Gaami

"Gaami" breaks free from Telugu cinema cliches, offering a profound and humane journey of self-discovery. Unlike most mainstream films that rely on sensationalism, director Vidhyadhar Kagita crafts a beautiful and artistic experience. So it's simple, if you're craving a racy plot, a formulaic hero worshipping, high moments, or some message at the end, "Gaami" isn't your movie. This debut film is a cinematic novel, exploring the relentless struggle (Sisyphean persistence) and emotional extremes of its main characters at the expense of flawed writing which isn't a big letdown. Every element, from editing, VFX, Art direction to Sound design manages to hold the film's atmosphere. Even the interval sequence challenges expectations. Unlike typical Telugu films that rely on a big bang or goosebumps, Gaami offers something different but not ordinary with just one day left to find the rare Mali Patra flower, the only solution as it breaks for interval. Many viewers remained glued to their seats, maybe they were expecting a goosepimple moment or intermission text. Of course, there's nothing wrong with crowd-pleasing interval bang and high moments, but Gaami proves we don't need the same formula every time. It's a shame that majority of audiences are accustomed to the fast pace of short videos, expect every movie to be like a 30-second Instagram or TikTok clip.

Even the finale perfectly exemplifies the films theme and pacing, Shankar's (Vishwak Sen) journey comes full circle in a satisfying way, without unnecessary exaggeration or resorting to theatrics. The ending is quiet, with a moment of silence and no music, followed by a bittersweet score as Shankar discovers the human touch, cure, healing, and redemption.

And now Gaami isn't flawless, the screenplay, while managing to be intriguing, could have benefited from tighter focus on parallel storylines compared to the impressive visuals. Editing choices feel jarring at times to cover up the budget, and some scenes might feel repetitive. The gore, though present, might not satisfy fans of horror and gorehound genre like me considering the film's A certification. But i feel the mainstream viewer might find even the existing gore unsettling. The attempt at a non-linear, anthology style narrative might feel like it overreaches and tests the audience's patience.

However, I have to admit some bias and give brownie points. The sheer effort and passion poured into this project, culminating in its release, deserves some credit. The film will likely draw comparisons to world movies, but showcasing its influences the film manages to stay true and rooted. It's important to note that Gaami leaves some questions unanswered, which might frustrate some viewers seeking complete melodramatic closure. While the film isn't flawless, its technical achievements and artistic merit are so strong that many of its shortcomings can be forgiven.

In summary, This DIY project later backed by UV creation is truly special for Telugu cinema. The film's unhurried pace, akin to a slow burn, might test majority of Telugu cine-goers and mass audience patience. It might not be for everyone but for those who appreciate artistic endeavors and support such daring attempt, this is a must-watch. Gaami is the kind of movie that passionate cinephiles must support and spread the word!

It's a really gutsy attempt from the makers to offer a unique experience to the Telugu audience, but that's all where it stops.

Apart from the adventure part, the movie has got two other subplots, which aren't really integrated well into the main plot. Being a medico myself, I predicted the story and the climax right at the beginning. Was waiting how director would execute that, but it was done so lazily. Also, the whole lab experiment seemed pointless, was dealt in the most half-baked manner. Also, the entire Himalayan voyage had so many cinematic liberties, done for the sake of plot convenience and progression.

Technically, the hardwork of all the crew is seen in every frame, superb job.

Director Vidhyadhar has done a decent job, but somewhere that killer punch was missing. Nevertheless, it was a good watch, but expected much more.

The film captivates the audience with its stunning cinematography, keeping viewers in awe throughout. Credit is due to the actors for embracing challenging roles and infusing every scene with liveliness. The narrative unfolds with intensity, compelling the audience to decipher the connections between each storyline. The filmmaker's passion for cinema shines through in the spectacular visuals and sound design, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

However, the film falls short of meeting some audience expectations. Continuity within scenes is crucial for immersion and satisfaction, yet this aspect seems lacking at times. While the background music and elevations in certain scenes heighten anticipation, they can also lead to disappointment due to abrupt jump cuts in pivotal moments. Viewers desire to witness events unfolding seamlessly, even if they anticipate the outcome.

In essence, while the film's beauty is undeniable, it's imperative to address the need for continuity to fully engage and satisfy the audience.

The story is laced with intriguing elements, and while there might be a handful of moments that don't fully hit the mark, the overall narrative is quite engaging. The screenplay demands your undivided attention and a keen mind to fully appreciate its depth, adding a layer of sophistication to the viewing experience. There are moments where the pace might seem leisurely, but these are more than made up for by the sheer visual spectacle on display. The film features breathtaking visuals, from exotic locales to state-of-the-art VFX, complemented by exceptional cinematography and impeccable color grading. The background music enhances the atmosphere significantly, and while the songs are decent, the outstanding sound quality elevates the auditory experience.

Vishwak Sen's dedication shines through in his performance; although it might not fully meet the demands of the role, his effort is commendable. The rest of the cast delivers with commendable zeal, contributing to a well-rounded ensemble. For those considering watching this film, it's best experienced in a theater that does justice to its superior sound and visual quality, ensuring the fullest appreciation of its technical excellence.

Film Review: Gaami ( The Seeker) ... Telugu film streaming on Zee5!!

Gami is a different film with three stories running in parallel

• an amnesiac Aghora Sadhu ( Vishwak Sen) who suffers from a fear of human touch and embarks upon a perilous journey in the Himalayas to find a cure for his condition.

• a young boy who is turned into a lab rat and subjected to inhuman experiments in a remote medical facility.

• Uma , the young daughter of a Devdaasi Durga runs the risk of being made the Devadasi when her mother is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

What do these three stories have in common?

I would recommend this film only to people who like things "zara hatke" which is exactly what Gaami is all about. A non linear narrative, disjointed stories running in parallel along seemingly confusing storyline. If u r game for this kind of experimental stuff, then Gaami is the film for you.

Vishwak Sen gives a restrained performance, playing a person who suppresses his frustration & angst at not being able to find a cure for his debilitating condition. Others members of the cast too deliver their parts well. VFX, BGM & cinematography are good overall.

On the flip side .. the non linear narrative makes you wonder where exactly the film is heading & causing a bit frustration to creep in . The story too slows down intermittently which again doesn't work in its favour.

The end reveal, however is worth the wait & the film winds up well even though things could have been tightened up a bit !! Not bad either!!

A different kind of a film .. not for everyone!!

I'll go with 3/5 for this one .. Adios 🙂!!

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