Duration: 130 minutes, Category: Good versus Evil, Verdict: Glorious yet Gory
Title: Gadayuddha, Producer: Nithin Shirgurkar, Director: Srivatsa Rao, Music: Solomon, Cinematography: Suresh Babu, Cast: Sumith, Dhanya Patil, Nithin Shirgurkar, Mahesh, Rekha, Danny Kuttappa, Aravind Rao, Sharat Lohitashva, Ayyappa Sharma, Kitty, Shivaramanna, Ramesh Bhat, Satyajith, and others.
The film ‘Gadayuddha’ boasts a lineup of prominent personalities, whose names start with the letter ‘S’ – hero Sumith, producer Shirgurkar, director Srivatsa Rao, and cinematographer Suresh Babu, along with music director Solomon. The movie is rich in content, but at certain points, the dark magic scenes become hard to digest.
Undoubtedly, this is a revenge saga where Vamachara (black magic) is employed as a means of vengeance. The narrative is intense, but that doesn’t imply it’s poorly executed. There are some brilliant elements in the film; however, the excessive gore should have been avoided to maintain a more pleasant viewing experience.
Director Srivatsa deserves credit for daringly bringing this story to the screen. Still, he could have further refined his direction to make it more convincing. For instance, the use of ‘Vamachara’ could have been limited to dialogues instead of depicting it in various situations.
The film is bold and compelling in portraying the war between the forces of good and evil. Sumith, a handsome and tall actor, captivates the audience with his action sequences, although his dialogue delivery could have been stronger. Dhanya Patil looks beautiful, but it’s Danny Kuttappa who steals much attention with his acting, skillfully portraying a very tough and negative role.
From a distance of 300 kilometers away, the demonic figures of Danny Kuttappa, proficient in black magic, and his son Mahesh master the art of exacting revenge on their enemies. They have a sinister past, and they systematically employ ‘Vamachara’ to eliminate their targets astonishingly easily. This poses a significant challenge to the film’s protagonist, played by Sumith, a doctor by profession. He seeks the help of two senior experts, Shivaramanna and Ramesh Bhat, well-versed in scientific conclusions, to combat these activities in a far-off location.
Whether they manage to bring the malevolent practices under control and save the lives of a few victims forms the intriguing climax of the film, a must-watch on the silver screen.
The title track and duet song are skillfully composed, adding to the film’s overall appeal. Director Srivatsa Rao and the team have taken meticulous care of the technical aspects, with the cinematography effectively reflecting the mood and emotions of this Pan India cinema.
Sumith and Danny Kuttappa stand out in their performances, surpassing the rest of the cast. Mahesh, the brother of Golden star Ganesh, portrays a distinct role with great care, while Ayyappa Sharma’s performance is convincing. Aravind Rao, known for his cop roles, impresses with a change in image, perfectly fitting the King’s character.
The team’s endeavor is commendable, and the concept of revenge through ‘Vamachara’ finds belief among a section of the society.
‘Gadayuddha’ is an audacious attempt, and its quality places it at the top of its league.
