Salaam Venky

"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.

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.

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.

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*

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.