Sangama - Review

The image of Ganesh as a soft romantic hero has been kept intact in his latest film Sangama. Debutant director Ravi Varma definitely has a talent to attract family audiences and the film respects values like trust and integrity, which are essential for a middle-class family in India. In fact, the film proclaims that trust and belief should take priority over love.

Balu (Ganesh), a school dropout, is a small time real estate operator. Very good-natured, he is always helping his neighbouring family which includes Lachchi (Vedika) in every way. In fact, Lachchi's family is so fond of Balu that they are unable to make any decision without him. When a marriage proposal comes for Lachchi, it is Balu who goes with Khama (Komal Kumar) to find out more about the boy. He does his job with perfection and returns home to report that the boy is good for nothing.

Now, Lachchi falls sick and as a result, an important morning ritual is about to be discontinued. But Balu comes to the rescue and performs the ritual on her behalf. This good nature and helping mentality of Ganesh makes Lachchi fall in love with him. When Ganesh comes to know about Lachchi's love, he discourages her in spite of his love towards her. He is aware of his poor financial status and the trust that Lachchi's family has in him stops him from revealing his true feelings for her. Lachchi gets a new proposal from a software engineer from Germany but she wants to marry Balu. Balu, on the other hand, stays away from Lachchi, but when her family comes to know about Lachchi's love, they happily accept him.

This is a very simple film, narrated in a very pleasant way with a social message. Balu's attitude towards his neighbour whom he knows from childhood and to her family who considers him as their own son should be an inspiration to all youngsters.

Ganesh is at his best as the charming boy next door. Although he does not have his speedy dialogues and witty mannerisms this time, he excels as the simple Balu who respects the trust that others have in him. Vedika as Lachchi is soft and very apt for the role. She embodies all the feminine qualities; her determination in winning her love has been portrayed well.

The three songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad have melodious tunes and are beautifully picturised with Ganesh dancing superbly. Shekhar Chandru's camera captures the story in its essence and debutant director Ravi Varma steals the show for his neat presentation of a delightful love story.

Sangama, with its focus on human values, is a must-watch film for family audiences.

Director: Ravi Varma
Producer: Sanjay Babu
Music: Devi Sri Prasad
Camera: Shekhar Chandru
Cast: Ganesh, Vedika, Rangayana Raghu, Komal Kumar, Dharma, Yashas, B. Jaya