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Cast: Nagarjuna, Prakash Raj, Bharat Reddy, Brahmanandam, Ravi, Poonam Kaur, Sana Khan, Talaivasal Vijay, Melkote and others
Dialogue: Umarjee Anuradha
Cinematography: K V Guhan
Produced by: Dil Raju
Banner: Matinee Entertainments
Story, screenplay and direction: Radha Mohan
What’s it about!
A terrorist group hijacks a star-jet airplane from Chennai. The plane, with 75 passengers and crew, is brought to Tirupati airport on an emergency landing. A minister, a leading actor, a doctor, a father, a small kid and her family from Pakistan and a father are among its passengers. The terrorists demand their important leader Yosuf Khan be released from the prison. Home secretary Vishwanath (Prakash Raju), National Security adviser and other top bosses also come down to Tirupati to negotiate with the terrorists. National Security Guards officer Ravi (Nagarjuna) is also brought in. But government refuses to take commando operation immediately although Ravi insists on doing. Succumbing to terrorists’ demands, the government releases Yousuf Khan but he gets killed in a road accident when he is being brought. Now the drama starts, how do Ravi and his team accomplish their mission and frees the passengers from hijackers?
Analysis
This is the first time that a Telugu movie is completely focused on a Hijack drama from first frame to the end. Not just that, Gaganam is different in many ways and moreover a very racy movie. Although the movie stars Nagarjuna, it doesn’t have songs, nor does it have physical fights for the star. It is content driven, screenplay based movie. Genre specific movie.
Director Radha Mohan (who won appreciation for his earlier movie, Akashamantha) puts together a tight narrative and does not give in to the temptation of stuffing the film with either songs, or separate comedy track. At the run time of about 2 hours, the movie doesn’t slack at anytime. Though it starts off rather unenthusiastically but it hooks you to the story as the movie progresses. Second half is riveting.
The movie takes inspiration from Kandhar hijack episode, and several Hindi movies including Zameen (2003), yet the director has presented in novel way. The interval twist, the drama in the second half, climax sequences and a satire on our ‘shining stars’ are best segments of the movie.
On the down side, it has unnecessary track between Sana Khan and a newcomer, and some superficial dialogues.
Performances
Nagarjuna in the role of a NSG commando is pillar to the movie. His stellar performance and dignified looks have brought authenticity to the role. He also looks lean and charming.
Prakash Raj has not much lengthy role but he brings his experience to the character. Bharat Reddy as assistant to Nag, Ravi as pilot, Poonam Kaur as air hostess and Harsha Vardhan as reporter are good and perfect to their characters. Vijay as Colonel plays vital role. Sana Khan has little to do in the movie. Scenes involving Brahmanandam as film director evoke some laughs. Pridhvi as film actor okay but his character is best satire on our real life film stars.
K V Guhan should be showered praises for imaginatively putting the camera as the story revolves either in interiors of plane or an office room. Shot on digital Red Camera, Guhan has come up with some innovative angles. Most part of the story runs in the inside environs of a plane or in the office of airport. So it is tough job for a cameraman to show variation. Guhan comes as winner. The other technician who should be commended for his work is art director. The set of airplane (erected at Ramoji Film City) is almost like real. Background score is alright. Dialogues by Anuradha are okay.
Director Radha Mohan scores in direction and screenplay. He handles the dramatic sequences with ease and maintains the curiosity throughout the movie, not sidestepping from the main plot. Production values are on superior range although it is low budgeted movie.
Bottom-line
Gaganam is different movie and is racy hijack drama. Nagarjuna’s charming performance, director’s narration in the second half, and short run time are its strength. It may cater to niche audiences, but all those who crave for good cinema would definitely appreciate it
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