A tender portrait of humanity in a chaotic world
*The overall critic’s rating is not an average of the sub scores above
A tragicomedy steeped in survival and inner turmoil, this silent film follows Mahadev (Vijay Sethupathi), a Mumbai chawl dweller striving for a better life for himself and his ailing mother in a cluttered metropolis that, despite its chaos, has a big heart.Elsewhere in the city, celebrated builder Boseman (Arvind Swamy) finds himself grappling with personal and professional setbacks that push him to the brink. Both men are victims of corruption and circumstance. When their paths cross, they are unaware that pain neither absolves privilege nor spares poverty.In a world that constantly bombards us with noise, chaos, and information overload, it feels almost meditative to sit in a theatre for over two hours without hearing a single word. AR Rahman’s soulful score becomes the sutradhaar, gently guiding us through the narrative as we quietly observe the everyday lives of a few Mumbaikars. The city teaches you to hustle and to heal at the same time. Amid the clutter, it somehow offers peace. Its heart like the sea is vast enough to embrace everyone—rich and poor. Through the director’s delightful gaze, you witness Mumbai’s life and humanity exactly as they are, raw and unfiltered.The camera lingers on Mumbai with affection, embracing its chaos, flaws, and undeniable beauty. Director Kishor Pandurang Belekar offers a subtle, heartfelt ode to Dadasaheb Phalke through this ambitious silent film. You never miss dialogue and not once feel tempted to check your phone, which is an achievement in itself. Crafting a silent film is one thing; making it consistently engaging is another, and Gandhi Talks succeeds on both counts. Unlike talkies, you don’t even dare to blink, afraid you might miss a crucial moment, and that attentiveness feels oddly refreshing.The film works both as a tragicomedy and a satire, questioning the relevance of honesty, morality, and principles in a world that increasingly worships money over people. In one scene, Vijay removes his chappals out of respect before breaking into the house he intends to rob—a clever touch that captures middle-class nuances with quiet wit. The moment where he finds solace resting beside his ailing mother is deeply heartfelt, grounding his actions in adulting pressure and vulnerability.While Arvind Swamy delivers a poignant performance, this isn’t quite a two-hander. The narrative firmly centres on the common man, with Vijay Sethupathi carrying the film on his solid shoulders. He infuses Mahadev with purity, empathy, and innocence—qualities only he can bring so effortlessly. The character is needy, yet never self-pitying or miserable. Swamy is equally restrained, effective, and likeable. Aditi Rao Hydari adds warmth and grace, while Siddharth Jadhav, Usha Nadkarni, and Mahesh Manjrekar lend strong support in pivotal roles.If you’re willing to give words a rest and simply feel for a change, Gandhi Talks is a gentle, simple story that offers quiet solace.
