Rarely does a film with a social message manage to convey its message without appearing preachy or contrived. Gautham Ramachandhran, the director who made waves with his first film, Richie, makes a stunning comeback through Gargi produced by Blackie, Genie & My Left Foot Productions and presented by Surya and Jyothika’s 2D Entertainment. Sai Pallavi plays the lead role, supported by Kaali Venkat, RS Sivaji, Jai Prakash, Livingstone, Kavidhaalaya Krishnan and Prathab. 90s star Saravanan plays a major role in the film.
The film takes a frank and revealing look at the ugly face of sexual abuse of young children. Highlighting the systemic power in a largely patriarchal society, Gargi holds up a mirror to a very diseased society and essentially teaches one to be adequately prepared for a society in which respect and safety remain lofty but unreachable ideals.
Sai Pallavi plays Gargi, whose father is accused to raping a young girl. As crucial doors began to shut on them, Gargi becomes determined to clear her father’s name. The extent of her success in this endeavour forms the rest of the film.
It is an intense, potent and flawless performance from Sai Pallavi in a role that must put her in contention for the Best Actress award. Her ability to emote beyond facial expression is a sheer delight to watch, RS Sivaji has been taking a a variety of roles of late and also delivers a solid performance. Kaali Venkat is in one of the meatiest roles of his career and he shines brilliantly. Saravanan proves to be the surprise element in the film in one of the finest performances of his career. Jaiprakash, Ramesh Khanna and Prathab are the best of the others.
Technically, the film is outstanding. Colours, shades, diffusers, filters and natural lighting effects synthesise into an amazing visual display by cinematographer Srayanti Premakrishna Akkattu. Shaffique Mohammed Ali’s editing further augments the visual feast.
The script by Hariharan Raju and Gautham Ramachandhran is well crafted within the neatly crafted screenplay.
Music has been scored by 96-fame Govind Vassanth who scores just enough music to support the narrative in a non-intrusive manner.
The film’s only drawback is the slow start and the introduction to the plot. Despite the lack of pace, the film is never boring because of its sensible characterization and lively scripting.
Gargi is a film every person – young or old – should see. It handles the harshness of rape and child abuse in a manner that is still suitable for family viewing while not underplaying the viciousness of sexual assault. Despite some blemishes in the screenplay, it is a magnificent film with intense acting and an arresting screenplay.
Gargi scores 9 points out of 10.