran Kumar) with a consignment to kidnap sincere Political leader Dharma Raju (Naresh)’s son Sathya Harishchandra (Noel). Problems begin here when Sathya Harihchandra plays a clever ploy cheating his father. Then comes in all powerful yet funny Police Gabbar Singh (Yog Japee) and Das’s brotherly director (Naga Babu) complicating the narrative.

Values of the Movie Gaddam Gang: Crime Comedy is one genre ruling the Telugu cinema ever since ‘Swamy Rara’ dug a goldmine. Although bit to bit jacked from the original Tamil version, ‘Gaddam Gang’ resembles more of ‘Swamy Rara’ and less of ‘Soodu Kavvum.’ There is a funny premise, four to five discrepant characters and a few best conceptualized scenes. Does all these enough to make a complete film? ‘Gaddam Gang’ is although a film with different treatment, there isn’t enough of comic and engagement quotient to keep the interest of viewers sustained. Screenplay lags and lags in second half draining all our energy into an aimless, illogical trap. Director Santosh Peter Jayakumar failed to pull the accelerator wire telling the story quite slowly, which isn’t really liked. The slow on uptake story is enjoyed to some extent with opaque visuals. Some credits to cinematography of Demel X Edwards for setting in a drowsy mood. Editing by Richard Kevein also added to the atmosphere. Music by Achu as usual remained unconventional in BGM and also in composing the songs. Production values of Shivani Shivathmika Movies are noticeable. 

On performance front, Rajasekhar went into a complete contrast for getting into skin of this character which looks odd, speaks odd butler English romancing an unreal hot babe. He took all the care for appearing assorted. All in all, he drove the film at his level best. Music director Achu is a surprising package. He has shown ease at delivering the comic punches in company of smooth flowing Sathyam Rajesh. Best among the rest is Noel, an artist with attitude. He bought in lot of freshness joined with Naresh, Seetha. Lastly, Yog Japee as Gabbar Singh had a sincere characterization spoiled with a silly ending. Naga Babu added little more fun. Giri Babu, Kadambari Kiran Kumar etc did their portions.

Out of the Movie Gaddam Gang: The better truth one should digest from literal meaning of a remake film is, catch the essence and understand the premise to project the matter within your own focus of thought and mind. Santosh Peter Jayakumar is miscarried by the Tamil flavor of ‘Soodu Kavvum’ rehashing the same in Telugu with a divulging bounce rate. He towed the film on and on without knowing the destination. A simple screenplay can be made to deliver an extra ordinary feel, if the treatment strikes a chord. When Santosh has betted solely on uncustomary screenplay, obviously his treatment should have been further appealing. Journeying with ‘Gaddam Gang’ in first one hour, you are fatigued in their company. Second half lives us in a traumatic stress by the time end title cards roll. 

High concept based situations need extremely engaging screenplay with loads of entertainment. ‘Gaddam Gang’ is devoid of those characteristics. One episode of Gabbar Singh beating the shit out of four Gaddam Gang members in a total dark room conjoined into a situation of romantic concept song is purely the odd peak of Aravam creativity which Telugu audience can never digest. Commercially, we need to see how audience would grab ‘Gaddam Gang?’

Cinejosh Verdict of Gaddam Gang: Bizarre and Unentertaining!

                                                          Cinejosh Rating: 2.5/5

                                                                                 Reviewed by Srivaas