In the new wave of Telugu cinema, Gaami has proved to be a unique and daring experiment that breaks away from the conventional framework and presents a story full of depth and imagination. Directed by Vidyasagar Kagita, the film is an epic adventure thriller that blends elements of spirituality, science and personal discovery to offer the audience a different cinematic experience. In the lead role, Vishal Sen plays an amnesiac and touch-phobic Aghori named ‘Shankar’, who embarks on a mission to discover his past and heal himself. On this journey, he has to face the inaccessible caves of the Himalayas, the ugly traditions of society and a deep scientific conspiracy. The film also features strong performances by Chandini Chowdhary, Mohammed Samad, Abhinaya and Harika Pedda. Made on a limited budget of ₹6 crore, the film was also a commercial success, grossing ₹22 crore. It has received praise from critics and audiences for its technical aspects, VFX, cinematography and production design. This film not only delivers a unique cinematic experience but also proves that great stories can be told even with limited resources.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gaami (transl. Seeker) |
| Language | Telugu |
| Genre | Epic Adventure Thriller |
| Director | Vidyadhar Kagita |
| Writers | Vidyadhar Kagita, Pratyush Vatyam |
| Producers | Karthik Sabareesh, Swetha Moravaneni (co-producer) |
| Lead Cast | Vishwak Sen, Chandini Chowdary, Abhinaya, Harika Pedada, Mohammad Samad |
| Music | Songs: Sweekar Agasthi, Naresh KumaranScore: Naresh Kumaran |
| Cinematography | Vishwanath Reddy Chelumalla |
| Editor | Raghavendra Thirun |
| Production Companies | Karthik Kult Kreations, V Celluloid, VR Global Media, Swetha Vahini Studios, Clown Pictures |
| Release Date | 8 March 2024 |
| Runtime | 144 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Budget | ₹6 crore |
| Box Office | ₹22 crore |
| Festival Screening | International Film Festival Rotterdam (First Telugu film to be screened) |
Gaami Story
Gaami” is a mysterious, thrilling and emotional journey that revolves around an amnesiac Aghori named Shankar who has a fear of human touch (hypnophobia). He is expelled from the ashram as people assume his fear to be a curse from Shiva. He is told that his salvation is possible through a rare “maliptram” mushroom found in a Himalayan cave, which is effective only for one day every 36 years.
Dr. Jhanvi, who is looking for a cure for mental illnesses, accompanies Shankar in this quest. Meanwhile, unfolds the tragic story of a Devadasi Durga and her daughter Uma, who is made a Devadasi again due to social customs. Meanwhile, in an illegal medical lab C.A.T., experiments are being conducted on a subject CT-333, who is later revealed to be Uma, who was forcibly electrocuted to transform into a man.
Shankar gradually realises that Uma, CT-333 and he are the same person. His past, his identity and the depth of his pain are revealed. In the end, Shankar obtains the malipatram and is cured by eating it. He is able to touch Jhanvi, proving that he is no longer afraid of touch. “Gaami” is not only a mystical journey but also a deep tale of identity, pain, liberation and self-acceptance.
Movie Review
“Gaami” is a film that breaks away from the traditional storytelling style and adopts a non-linear narrative. It has three different stories running simultaneously, which mostly keep changing with the match cut technique. This maintains the mystery and curiosity for the audience. This structure of the film reminds us to some extent of C/O Kancharapalem, Vedam, Yuva and the Hollywood film Babel. At the same time, the visual treatment of the film and the struggle going on in isolation gives a feel of The Revenant.
However, the climax of the film seems a bit weak. Some logical flaws like the rope being tied on the other side without showing it, or showing a snow leopard instead of a lion would have been more accurate as per reality – show some inconsistency in direction. This film is technically strong but the lack of consistency in execution may bother some viewers.
Talking about the background score (BGM), it seems to be largely inspired by films like The Revenant, Interstellar, and KGF. The music sets the mood of the film well, but there is a slight lack of originality.
VFX (Visual Effects) is a strong point of the film. The scenes have been presented effectively even in a limited budget. Especially the scenes of the Himalayan area looked beautiful and realistic.
Director Kagita Ravindra’s thinking and approach should be appreciated. The influence of Hollywood director Alejandro González Iñárritu can be clearly seen in her direction. Kagita can be placed in the line of emerging directors in Telugu cinema like Srikanth Odela, Mallidi Vasishta, Karthik Verma Dundu, and Prashant Verma. As a debut director, she has given a very bold and intellectual film.
According to another reviewer, “Gaami” connects deeply on a mental, emotional and philosophical level. The film depicts how each character struggles with his shortcomings, insecurities and desires. This film is like a mental analogy that forces the audience to think and connect. It also carries the message that humans are the true “supernatural” beings who are yet to realize their potential.
Actor Vishwak Sen has played his role with full sincerity and depth. His “raw” and real performance connects with the audience emotionally.
Overall, this is a film that can be watched by the general audience once, but for cinema lovers it may be an average experience. Still, considering Kagita’s efforts as a debut director, it is justified to give it 3 stars.
Movie Trailer
Conclusion
“Gaami” is an experimental and deeply relatable film that takes a different direction from conventional storytelling. Its non-linear story, impressive cinematography, and powerful background music make it unique. Though some lack of logic in the climax and some technical inconsistencies make it not completely excellent, director Kagitha Ravindra’s effort is commendable. As a debut film, it is a bold move and definitely makes her a director to watch in the future. This film is thought-provoking and is worth a watch.
