Salaam Venky

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.

This is an emotionally charged story and people looking for entertainment over popcorn are advised to stay away. A bunch of tissues is required during most of the scenes and the soft hearted may be sobbing throughout. It is based on true events which took place some years back. It is essentially the sad story of the mother ( Kajol) of a young man ( Vishal Jethwa ) afflicted with a terminal illness. He wants to donate his organs and seeks to end his life through euthanasia. ( An issue which is being discussed at high levels). The mother initially objects to his desire for euthanasia but later relents. He had been abandoned by his father many years back, his mother watches helplessly, he has a teenaged sister, and a young pretty blind girl loves him. To take up the case legally enters a young lawyer ( Rahul Bose) who initiates a court case for permission for euthanasia. Prakash Raj plays the judge who presides over the case.

Director Revathi has made an emotionally absorbing movie without any diversions of any type. All actors have performed sincerely and audiences will easily relate to the behaviour of all characters. The pace is slow and there is an atmosphere of palpable sadness. However it all appears natural considering the nature of the storyline. The director has ensured that the movie does not slip into loud melodrama and the scenes remain subdued and underplayed.

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.

Just saw Salaam Venky and it is an emotional rollercoaster and beautifully told film! Despite box office numbers, the film is fantastic. Kajol was superb and her son with the terminal illness performed wonderfully. Aamir Khan had an extended cameo; his scenes had a very powerful impact and his performance is outstanding! Loved the scenes with Aamir and Kajol, they both are such a great pairing on screen. Enjoyed Revathy's direction and storytelling. Though some parts are a bit slow paced, it is a must watch film for all ages. I'd highly recommend watching at night alone or with family. Hats off to the team of Salaam Venky.