Gaddam Gang Review

Rajshekar's choices of movies for remakes have been gutsy, whatever be the results.  This time, he brings out the remake of Soodhu Kavvum, the 2013 Kollywood hit.  The characters and the setting are 'hatke', at least in writing.  Gaddam Gang, however, falters when it comes to recreating the magic of the original.

A faithful remake, it's difficult to say whether the film falls short of the high bar raised by its parent despite going for a genuine remake or because of going for it.

Rajsekhar plays a petty kidnapper named Gaddam Das, the lead of a small gang of his own.  He develops a kidnapping code to be followed at all costs, or better say, to avoid all costs.  He has a 'swapna sundari' by name Shalu (Sheena) and the 'ethical' kidnapper has rib-tickling henchmen in Suresh (Acchu), Ramesh (Satyam Rajesh) and Pandu (Deepak).  As fate would have it, they end up kidnapping Harischandra (Noel), the son of a Minister, played by Naresh, for a huge ransom, much against their goonda guidelines.  However, they meet failure and end up losing the ransom.  Will they ever be able to recover?

The comedy was supposed to be situational, and this is going by Soodhu Kavvum.  This one follows the same template, but is lost in translation.

That the concept is what inspired the remake is clear, but where the film is found wanting is in making the comedy work.  Barring a few scenes, there is no subtlety, which could have made it seem high-brow entertainment.

It's all nice to play to the gallery, but one must make sense even with skin show.  If it is there just for the sake of it, the audience gives two hoots.

Rajsekhar's yearning to do a distinct role is palpable.  This aspiration should have resulted in a re-invention of his image, ideally.  However, not many have the capability to reinvent themselves in their middle age.  When they try to be young or robust, they end up looking narcissistic or at least, prohibitively camera-conscious.

Films like these throw up surprises from the underdog.  Acchu does a good job.  Satyam Rajesh, the talented comedian, shows he is still not out.  Yog Japee, the Tamil actor, does a fine job as Gabbar Singh.

Naga Babu, Giri Babu and Raghu Babu entertain.  Sita was not apt for the role.

Nativising the film would have taken a good great effort.  Aside from a rare writing brilliance that Kolly writers are good at, their actors (especially sidekicks) have a praiseworthy spontaneity.  When we try to adapt their style, one has to keep in mind the idiom of our actors.  If the slow pace is all too obvious (and not necessarily bad), it should have been covered up by some clever trick. Santosh P flounders when it comes to wrapping up the climax in the right time.

It goes without saying that a current actor would have lent the film the much-needed heroic heft.

Verdict: A remake of Soodhu Kavvum, 'Gaddam Gang' flounders.

Rating: 2/5

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