A refreshing and entertaining watch
In Basil Joseph’s Godha, the action doesn’t stay on the mud or the mat alone. It goes deep into a woman’s dream and her resolve and determination to live it. Here, it is through the spunky and spirited Aditi Singh (played to perfection by Wamiqa Gabbi) that we see a beautiful dream being chased to fulfillment. And, what a refreshing attempt it is!
Godha begins with Aditi being asked to stop wrestling by her brother who thinks that by doing it, she will bring shame to the family. He gives her an ultimatum -- wrestling or family. Then, she meets Anjaneeya Das (Tovino Thomas), son of a wrestler and a former wrestler himself. Aditi comes down to Kerala and meets Captain, Anganeeya’s father. Striving to regain the lost glory of ‘gusti’, he finds a perfect student in her.
Even though the idea of ‘chasing dreams’ in movies is redundant, here in Godha it is handled with a generous dose of humour that you enjoy it to the hilt. For the same reason, it qualifies to be tagged as an
entertainer, rather than a sports movie, that is, if you ever feel the need to describe it.
And, obviously, it is the strong script by Rakesh Manthodi that propels Godha forward. There are enough fun moments to leave us in splits, the right amount of spirit to keep us hooked and wonderful music, courtesy Shaan Rahman, to ignite the emotions.
Having said that, it is Wamiqa who owns Godha. Thanks to the casting wonders, Wamiqa looks every inch a fierce fighter. She is not your coy heroine, but roughs up men, who messes with her and delivers the best of the slams, yet brightens up the screen with her charm and beauty.
We relate to her journey in defying conventions, and when she says her dreams are the only thing that matters to her, we cannot help but approve. We also see shades of a mature and practical woman in her when Aditi reprimands Anjaneeya for trying to “own her”.
Giving her ample support is Tovino, with his portrayal of the naive lover boy. Ranji Panicker reinvents himself as a strict wrestler, who aims to bring back the days of ‘gusti’ in his quaint village. Aju Varghese,
Hareesh Perumanna and Hareesh Peradi add to the comic elements.
Godha is definitely a growth in director Basil’s career. Though his first Kunjiramayanam did hit the bulls-eye, it had its fair share of flaws. However, Godha is a more mature and better effort. This one is entertaining and refreshing, and a worthy watch.
Film: Godha
Genre: Sports comedy
Director: Basil Joseph
Cast: Wamiqa Gabbi,
Tovino Thomas,
Ranji Panicker