Review: Gandhi Talks: Slightly off, but totally sincere

 

Movie: Gandhi Talks
Rating: 2.75/5

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

Director: Kishor Pandurang Belekar

Produced By: Zee Studios, Kyoorius Moviemill

Release Date: 30-01-2026

Story:

Set in Mumbai, the film revolves around two men from completely different worlds. Mahadev Vishnu Kumar lives in a chawl with his ailing mother and struggles daily to find a job. He is also in love with a young woman who lives in the apartment opposite his home.

On the other hand, Mohan Boseman is a suave entrepreneur dealing with a series of personal and professional setbacks. Their paths cross when Mahadev deliberately plans to enter Boseman’s life. What follows is a silent narrative that unfolds Mahadev’s intentions, their consequences, and Boseman’s reaction to them.

Performances:

Vijay Sethupathi delivers a strong and convincing performance. He expresses the pain, struggle, and hope of his character with remarkable ease. Arvind Swami is equally impressive, adding depth and dignity to his role, which strengthens the film overall. Aditi Rao Hydari makes a graceful impact with her limited screen time, while the supporting cast delivers decent performances.

What Works:

The film deserves appreciation for its sincere attempt to present a full-length silent movie with the emotional impact of a regular film. Several scenes are neatly written and effectively convey humor and emotion without dialogue.

One standout moment occurs when Mahadev, working an odd job dressed as Lord Krishna at a wedding, is mocked by a child who throws food at him. Boseman’s gentle act of wiping it away is quietly moving. Another strong scene is between Mahadev and his lover, where she guides him toward redemption. The final reaction of Boseman to Mahadev’s gesture is also handled well.

What Doesn’t Work:

While Gandhi Talks genuinely attempts to revive silent cinema, a few portions fall short. The robbery sequence in the second half feels stretched. Mahadev’s financial struggles could have been established more effectively. Boseman’s plan also needed stronger and clearer presentation to create greater impact.

Gandhi Talks Review and Verdict:

Directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar, Gandhi Talks is a bold and sincere attempt at a full-length silent film. Vijay Sethupathi and Arvind Swami’s strong performances hold the narrative together, while A.R. Rahman’s background score and songs enhance the experience. But the film could have been more impactful if the silence did not feel forced in certain moments.