Gundello Godari Movie Review

 Gundello Godari Movie Review

Cast : Aadhi Pinisetty, Lakshmi Manchu, Taapse Pannu, Sundeep Kishan etc
Screenplay, Direction : Kumar Nagendra
Music and BGM : Ilayaraja
Cinematography : M.R Palani Kumaar
Producer : Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna
Banner : Manchu Entertainments
Run Time : 131 Minutes
Release Date : March 8, 2013

Rating : 3/5

Story :
Set in the backdrop of Godavari, Gundello Godari movie is all about the lives of two individuals Malli (Aadhi) and Chitra (Lakshmi Manchu). Floods hits Andhra Pradesh and other states badly in the year 1986. Malli and Chitra gets stuck in Godavari and this newly wed couple reveal their past to each other. Hows does Malli and Chitra respond after knowing about each other? Does the floods carry away the newly wed couple? All these forms the rest of the story.
Analysis :
Movie starts in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh where Aadhi and Lakshmi Manchu are about to get married. First 10 minutes floods scene has been brilliantly captured by the cinematographer. There are some films that pull the audience from its stars and there are films which lure the audience to theaters only with the story, Gundello Godari belongs to the later category. Aadhi and Taapsee Pannu's episode has been well shot and the interval bang is good.
Second half of the movie raises the tempo of the audience as everyone will be eager to know about Manchu Lakshmi's past life in the film. Director concentrated more on the love track in the first half and he changes the genre in the second half with sentiment and emotions. Though the pace is slow compared to the first half, director Kumar Nagendra has tried his best to make sure that the film gets a happy ending.
Perspective :
Not many Telugu film lovers can forget the soothing music delivered by legendary music directors Ilayaraja, Chakravathi etc some decades ago. As the film is set in the year 1986, director used lot of hit tracks in the background which will be a feast for the audience(Who like old songs). In a short, Gundello Godari has two episodes, one each of Lakshmi Manchu and Aadhi. Aadhi's episode is entertaining and Taapsee did her best as a village girl.
It will not be an understatement to say that the main assets of Gundello Godari movie are the Cinematographer and the Music director. On the flip side, second half of the movie lacks entertainment and the director has filled it with lot of emotional scenes. There are some negatives in the film but Lakshmi Manchu should be appreciated for attempting to give a pure Telugu film to the audience.
Performances :
Aadhi has delivered a superb performance as a fisherman and he is apt for the role. Lakshmi Manchu was good and has come up with a commendable performance once again. Taapse Pannu looked good as a village girl and has done her part well. Sundeep Kishan has done his job in a limited role offered. Other actors have done their job.
Technicalities
Ilayaraja has once again delivered fantastic background music and the songs are good too.  Cinematography by Palani Kumar is of top notch. Kumar Nagendra has scored good mark with the screen-play and direction with his first movie. Dialogues of Godavari accent are good and some of them will be a treat for the language lovers. 
Positives

• Ilayaraja Music and Background Score
• Palani Kumar Cinematography
• Strong Cultural Background

Negatives

• Emotional quotient in second half
• Predictable scenes

Final Word : In spite of some loop holes, Gundello Godari can be watched for its strong Telugu Centric Subject and Good Narration.