INTRODUCTION
Salaam Venky is a fictionalized account of a true story directed by Revathy, about a mother’s fight for her son’s right to euthanasia. It stars Kajol as the mother, Sujata, and Vishal Jethwa as her son, Venkatesh, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
PLOT SUMMARY
Venkatesh is a young chess player who is slowly deteriorating due to his terminal illness. His mother, Sujata, initially resists his suggestion to be granted the right to euthanasia so that his organs can be donated, but eventually becomes an advocate for changing the law against mercy killing. As they fight for their cause, they face opposition from multiple parties and navigate complex ethical debates surrounding euthanasia.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
The script for Salaam Venky, written by Sammeer Arora and Kausar Munir, addresses complex issues surrounding euthanasia in a straightforward and simple manner. It avoids becoming overly sentimental and maintains a balance between addressing the serious subject matter and incorporating elements of popular Indian melodrama.
ACTING PERFORMANCES
Kajol shines as Sujata, delivering an emotional and nuanced performance as a mother grappling with the impending loss of her son. Vishal Jethwa also gives a strong performance as Venkatesh, conveying the character’s determination and love for life despite his illness. The supporting cast, including Rahul Bose, Rajeev Khandelwal, and Aahana Kumra, also deliver solid performances.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS
There are no major negative aspects in Salaam Venky.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
The film handles the heavy subject matter of euthanasia with sensitivity and manages to avoid becoming overly sentimental. The performances, especially from Kajol and Vishal Jethwa, are strong, and the cinematography and musical score are notable.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Cinematographer Ravi Varman’s work is noteworthy, with lighting and angles that set Salaam Venky apart from typical family melodramas. The musical score by Mithoon also adds depth to the film.
CONCLUSION
Overall, Salaam Venky is a well-made and emotionally powerful film that tackles complex ethical issues surrounding euthanasia with sensitivity and strong performances.