Salaam Venky

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 Maybe the idea was outdated and needed something more unique and fresh for the novelty factor.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*

Kajol plays Sujatha, a mother whose son will die. She cannot changes this fact. She loves her son more than anything else but she cannot change the fact that her son is going to die before her. Not all these facts are mentioned in the film. But Kajol's emotions make it clear why she is so afraid, why she is feeling helpless. This is the most challenging role of Kajol's career and she scored star marks. Her performance is easily comparable to Cameron Diaz's My Sister's Keeper. Some will feel Kajol is even better.

For the rest, Revathy did okay as a director. Vishal is good but sometimes a bit.

Saw this movie today. Excellent performances and heart warming. Be warned: this is not your typical bollywood masala type movie. The story is the hero. Performances are top notch. Direction is brilliant. Ravi Varman's cinematography is beauty and visuals are terrific. Brilliantly crafted movie. Again this is a emotional tear jerker/ intense and will touch your soul and you will value your life more. Every cast member has done justice to their roles. The little love story in fhe first half is so beautiful. Music is great and loved how songs were taken.

Hats off Revathy Mam, Kajol, Vishaljethwa and the entire cast and crew.

Salaam Venky is a movie about the mother & son relationship, their bond, how true unconditional love means letting go & not holding back for another while because of own sake. The film deals with the concept of Euthanasia & organ donation therefore bringing more awareness about them. The film also sheds a great deal of light on disability, the plight of a single woman who faces a lot of hardships while raising her children alone, how the family suffers when one of its member is terminally ill.

Kajol plays a single mother who leaves her husband's abode when he refuses to treat their son as he's a dead investment in his own words. She faces a lot of hardships in raising a terminally ill son whose life is short but in turn of events, she accepts his incoming death and promises to make her son's life larger by fighting for his right to die with dignity and organ donation.

Kajol who plays Sujatha, is beyond great in this movie. Such a fine actress! Her eyes displays all the complex emotions she's going through within extraordinarily. No other actress in Bollywood can cry the way she does, her strength is emotions. She also uplifts the movie to a greater degree with a superb performance in each and every frame.

Vishal Jethwa acts good in the movie but his acting feels more methodical than natural.

Aahana Kumra as the Journalist is the biggest plus point for the movie, after Kajol. Her entry in the movie brings the right amount of excitement in the movie. She's superb in all her scenes.

Rahul Bose, Rajeev Khandelwal, Priyamani, Prakash Raj, Anant Mahadevan, etc. All acted good but again methodical, didn't feel natural and connected with me.

The girl who played Nandu is another brilliant part of the film. Loved her natural acting, same goes for the girl who played Venkatesh's sister.

The weakest link of this movie is the director Revathy. I expected a lot out of her but she falls short of delivering it. It clearly shows that she returned to direction after 18 years. The film could've avoided all these songs and invested more time in the storyline. The songs were a distraction to the story. Also, the film felt depressing most of the times due to the lighting, background and overall sets designed for this movie. Revathy's direction is outdated and it seems she has no idea of making a commercial film. This film better suits a direct OTT platform release.

Overall, Salaam Venky worked for me only and only due to Kajol's AMAZING performance, there's a reason why she's regarded as the best actress of this country.

I am watching the movie right now and crossed half way.. this should be the best movie of kajol in her entire career. Must not only just watch this movie but should also experience it.. i just couldn't stop reviewing the movie midway .. as this is the first show and i think i should give a genuine review.

It's begins with a slow start and gradually filling with emotions, suspense, love and caring of a family.. this story is about a mother who goes to extra length to fulfil the dreams of her son who is dying of untreatable disease. I believe kajol single handedly made this movie a successful one.