Godfather (2022) – Indian Movie Review
GodFather is not just a film; it was a statement by “Megastar” Chiranjeevi to reclaim his throne in the Telugu film industry.
Directed by Mohan Raja, this political action thriller is a remake of the Malayalam giant Lucifer (2019). While remakes are often risky, GodFather succeeded by blending sophisticated storytelling with “mass” elements.
1. The Narrative and Setup
The story kicks off with the death of the state’s Chief Minister, PKR. This creates a power vacuum that triggers a ruthless scramble for the chair. The primary antagonist is the CM’s son-in-law, Jaidev (Satyadev), a cold-blooded businessman involved in drug trafficking.
Enter Brahma (Chiranjeevi). To the world, he is a mysterious political operative; to his enemies, he is a shadow they cannot catch. The film explores how Brahma protects his mentor’s legacy and his sister Sathyapriya (Nayanthara) from the vultures circling the government.
2. Character Analysis & Performances
Chiranjeevi as Brahma: This is arguably one of his most “mature” performances in the last decade. He ditches his signature comedic timing and heavy dance moves for a stoic, brooding persona. His screen presence is commanding, proving that he can hold the audience’s attention just by walking or sitting in a chair.
Satyadev as the Villain: He is the “X-factor” of the film. Playing a villain against a Megastar is daunting, but Satyadev excelled. He didn’t use loud screams or typical villain tropes; instead, he played it with a calm, sociopathic intelligence that made him a worthy rival.
Nayanthara: She brings grace and emotional weight to the story. Her character’s transition from hating Brahma to understanding his true intent provides the film’s emotional backbone.
Salman Khan (Extended Cameo): Playing ‘Masoom Bhai,’ Salman’s role is designed for the gallery. While his presence adds “Star Power,” his chemistry with Chiranjeevi in the action sequences was the highlight for many fans, despite some logic-defying stunts.
3. Technical Brilliance
Direction (Mohan Raja): Raja deserves credit for trimming the “slow-burn” nature of the original Lucifer to suit the faster-paced Telugu audience. He kept the core political intrigue intact while adding “elevation” scenes that satisfy the fan base.
Music (S. Thaman): Thaman’s background score is a character of its own. The heavy brass and percussion during Brahma’s entry scenes amplified the theater experience significantly.
Cinematography: The film uses a dark, moody color palette (lots of blacks, greys, and deep reds), which fits the theme of “shadow politics” perfectly.
4. Key Differences from the Original (Lucifer)
Unlike the original, which was a slow political drama, GodFather is more of an action-thriller.
The Climax: The climax in GodFather is much more explosive and action-oriented compared to the subtle ending of the original.
No Item Song: In a bold move for a Telugu commercial film, they avoided a traditional item song, keeping the serious tone consistent (though they added the ‘Thaar Maar’ dance number during the credits).
5. Final Verdict
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful Performance: Chiranjeevi’s best “serious” role in years. | VFX Issues: Some green-screen work during the climax looked dated. |
| Strong Antagonist: Satyadev is brilliant. | Logic: Certain action scenes require a heavy “suspension of disbelief.” |
| High Stakes: The political drama is genuinely engaging. | Comparison: Fans of the original Lucifer may find it slightly “too loud.” |
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
GodFather is a rare remake that respects the source material while finding its own identity. It is a must-watch for fans of political dramas and anyone who wants to see Chiranjeevi in a powerful, non-traditional role.