“Gandhi Talks” Movie Review

“A silent film with powerful truths.”

Gandhi Talks is an ambitious cinematic experiment that dares to step away from conventional storytelling and embrace the challenging format of a silent black comedy. Directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar and released on 30 January, the film features an impressive ensemble cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, Siddharth Jadhav, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Mahesh Manjrekar. While the film may not work perfectly at every level, its intent, performances, and thematic ambition make it an interesting watch.

Set in Mumbai, Gandhi Talks explores relevant social issues such as unemployment, corruption, and moral conflict through visual storytelling and symbolism. The film opens on a promising note, effectively establishing its world and characters without spoken dialogue. Early sequences—such as a corrupt courtroom verdict and a rejected job application—clearly set the tone and underline the systemic struggles faced by the common man.

At the heart of the story is Mahadev Vishnu More (Vijay Sethupathi), a financially broken man living in a chawl with his ailing mother. His desperation to find work and dignity is portrayed with quiet intensity. Running parallel is the story of Mohan Boseman (Arvind Swamy), a once-wealthy businessman who faces insolvency and social downfall. When their lives intersect, along with a petty thief played by Siddharth Jadhav, the narrative brings wealth, power, and poverty into direct confrontation.

Much of the film unfolds within Mohan’s house, where Mahadev is faced with temptation, easy money, and an emerging sense of guilt. This confined setting allows the film to explore inner conflicts and moral choices through expressions and visual cues. The love angle involving Aditi Rao Hydari adds a softer emotional layer to the otherwise grim narrative.

What truly elevates Gandhi Talks are the performances. Vijay Sethupathi delivers a deeply committed and expressive performance, capturing fear, frustration, and vulnerability with remarkable ease. Arvind Swamy complements him well, portraying a man burdened by regret and shattered pride. Their silent interplay forms the emotional backbone of the film.

Though the film’s extended runtime and heavy reliance on symbolism may test patience for some viewers, Gandhi Talks deserves appreciation for its courage to attempt something different. It stands as a reminder that silent cinema demands precision and trust in visual storytelling. While the film may feel uneven at times, its strong cast, social relevance, and experimental spirit make it a noteworthy attempt that sparks discussion and reflection long after the credits roll.

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi,Arvind Swami,Aditi Rao Hydari,Siddharth Jadhav and others.

Producers: Rajesh Kejriwal, Gurpal Sachar Umesh Kumar Bansal, Meerra Chopraa, Kishor P Belekar

Writer & Director : Kishor Pandurang ‘Belekar’

Rating…3.7/5

Sathish PRO. AIM

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