- Date of Release: 19 November 2021
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Language: Kannada
- Watch On: Zee5 Premium
Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana
RATING
Introduction
And finally Zee5 did add the English subtitles and I finished watching the new Kannada film Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vamana(GGVV). But before we get to the review, we at Popcorn Reviewss have started a new section – Popcorn Interviews where time and again we would be interviewing celebrities. And our first interview is up with Srestha Banerjee who was last seen in the Netflix series Decoupled. Request you to please show some love. With that let us get back to the review and of the much awaited film. Right from its theatrical release in November, I was hearing many good things about the film. Even my favourite filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had tweeted about this film and I knew this was going to be special. After a wait for almost two months for an OTT release, the film made its way to Zee5. And kudos to Zee5 as well for quickly turning things around with the English subtitles. That said is Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vamana, worth your time, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vamana is essentially a gangster film which follows the story of two friends whose friendship is tested amidst greed and politics. The story is fabulous and an instant masterpiece! Right from the first scene, the writers grab your attention. The setting of the rain with two individuals in a police jeep instantly set the ball rolling for times to follow. Some of the most beautiful frames are captured in the first scene itself that definitely adds a lot of texture to the drama very early on. The screenplay stands at almost 150 minutes but there is never a single dull moment. The brief flashback portions allow you to absorb the characteristics of the two protagonists while giving you a glimpse of their background. As the drama unfolds in the most unassuming manner, you are invested in it and with the characters.
The tactful buildup of each of the separate incidents is outstanding and if there are any budding writers then do take a note. Also the transitions from one sequence/event to another is seamless and this is where the writers score brownie points. Yes, there is a lot of gore and violence which was also the need of the hour. The subtle twists and turns resulting in their downfall and culminating into a moving finale act is just the cherry on the top(which also gives you City Of God vibes). This is a near perfect screenplay in what is perhaps the best gangster film I have watched after Gangs Of Wasseypur.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are sharp and they keep you on your toes and invested throughout. The English subtitles could have been a tad better, I felt some of the lines were literally translated instead of setting the context that took a bit of the juice away from the drama. The music is excellent and its placement is refreshing. To give you a perspective, there is an Indian classical song playing in the background while the protagonist repeatedly smashes a person’s head in the most poetic manner! The BGM is pulsating and involves you in many scenes. The cinematography deserves the highest possible praise. So many frames are iconic and stand out from the crowd. Exceptional is the word! Director Raj B Shetty(more on his acting in my next segment) has done a phenomenal job. The execution is simply brilliant here with never a dull moment and the director deserves brownie points.
Performances
The performances are excellent. Gopalkrishna Deshpande as the cop has his moments to shine. But the film belongs to the two protagonists – Hari and Shiva essayed by Rishab Shetty and Raj B Shetty respectively. I have been a fan of Rishab Shetty and his brand of cinema. Here as Hari he is wonderfully restrained in a calm and collected role. There are moments of silence where he lets his eyes speak and brilliantly so. Raj B Shetty as Shiva is exactly his opposite. His actions speak larger than his words and he is the more ruthless one. And he gives it his all in a brilliantly intimidating act. The two of them feed off each other fabulously and deliver an acting masterclass!
Conclusion
Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vamana is an instant masterpiece and a gangster drama for the ages! Available on Zee5 and Highly Highly Highly Recommended!
