Star Cast: Kajol, Vishal Jethwa, Riddhi Kumar, Rajeev Khandelwal, Priyamani, Aahana Kumra , Rahul Bose &Others
Director : Revathy
Overview : It is an earnest attempt in telling a story about a dying man determined to make his existence worthwhile and a mother’s anguish and zest to give her son the best passing.
Storyline : Based on Srikanth Murthy’s celebrated work inspired by the true story of K. Venkatesh, The Last Hurrah, Salaam Venky is a movie about a Venkatesh aka Venky (Vishal Jethwa) fighting a rare genetic disorder named Duchene Muscular Dystrophy on the verge of dying and his mother Sujata (Kajol) who is not yet ready to let him go , though the doctors had predicted that he won’t live for 16 years , but Venky will to live and his mother’s love and zest leads him to live till the age of 24 ,Venky’s desire is to donate his organs before he dies and urges his mom to appeal for Euthanasia, but Sujata can’t fulfil his last wish .The first half Salaam Venky’s first half primarily focuses on how Sujata and Venky have been living their lives in the years. Kajol as the strong single mother as her husband leaves her due to venky’s condition terming him as dead investment but Sujata is determined to take care of Venky and works hard for his medical treatment Vishal Jethwa as the bed-ridden Venky is full of life and sets the tone for the first half of the film. The film also features flashback scenes, a romantic angle and a dance number to keep the Salaam Venky light-hearted.
The second half focuses on Kajol’s Sujata finally accepting her son’s will to die. She runs pillar-to-post to allow her son to get euthanised so that he could donate his organs. Joining her journey is Rahul Bose as the lawyer while Aahana Kumra impresses as the television reporter who is giving the mother-son duo some positive media coverage.
Script Analysis &Director Review : The script of film is dealing with the complicated debate of euthanasia – a subject that has been debated extensively in several forums, from the court of law to classrooms.
The script’s highlight is Kajol, as a grief stricken mother determined to give her son the right to die on his own terms and with dignity is effective. Director Revathy though has done a good direction trying so hard to make it emotionally charged that it fails to make that impact ,though to make some ligth moments in a rather emotional and hard hitting scenes is Venky’s love for bollywood films and some specific dailogues like Dailogue from Rajesh Khanna Movie Safar Zindagi Lambi Nahi Badi Honi Chahiye , or Shahrukh Khan Dailogue Palat makes fir good light and humourous moments.But the film focuses on broad spectrums and lacks any soul .
Performances : Kajol as Sujata is at her best playing both emotional attachment for his son and on the other hand a strong women who fights for his son’s life and his wish to die with dignity …she shines in her role .
Vishal Jethwa as Venky is an incredible actor He makes you feel like a part of his journey of life and is mind blowing with his performance. With Salaam Venky, Vishal Jethwa proves he has come a long way from his antagonist in ‘Mardaani .
One scene, where Venky is calling out to his mother from the hospital bed as his mother mad at him,with regards to his last wish is brilliantly played by Vishal
Aamir Khan’s special appearances are intriguing and mysterious
Among other ensemble cast, Priyamani and Rahul Bose as lawyers and Rajeev Khandelwal as Dr Shekhar deliver decent performances, Prakash Raj as the judge stands out. Ridhi Kumar as Venky’s sister is very good in her part and has a pleasant screen appearance. Aahana Kumra as a TV reporter and Anand Mahadevan as Swamiji are just passable characters and just wasted.
Final Words : All said and done Salaam Venky is High On Emotional Content And Hard Hitting , Keep Your Heart Strong To Watch This Movie
Rating : 3*/5*
Watch trailer here
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