Zee Studios, Kyoorius and Moviemill’s Gandhi Talks (UA) is a silent film which underlines the power of and greed for money. It is the story of chawl dweller Mahadev (Vijay Sethupathi) and affluent businessman Mohan Boseman (Arvind Swami). Mahadev is always short of money. He has an ailing mother to look after. He loves Gayatri (Aditi Rao Hydari) who lives in the same chawl. While he plans to resort to stealing for making money before marrying her, Gayatri is against this idea. Mohan Boseman has hit upon terrible times. How he runs away from the long arm of law is what his story is all about.
Kishore Pandurang Belekar’s story may not boast of novelty as one has seen films with characters who worship money. But since this is a silent film, the story gets a new take. Besides, the entire story is about the greed for money, the power of money and what money can do. In that sense, the story is interesting. Kishore Pandurang Belekar has penned a screenplay which keeps the audience engrossed despite the complete absence of dialogues. The drama does lose its grip on the viewers for some time post-interval, but the screenplay soon gets on track over again. The drama manages to get smiles on the faces of the viewers. Occasionally, there are scenes which make the audience laugh too. The emotional quotient, however, is low.
Vijay Sethupathi shines as Mahadev. He acts with such effortless ease that it’s a delight to watch him perform. His acting will once again win him plenty of fans. Aditi Rao Hydari does a splendid job in the role of Gayatri. She looks beautiful. Arvind Swami looks extremely endearing and acts brilliantly and naturally as Mohan Boseman. Siddharth Jadhav is entertaining as Mangu. Usha Nadkarni has her moments as Mahadev’s ailing mother. Priyadarshini Indalkar performs well in the role of the news reporter. Govind Namdeo is effective as police inspector Vishwasrao. Zarina Wahab makes her mark as Gayatri’s mother. Mahesh Manjrekar is lovely as politician Premnath Gavli. Anant Jog makes his presence felt as Mohan Boseman’s lawyer. S.M. Zaheer is supremely natural in a brief role as the driver. Rohini Hattangady has her moments as Mohan Boseman’s mother. Sharad Vyas is alright as the judge. Jayant Wadkar is nice as the wine shop owner. Satish Trivedi is adequate as the tea stall owner. Deepak Nangalia (as the financier), Kunal Kumar (as the financier’s lawyer), and the others lend decent support.
Kishore Pandurang Belekar’s direction is very good. Despite no dialogues, Belekar has been able to make a film which sustains the viewers’ interest for a good part. A.R. Rahman’s music is melodious. The Inquilabi song is the best. The other songs are also tuneful. Lyrics (by Kumaar, Sameer Samant and Vishwadeep Zeest) are nice. Kruti Mahesh’s choreography is eye-filling. The dance on Inquilabi song is lovely. A.R. Rahman’s background music deserves distinction marks. Karan B. Rawat’s cinematography is outstanding. Durgaprasad Mahapatra’s production designing is appropriate. Ashish Mhatre’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Gandhi Talks is a well-made film but its box-office prospects are weak as it is a silent film and, on top of that, its promotion is lacklustre because of which awareness about not just the release but about the film itself is very low.
Released on 30-1-’26 at Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Zee Studios. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.