Gamanam Review: A pill for sleep!

What's it about?

‘Gamanam’ is an anthology film based on three different stories. While the first one has Shriya playing a deaf mom who is struggling to get in touch with her husband in Dubai, the second story is about Ali (Shiva Kandukuri) who wants to become a cricketer despite his poor background. The third  story is about two homeless kids. They want to celebrate their birthdays by buying a cake. How all these stories get affected by floods in Hyderabad forms the crux.

Analysis 

                                                                
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In the past, Telugu cinema has produced anthology films with different stories. ‘Gamanam’ falls in the same category, but sadly the output is half-baked. Each of the stories is established on a simple note in the first half. Though their premise is good, the emotional turmoil which each of the characters faces is not strong enough.
There is something completely missing with the narrative as the three stories have no proper depth. The film is helmed by new director Sujuna Rao. and her narrative is not at all compelling. As it is her first film, she did not know how to elevate the drama and connect it to key characters.
Shriya Saran's story of a helpless deaf woman stuck in the floods makes some sense in the film. Each of the stories has its issues but when it comes to their closure, the director misses the target. Shiva Kandukuri tries hard to showcase his emotions, but he is a misfit in his role.
Post the interval, the film heads into a different zone and the issues in the stories are put aside. The only motto in these stories is to get saved from the deadly floods. In all this, director Sujuna Rao adds many thrills which do not create any effect. A snake appears in Shriya Saran's story, the young kids trying to sell mud idols in heavy rain, and Shiva Kandukuri's character leaving his home just for a simple cause, such scenes lack basic logic.
In a way, each story is started well, but their Gamanam is directionless by the end. The justification in the end looks forced. There are not many scenes that get you connected to the story as the pain showcased lacks depth. However, the camerawork and production design are good. Maestro Ilayaraja’s background score is another asset.
Actors like Charu Haasan and Priyanka Jawalkar try their best to bring some solace into the proceedings with their sincere performances but the dull narration plays a spoilsport. One more big drawback of the film is the slow pace which makes you yawn in multiple areas. A star like Nithya Menen is wasted in a simple song and why she is even there in the film is hardly understandable.Final TakeThe story of ‘Gamanam’ doesn’t move much, the film doesn’t move us. Even legend Ilayaraja’s music cannot save the film as the boring scenes, lackluster situations, and ineffective drama make this film a big yawn fest.Rating: 1.5/5By MAFilm: GamanamCast: Shriya Saran, Nithya Menen, Shiva Kandukuri, Priyanka Jawalkar, SuhasDialogues: Sai Madhav BurraMusic: 'Maestro' IlaiyaraajaLyrics: KrishnakanthDoP: Gnana Shekar V. SEditor: Ramakrishna ArramProducers: Ramesh Karutoori, Venki Pushadapu & Gnana Shekar V.SStory, Screenplay, and Direction: Sujana RaoRelease date: December 10, 2021