To be extremely honest, GOUTHAM NANDA is in true sense, a masterpiece. While many might disagree only because it's a commercial film, it's very true that the film does succeed in both entertaining as well as provoking a lot of good thoughts. Director Sampath Nandi has perfectly balanced and mixed action, comedy, drama, music and even some unexpected twists well into the tale. Every character matters, and the way the film fits itself into the "offbeat commercial" zone is richly appealing.
Gopichand's performance is highly impressive. Both his roles are very well written with a lot of depth. He clearly comes out as a winner and succeeds in making both his characters appear totally different. There are other actors too who have done a great job, but this is an out and out Gopichand show, in which secondary characters aren't unnecessary and indeed impact the lives of both lead characters.
The screenplay is neatly written though there might be a few confusing things which can demand a second viewing of them to clear any doubt, but that's absolutely fine when the film does exactly what it intended to do: entertain the viewers.
Thaman's music is a major asset to the film. Right from the heartwarming score during the opening credits to all the other songs: everything works well. Did I forget to mention that the "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" song is my favorite one, and that it's even today on loop since last year? Well, I've said that now.
The action sequences are highly impressive, and the film has a grand production scale and that's evident throughout the entire duration. The emotional sequences are easily appealing and instantly reciprocative. The film has a lot of intensity in the second half and the climax leaves you shocked, even sad and the feeling resonates even after the film is over, even though the ending makes sure you leave your seat with a smile on your face.
I won't say anything more except requesting you to watch the film unless you have the mindset of writing off each and every commercial action entertainer without even seeing it. Before watching it, I had expectations of a good action entertainer. When it ended, I was totally moved by the film's message and its execution. Director Sampath Nandi's GOUTHAM NANDA is indeed an underrated action drama which should be seen not just for the action or Gopichand, but also for the way it balances itself as both a commercial and an offbeat film.
