"Salaam Venky" is a deeply emotional yet powerful biographical film that takes us on the inspiring journey of a young boy named Venkatesh-called Venky-who battles a rare and devastating condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This inherited disorder leads to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, typically starting in childhood and marked by its severity.
Despite doctors predicting he would only live to around 16 or 17, Venky's sheer will to live carried him to 24. As he came to accept his limited time, he expressed a poignant wish for euthanasia-choosing death on his own terms-and hoped to donate his organs so that parts of him could live on in others. The film portrays this struggle with the law and the emotional turmoil surrounding euthanasia, which remains illegal in the country, with sensitivity and engagement.
One small thing I wished they had included was the imaginative closing scene that the movie hinted at throughout-that vision of Venky running with all his might, as if on a beach. Such a moment would have beautifully captured his spirit and resilience.
Visually, some shots stood out profoundly-especially the flashback scene at the lighthouse where Venky climbs the spiral staircase, echoing the elegant Fibonacci spiral pattern. The cameo by Aamir Khan was subtle yet impactful, enhanced by mysterious background music that added a layer of intrigue.
Overall, "Salaam Venky" is a really great film. I highly recommend giving it a watch.
