There are certain trailers which leave such a strong imprint on your heart and mind that you just can’t wait to watch the film! Kajol starrer ‘Salaam Venky’ has been one such trailer for me in the recent times. The trailer hit me so hard at all the right spots that I knew I’m going to watch it whatsoever.
Directed by Revathi, the film is inspired by the true story of a 24-year-old chess player Kolavennu Venkatesh. The story of the film revolves around Sujatha Prasad (played by Kajol), the mother of a boy named Venky (played by Vishal Jethwa), who has been suffering from a incurable protein deficiency disease called DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) since his birth, in which a person dies at an young age of 16-17. Doctors have predicted that Venky would not survive past the age of 16, but with his mother’s unconditional love and his own willpower he lives till 24 .
The film brings to the fore the issue of organ donation which was also Venky’s last wish. As Venky wants to donate his organs before he dies and urges his mother to appeal for euthanasia, the will to die, but laws of our country comes in between it. Well, it can never be easy for a mother to demand euthanasia for his piece of heart, for whom she fought against the whole world but contrary to it what makes Sujatha do it? You’ll get to know it after watching the film.
It’s has always been a tough job to present an already known story on the celluloid in such a way that the audiences move along with the emotions of the film and no doubt Revathi has done a brilliant job here. She has once again come up with a deep and heart touching story and endeared herself to the audiences. The way she has woven the emotions, portraying the pain of a son and the attachment of a mother to him on the screen is brilliant. As soon as the film starts, you get so involved in the world of Sujatha and Venky that all their pain and helplessness feels like your own, which is Revathi’s success as a director.
Along with direction, Kajol and Vishal Jethwa’s performance is another highlight of the film. In the role of a mother Kajol has won hearts! We have seen Kajol more in bubbly and flirtatious character but here a whole different Kajol is seen. Infact she has donned the skin of her character in such a way that there’s no Kajol she’s every bit Sujatha. As far as Vishal Jethwa is concerned, he has given life to the character of Venky. He sometimes makes you cry, sometimes laugh and sometimes explains the philosophy of life making his way right into the hearts of people. In the supporting cast it is Prakash Raj, Rajeev Khandelwal and Rahul Bose who leaves an impact with their performances whereas the presence or absence of Aamir Khan does not make any major difference to the film.
‘Salaam Venky’ makes us aware with the truth of life. It is not some sort of masala entertainer which will keep you at the edge of your seats waiting to see something unexpected. The story is pretty clear as the film begins. It is an emotional film which makes you cry, smile and everything in between. You can now watch ‘Salaam Venky’ in theaters nearby just don’t forget to carry some tissues along!
