Golconda High School - Movie Review

It was indeed a first for me, many firsts rolled into one - watching a Telugu movie based on an English novel that I had read, by an author who is a friend. Now that I have that disclaimer out of the way, let me tell you about the movie. For those interested in the book review, please check out the link at the bottom of this post.

"Golconda High School" is the story of the cricket team of the eponymous school, a team that needs to win, not just for the glory, but for the right to retain the vast school grounds, which have been earmarked by a greedy trustee for building a new coaching center. The movie tells the relatively straightforward story of how Sampath, an alumni of the school who is invited by the principal and given the lofty task of winning the inter-school championship, sets about creating a team of champions from a group of lackluster boys.

The movie is refreshing in its elegant approach to storytelling.No gimmicks, no slapstick comedy track, no distracting item numbers. All the actors are firmly grounded and play their part with conviction. The boys are particularly endearing in their everyday mannerisms and good-natured ribbing as they gather for practice. As a resident of Hyderabad, it was a pleasure to see a real school with a large playground (a rarity these days)against the majestic backdrop of the historic icons that casually grace the city. The songs are minimal and come just at the right moments.

I am totally unqualified to judge whether the cricket scenes were authentic but considering the fact that the author of the novel "The Men Within", Harimohan Paruvu was present in several of the cricket scenes, was reassuring.

Golconda High School may not be another Chak De or Lagaan, but it is definitely a contemporary tale set in modern India that makes its point, albeit subtly. So be a dreamer, plan and work hard for the greater goal. GO GHS!!

http://drranjani.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-review-men-within.html