BOTTOM LINE
Boring And Forgettable
OUR RATING
1.75/5
CENSOR
U/A 2h, 21m
What Is the Film About?
Gurtunda Seetakalam is a recollection of past love stories of Dev, aka Satya Dev (Satyadev), while on a journey. Who was his first crush, first love and how it ended? Did he find true love, and how did it conclude, constitute the movie’s core plot.
Performances
Satyadev once again shines in a lacklustre film. He remains the main reason one sticks to the proceedings even though nothing really is happening. The energy and confidence in the act are palpable, but there is nothing more to it. One likes his presence and effort, but nothing is there to remember here.
Tamannaah is seen doing a typical old-school love story after a gap. Here, she is given a different role than her usual aggressive or commercial star-type part. However, the character progressions make it more irritating than endearing. It is more to do with the execution than the performance, though.
Analysis
Nagashekar R directs Gurtunda Seetakalam. It is a love story along the lines of Na Autograph or Premam etc., where the hero recollects his past and the love stories he had in his life.
The story in films like the ones mentioned above is utterly predictable. Most of the time, we know where it’s headed unless there is a twist in the tale. When that is not the case, things become highly predictable. A considerable burden is put on the lead pair’s chemistry, writing, music, and drama to make one invested in the narrative.
While looking at Gurtunda Seetakalam, one can see the director too aiming to create magic using the elements mentioned earlier. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work out here.
Despite the visible efforts to create nostalgia and a first love experience through writing and music, things never come together. Right from the start, there is a been-there-done-that kind of feel. Also, the movie has been in cans for a long time, adding to the datedness.
The story moves expectedly, but the bigger issue is the content. The conflict gives an outdated feeling. The lack of modernisation of the age-old tropes isn’t there at all. With no chemistry between the leads to overcome the flaws, the narrative feels laborious even in its livelier moments.
Sadly, things don’t improve and further get boring with the actual track involving Satya Dev and Tamannah. The writing and utter lack of chemistry between them is the biggest culprit here. No matter how much the pair tries to act lovey-dovey, the same never comes across.
The second half, in particular, goes on a beaten-to-death route with very little redemptive quality. The drama is so outdated and slow-paced to boot that it makes one squirm in the seats in discomfort. Tamannaah’s on-screen looks add to the feeling.
The ending, after all, that precedes is a mere formality. The drama doesn’t work and wears one down. There is zero emotional connection by that time, and one is simply relieved that things have finally ended.
Overall, Gurtunda Seetakalam is a relatively decently cast movie for a love story. The songs – a couple- are okay sounding, but ultimately it falters in the content, which is outdated and boringly executed. For a title which asks us to remember, the love story is instantly forgettable.
Performances by Others Actors
Megha Akash and Kavya Shetty are the other female leads in the movie. Both have decent roles taking the narrative forward but lack a unique quality. Once their parts are over, we don’t care about them.
Priyadarshi and others are mere functionary roles going through the predictable motions. Senior actress Suhasini makes a run-of-the-mill appearance very late in the day.
Music and Other Departments?
Kaala Bhairava’s music is one of the better aspects of the movie. It isn’t spectacular or memorable, but a couple of songs feel good on screen. The background score is slightly better, mainly during the emotional moments. Satya Hegde’s cinematography is okay. Considering the backdrop and locations, it could have been much better. One gets a feeling that the entire movie is shot in limited spaces. Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao’s editing is adequate. The writing is below par for a love story. Only a few small bits work mildly.
Highlights?
Satyadev
BGM, In Parts
Drawbacks?
Routine Love Stories
Predictability
Zero Chemistry
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Gurthunda Seethakalam Movie Review by M9News
