Salaam Venky (2022) :
Movie Review -
Revathi's latest directorial, Salaam Venky, stars Kajol as the lead actress in a feature film, which is no less than a treat for her fans and movie buffs who know what quality acting is. Salaam Venky is based on a sensitive topic like euthanasia, which we have previously seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Guzarish." However, the discussional sense is far different from that film. The legal battle and medical terms are used differently and are attached to a sentimental bond between a mother and her son, along with several other relatives in the film.
Salaam Venky takes you into the lives of Venkatesh, aka Venky (Vishal Jethwa), and his mother, Sujata (Kajol). Venky has a rare disease called DMD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which has shortened his life span. Sujata tries her best to keep him alive by battling out all the mental and physical traumas and financial issues. Venky wants to quit his life and donate his organs, but he doesn't know how difficult it is to go for euthanasia, which is an illegal process. Sujata fights the world and the entire legal system to fulfil her son's last wish, with the help of her daughter, a doctor, a lawyer, and a journalist.
Based on Shrikant Murthy's The Last Hurrah, Salaam Venky is a very emotional and inspiring story for the people who have gone through or are going through such situations (in some other fields also). While doing so, it goes a little off track and picks up a few unnecessary dramatic angles. Sammeer Arora and Kausar Munir's screenplay could have kept it within limits, and the engagement metre would have been higher than what it was. Maybe the idea was outdated and needed something more unique and fresh for the novelty factor. It's a miss there, but Human Connect and emotional segments cover the shortcomings.
Kajol has remained one of my favourite Bollywood actresses since her debut. Watching her in an acting-oriented role is a big cinematic pleasure for me, and Salaam Venky provided that. There are so many great performances in her filmography, but she just doesn't feel tired and keeps delivering with her next films. Salaam Venky shows you again why Kajol should never stay away from the screen. If you are making the list of top performances by female actors in the lead role this year, then count Kajol's name in it. Vishal Jethwa stunned us all with his devious role in Mardaani 2, but you need not fear as he plays a charming fella here. His performance remains of the highest caliber, but. Even the supporting cast is so good, be it Rajeev Khandelwal, Rahul Bose, Maala Parvathi, Ridhi Kumar, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Kamal Sadanah, or Ananth Mahadevan. Every single character counts. A special mention goes to Aamir Khan's sweet cameo, and I'll tease you by saying that his identity is kept a secret until the very end.
On the technical front, Salaam Venky struggles to bring modern-day phenomena to life. Every time that Guruji character speaks, you hear a devotional tone-something you've heard in almost every daily soap and are sick of hearing. The cinematography has some noteworthy frames but is otherwise strictly average. However, the music is soul-stirring. No matter if it's not a big hit. The compositions are situational and really good. There are some funny dialogues with filmy gestures. Revathi's conviction on the subject is something you want to believe, even if her storytelling transports you to a bygone era. Salaam Venky works because of emotions and human connection, and who can forget Anand's biggest on-screen lesson: "Zindagi lambi nahi badi honi chahiye..." Salaam Venky salutes this spirit, along with a mother's brave choice in difficult situations. Watch it to learn that lesson again and to see Kajol's heartfelt performance.
RATING - 6/10*
