Godha (2017): Sports drama is the only genre which rarely disappoints even if they have clichéd format.They all have the same story of an underdog achieving his success with the help of a coach who lost all the hope.But that is not the case with Godha here,I didn't have even a slightest idea about this film (Not even its trailers,posters) and when I watched it,I loved it.
Plot: Anjaneya Das (Tovino Thomas) hails from a family of wrestlers but loves cricket more. His dad (Renji Panicker) packs him off to Punjab University for his M-Tech, where he meets Aditi Singh (Wamiqa Gabbi), a passionate wrestler. A series of events land them both back in God's Own Country and a new episode of kusthi begins.
My Review: The major pro of Godha is that it never tries to be intense or inspirational as other sports dramas.Godha is a pleasant entertainer with sports backdrop.If it had tried to be other than that,it really would look like a rip-off of Dangal,Sultan and other wrestling movies.
The whole film is a mixture of funny moments stitched together in a competent manner. Even then there are some romantic sequences here and there, which are quite refreshing. Basil manages to create very humorous moments of laughter at those areas. Even when the plot shifts to Punjab or even when it becomes a little more serious about its ultimate goal, director never loses the grip over humor. The movie touches the deep emotional moments of Captain, Adithi and Das very subtly through frames with very minimal dialogues. The dramatization has reduced the novelty of the theme slightly, but still the engrossing factor stays on the screen.
Performances are another strength of the film.Wamiqa Gabbi is show stealer with charming and power packed performance.She is pretty and absolutely convincing as a wrestler. From the beginning, it's her desire to make it big, leopardess-like fights, battle with prejudices and most of all, charm and cuteness that fill the screen with thrill and muscle. It's her single-mindedness that stays with you after the film.
After her it is Renji Panicker,who played hero's father scored with his amazing performance.Tovino Thomas looks handsome and fit. He is really likable in the romantic scenes. the supporting cast including Aju Varghese, Parvathy, Shine Tom Chacko and Sreejith Ravi have done their roles really well.
Godha has one of the best albums of the year.Shaan's songs were perfectly in sync with the mood of the film and he once again creates a musical feel though those BGMs.Especially WOW and Aaro Ninjil are best ones.Vishnu Sharma elevates the film with quality frames and he captures both Punjab and Kerala beauty in perfect way.
So,Godha is one of the best entertainer of the year with its feel good moments,charming performances and soulful music.
My Rating 7.5/10
