Salaam Venky, a movie based on Shrikant Murthy’s book ‘The Last Hurrah’, aimed to be a compelling and thought-provoking film. Inspired by real-life events of a young chess player Kolavennu Venkatesh, the movie had the potential to resonate deeply with audiences. However, despite its good intentions, Salaam Venky falls short of delivering a truly impactful experience.
The story at its base is a heartbreaking story of a son and a mother. It follows Venkatesh, a 24-year-old fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and his mother Sujatha, who fights against the system to secure euthanasia for her son. Kajol delivers a powerful performance as Sujatha, infusing each scene with raw emotion and showcasing a mother’s desperation and determination. Her portrayal stands out as the film’s strongest aspect.
Yet, despite the emotionally charged subject matter, Salaam Venky struggles to strike the right balance between drama and realism. The script feels disjointed and meandering at times. A large part of the movie involves introduction of various characters and their relationships, diverting attention away from the central conflict. As a result, the narrative loses its focus in a maze of subplots and unnecessary diversions, and it becomes difficult for the audience to connect with the story.
Solid Performances overshadowed by pacing issues
The pacing also hampers the film’s impact. The first half feels sluggish and stretched thin, failing to maintain a strong grip on the audience’s attention. However, the second half gains some momentum as the legal battle for euthanasia unfolds. The courtroom sequences inject much-needed energy, making you want to cheer for Sujatha as she takes on the system. Rahul Bose delivers a commendable performance as Parvez, the lawyer, while Priya Mani shines as his legal adversary. Aahana Kumra impresses as the journalist supporting the cause, and Prakash Raj brings gravitas to his role as the judge. However, Vishal Jethwa, who portrays Venkatesh, struggles with his role and delivers in patches, perhaps due to the uneven character development and lack of strong material.
Melodrama takes over the subject matter, destroying the heart of the movie
While Salaam Venky touches on important questions surrounding euthanasia and organ donation, it fails to provide nuanced perspectives or explore the ethical dilemmas involved. The film prioritizes emotional manipulation over a comprehensive examination of the subject matter. The film leans more towards pulling heartstrings than exploring the complexities. Nevertheless, it succeeds in sparking conversations and raising awareness about these important issues.
In the end, Salaam Venky leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. While benefiting from strong performances, particularly by Kajol, it falls short in its execution. The disjointed script, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped exploration of central themes prevent the film from reaching its full potential. Salaam Venky serves as a reminder of the importance of tackling challenging topics with depth and nuance to create a genuinely impactful cinematic experience.
