Review of Gujarati Movie “Kasoombo”
Newzdaddy Gujarati Movie Review
Newzdaddy Review in one line: “Gujarati Cinematic Triumph. Kasoombo’s Historical Marvel, a must-watch movie if you are a proud Gujarati”.
Newzdaddy Ratings: 4*/ 5
Genre: Historical Romantic Drama
Star Cast: Raunaq Kamdar, Dharmendra Gohil, Darshan Paandya, Chetan Dhanani, Shraddha Dangar, Monal Gajjar & Feroz Irani
Directed By: Vijaygiri Bava
Produced By: Jayesh Pavra, Pravin Patel, Tushar Sha, Twinkle Bava
Written by: Raam Mori, Vijaygiri Bava
Music & Background Score: Mehul Surti
Lyrics: Jagatguru Shree Adi Shankaracharya, Jashwant Gangani & Parth Tarpara
Singers: Arvind Barot, Nishaa Kapadia, Keerthi Sagathia, Aishwarya Majmudar Shruti Pathak, Kavya Limaye, Rushabh Ahir, Dev Pagli
IMDb Digital Promoter: Ashvin Borad (Crazy Studio)
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The Story
Kasoombo, a cinematic journey set in the 14th century, pays tribute to the valour of 51 residents of Adipur village who courageously resisted Alauddin Khilji’s onslaught. Their sacrifices, protecting their land, sacred places, and temples, form the heart of this epic saga. The film shines through its exceptional performances, skillful direction, and captivating musical score, making it a must-watch for all movie enthusiasts.
The Plot Unfolds in Shetrunjay Hills
The narrative unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Gujarat’s Shetrunjay Hills, inhabited by the warrior families of the Barot Samaj. These families, ingrained with a legacy of defending their land, face a grave threat when Dadu Barot, the village head of Adipur, learns of Alauddin Khilji’s menacing advances. Khilji, known for ruthlessly capturing sacred places and temples in Gujarat, sets his sights on the beautiful temple nestled in the Shetrunjay Hills. Determined to protect their heritage, the 51 residents of Adipur stand against Khilji’s formidable army, offering their lives to safeguard the cultural and sacred landmarks of the hills.
Adaptation and Direction
Kasoombo, adapted from Vimalkumar Dhami’s novel “Amar Balidan,” is a masterful creation by director Vijaygiri Bava. The film skillfully translates the novel’s essence to the screen, with a screenplay that seamlessly captures the intended emotions. Bava’s direction ensures that every frame serves the purpose of the narrative, maintaining the audience’s engagement from start to finish.
Powerful Dialogues and Musical Brilliance
Raam Mori’s powerful dialogues resonate throughout Kasoombo, adding depth to the characters and elevating the overall impact of the film. The music and background score by Mehul Surti plays a crucial role in setting the mood, perfectly complementing the story’s emotional nuances. As the narrative unfolds in the 14th century, the film’s visual elements, including temples and palaces, are brought to life through impressive VFX, enhancing the historical authenticity.
Casting Challenges and Stellar Performances
The casting of such an ambitious film poses significant challenges, yet Abhishek Shah Casting delivers commendable results. Dharmendra Gohil, portraying Dadu Barot, embodies the qualities of a dignified and formidable leader. Raunaq Kamdar, in the role of Amar, presents a never-before-seen portrayal of a warrior, exudes strength and heroism with a captivating smile. Shraddha Dangar brings Sujaan, Dadu Barot’s daughter, to life with a powerful and convincing portrayal. Monal Gajjar’s portrayal of Roshan, marked by innocence and goodness, adds a charming dimension to the film. Darshan Paandya, as Alauddin Khilji, may not fit the typical ruthless image, but his commanding voice and intense gaze send chills down the audience’s spine. The ensemble cast, including Chetan Dhanani, Feroz Irani, Jay Bhatt, and Kalpana Gagdekar, contribute to the film’s success by breathing life into their complex characters.
A Cinematic Triumph for Gujarati Cinema
To assert that Kasoombo stands as a unique achievement in the history of Gujarati cinema would be an understatement. The grand scale of this historical film, coupled with a high-quality climax rarely seen in Gujarati movies, marks a significant milestone. Kasoombo is a cinematic delight, especially for those eagerly awaiting an exemplary production from the vibrant Gujarati film industry.
Negative Points (my personal opinion)
- I felt that the length of the movie was a bit longer, it could be shortened.
- I also felt a bit bored in the middle phase of the movie where some scenes were stretched beyond needed.
- There was a lack of energy in the facial expressions of the characters especially during the dance of the title song.
Positive Points (my personal opinion)
- Must appreciate the makers for showing the courage to make a historical film with such a huge budget.
- The direction of the movie by Vijaygiri Bava is excellent.
- The quality of VFX is awesome, I am so happy to see that technically Gujarati films are moving ahead rapidly.
- Performance of all the lead characters especially Raunaq Kamdar, Dharmendra Gohil, Chetan Dhanani, and Shraddha Dangar.
- The DOP of the movie is awesome.
- Background music and score add great value to the movie.
- The most watchable scene of the movie is the climax, which will definitely give you goosebumps.
In conclusion, Kasoombo emerges as a groundbreaking cinematic endeavour in Gujarati cinema. Its meticulous attention to historical detail, compelling narrative, and stellar performances make it a must-watch for audiences seeking a unique and immersive cinematic experience.