Gantumoote Movie Review: A lovely bag full of innocent romance

It requires a certain boldness to truly project the feelings of innocence and young romance on screen. This rings true, especially in the Kannada film industry, since there are only a few movies that have entered this territory. Given an 'A' certificate by the censor board, Roopa Rao’s romantic tale, Gantumoote, does cross conventional barriers. Kisses and cuddles become a part of the story, but never become vulgar.

Director: Roopa Rao
Cast: Teju Belawadi, Nishchith Korodi

The whole message of this well-crafted movie is that innocence among the youngsters in love is not about finding themselves, but about creating a personality for themselves by thriving under various pressing circumstances. 

Gantumoote is set in the 90s and is narrated as a flashback by Meera (Teju Belawadi), a film buff since childhood. Since her parents are a working couple, it is cinema that keeps her spirits alive. Growing up, she becomes a big fan of Salman Khan after watching the actor’s film, Hum Aap Ke Hai Kaun, and even writes letters to him hoping to become the mother of his child! In her classmate Madhusudhan (Nischith Korodi), she sees Salman. Their eyes meet, and they fall in love. They share their first kiss, first hug, and that first touch. However, this distracts Madhusudan from his education. A shocking incident follows and jolts Meera’s life. The film follows the journey of a heartbroken Meera as she heals herself.

The subject of Gantumoote is universal, and director Roopa has kept the innocence of love as natural as it can be. Wearing multiple hats as the writer, director, and producer, she takes up the challenge of putting across believable situations in the journey of a 16-year-old girl. This is a topic that youngsters generally find difficult to discuss with their parents. It is thus also relevant for the parents to know what their teenage children are going through.

Teju, actor Prakash Belawadi’s daughter, has delivered a natural performance capturing the emotions of innocence and love. Nischith too delivers a mature performance. The two pull off the romance portions convicingly. The casting by Roopa is worth mentioning, with every actor looking their age on screen. The school atmosphere is beautifully captured by Sahadev Kelavadi, and showcases a believable picture of academic pressure, love, emotions, friendship, and bullying.

Fresh melodies and background score by Aparajith Sris add to the experience. Gantumoote is a high-school romance that does justice to its tag line — 'Bag age' — and comes with its own sets of emotions and nostalgia, which take the audience to the good old days.