Salaam Venky

"Salaam Venky" is a deeply emotional yet powerful biographical film that takes us on the inspiring journey of a young boy named Venkatesh-called Venky-who battles a rare and devastating condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This inherited disorder leads to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, typically starting in childhood and marked by its severity.

Despite doctors predicting he would only live to around 16 or 17, Venky's sheer will to live carried him to 24. As he came to accept his limited time, he expressed a poignant wish for euthanasia-choosing death on his own terms-and hoped to donate his organs so that parts of him could live on in others. The film portrays this struggle with the law and the emotional turmoil surrounding euthanasia, which remains illegal in the country, with sensitivity and engagement.

One small thing I wished they had included was the imaginative closing scene that the movie hinted at throughout-that vision of Venky running with all his might, as if on a beach. Such a moment would have beautifully captured his spirit and resilience.

Visually, some shots stood out profoundly-especially the flashback scene at the lighthouse where Venky climbs the spiral staircase, echoing the elegant Fibonacci spiral pattern. The cameo by Aamir Khan was subtle yet impactful, enhanced by mysterious background music that added a layer of intrigue.

Overall, "Salaam Venky" is a really great film. I highly recommend giving it a watch.

Salaam Venky is a movie about the mother & son relationship, their bond, how true unconditional love means letting go & not holding back for another while because of own sake. The film deals with the concept of Euthanasia & organ donation therefore bringing more awareness about them. The film also sheds a great deal of light on disability, the plight of a single woman who faces a lot of hardships while raising her children alone, how the family suffers when one of its member is terminally ill.

Kajol plays a single mother who leaves her husband's abode when he refuses to treat their son as he's a dead investment in his own words. She faces a lot of hardships in raising a terminally ill son whose life is short but in turn of events, she accepts his incoming death and promises to make her son's life larger by fighting for his right to die with dignity and organ donation.

Kajol who plays Sujatha, is beyond great in this movie. Such a fine actress! Her eyes displays all the complex emotions she's going through within extraordinarily. No other actress in Bollywood can cry the way she does, her strength is emotions. She also uplifts the movie to a greater degree with a superb performance in each and every frame.

Vishal Jethwa acts good in the movie but his acting feels more methodical than natural.

Aahana Kumra as the Journalist is the biggest plus point for the movie, after Kajol. Her entry in the movie brings the right amount of excitement in the movie. She's superb in all her scenes.

Rahul Bose, Rajeev Khandelwal, Priyamani, Prakash Raj, Anant Mahadevan, etc. All acted good but again methodical, didn't feel natural and connected with me.

The girl who played Nandu is another brilliant part of the film. Loved her natural acting, same goes for the girl who played Venkatesh's sister.

The weakest link of this movie is the director Revathy. I expected a lot out of her but she falls short of delivering it. It clearly shows that she returned to direction after 18 years. The film could've avoided all these songs and invested more time in the storyline. The songs were a distraction to the story. Also, the film felt depressing most of the times due to the lighting, background and overall sets designed for this movie. Revathy's direction is outdated and it seems she has no idea of making a commercial film. This film better suits a direct OTT platform release.

Overall, Salaam Venky worked for me only and only due to Kajol's AMAZING performance, there's a reason why she's regarded as the best actress of this country.

Kajol plays Sujatha, a mother whose son will die. She cannot changes this fact. She loves her son more than anything else but she cannot change the fact that her son is going to die before her. Not all these facts are mentioned in the film. But Kajol's emotions make it clear why she is so afraid, why she is feeling helpless. This is the most challenging role of Kajol's career and she scored star marks. Her performance is easily comparable to Cameron Diaz's My Sister's Keeper. Some will feel Kajol is even better.

For the rest, Revathy did okay as a director. Vishal is good but sometimes a bit.

I am watching the movie right now and crossed half way.. this should be the best movie of kajol in her entire career. Must not only just watch this movie but should also experience it.. i just couldn't stop reviewing the movie midway .. as this is the first show and i think i should give a genuine review.

It's begins with a slow start and gradually filling with emotions, suspense, love and caring of a family.. this story is about a mother who goes to extra length to fulfil the dreams of her son who is dying of untreatable disease. I believe kajol single handedly made this movie a successful one.

Saw this movie today. Excellent performances and heart warming. Be warned: this is not your typical bollywood masala type movie. The story is the hero. Performances are top notch. Direction is brilliant. Ravi Varman's cinematography is beauty and visuals are terrific. Brilliantly crafted movie. Again this is a emotional tear jerker/ intense and will touch your soul and you will value your life more. Every cast member has done justice to their roles. The little love story in fhe first half is so beautiful. Music is great and loved how songs were taken.

Hats off Revathy Mam, Kajol, Vishaljethwa and the entire cast and crew.