Garadi review: A ‘wrestling’ experience for almost two-and-a-half hours

Whenever the multi-talented filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat takes up a project, it always comes attached with some expectations. It holds true even when the film is not star-studded or is headlined by newcomers.

Yogaraj Bhat’s knack for presenting a simple tale effectively is outstanding. Irrespective of its result at the box office, the movie rarely leaves one disappointed.

However, his latest wrestling drama Garadi is an exception. Here is why:

Synopsis

“Garadi” in Kannada means a place where male wrestlers are trained by a senior and experienced mentor. Such places have been a huge part of wrestling tradition and culture in India with a great historical significance attached to them.

The film revolves around “kushti” (wrestling) with some drama packed with it.

Set in a village called Rattehalli, it opens up to the murder of one wrestling champion (Seena) by Shivappa Rane, a wealthy man who hails from a family who have been champion of champions for ages in the village.

Then comes Rangappa, the master wrestler who teaches upcoming wrestlers in his “garadi“. Rangappa is portrayed by actor and politician BC Patil, who apparently has produced this venture through his wife Vanaja Patil under their home banner — Kourava Production House.

Of the two sons of Seena, one lands in jail and another grows up in Rangappa’s “garadi“. He is our hero — Garadi Soori.

In between, there is a love story, an item number, a few songs and wrestling matches.

For more, please watch Garadi.

Also Read: Manu carries a lot of guilt in ‘Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati-Side B’: Rakshit Shetty

Lacks force

What makes Garadi hard (wrestle) to watch is its predictable nature. It needs no brain to predict who the “special” character is when one of the brothers is sent to jail at the beginning and returns only in the climax! Any guesses folks?!

This is neither a full-fledged wrestling drama nor a full-time romantic drama pegged by the local sport.

Even for a sport-based commercial drama, Garadi lacks the force and the intent. Most importantly, it lacks the emotional connection of an “undergod” element, which usually keeps the audience attached to the core of such sportive acts.

ಗರಡಿ ಚಿತ್ರದ ಟ್ರೈಲರ್ ನಿಮಗಾಗಿ ನೋಡಿ ಪಕ್ಕಾ ದೇಸಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರು ನೋಡಬೇಕಾದ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನವೆಂಬರ್ 10ನೇ ತಾರೀಕು ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದೆhttps://t.co/r4Av5mM6yp pic.twitter.com/rBTkEYVvxy

— Darshan Thoogudeepa (@dasadarshan) November 1, 2023

Quite ordinary

The reference to “Ekalavya” in the Indian epic “Mahabharata” showcases how a determined mind can achieve one’s goal all by oneself by the sheer sense of observing and practising with utmost honesty.

Garadi Soori, the protagonist who practises wrestling himself without his mentor’s knowledge, has little effect in the film.

While Yashas Soorya puts in his 100 percent as an actor, his character seems half-baked and wavers a lot. It hovers around the usual elements of a commercial saga.

A few soon-forgotten songs are packed in between and the humour never evokes laughter.

Between, there is an item number and some wrestling fights.

Rest is Rangappa as a mentor who keeps promising Shivappa Rane that he will make one of his sons a champion to lift the trophy that has been waiting for them for over 18 years.

And, not to forget the lady love of Garadi Soori, Kabbali (Sonal Monteiro).

Also Read: ‘Bhootaradhane’, a cultural practice in coastal Karnataka, set to return to Kannada films

Darshan, a saviour

The only saving grace of this wrestling drama is the entry of Challenging Star Darshan, who makes a special appearance in the final part. His thundering dialogues and powerful punches bring back much-needed joy for an audience.

However, it is just momentary as the saga ends, leaving the audience wondering whether they watched a Yogaraj Bhat-directed film or what!

Final take

Garadi has its highs and lows, mostly lows for the reasons above and an unlikely experience of watching the talented filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat.

(Views expressed here are personal.)