Gandhi Talks Movie Review: Vijay Sethupathi's dialogue-free film makes an impact, but falls short in some parts..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 30 Jan, 2026
Gandhi Talks is a bold and unique experiment in Indian cinema in recent years. It's a completely silent film, a stark contrast to today's fast-paced, dialogue-heavy movies. Vijay Sethupathi plays the lead role, and A.R. Rahman's emotionally charged music adds depth and impact to the story.

The film revives the almost lost art of storytelling through visuals and expressions alone, without dialogue. Its satire on modern society's greed and morality is also evident. The idea is grand, the visuals are strong, and the theme is impactful, though some parts feel slow-paced and some scenes lack the desired impact.
The Story
The story begins with Mahadev (Vijay Sethupathi), an educated young man searching for a job. In the society he lives in, being economically disadvantaged means almost always remaining so. Adding to his difficulties, he faces corruption and nepotism when applying for jobs. With each failure, his hope diminishes.
Parallel to this runs the story of Bosman (Arvind Swami), a wealthy businessman who appears to have everything on the surface, but is inwardly hollow and stressed. Gradually, Mahadev and Bosman's worlds collide, and in this collision, greed, trouble, hope, and humanity come to the forefront. The entire film unfolds without dialogue, with the story propelled solely by facial expressions, subtle gestures, visual cues, and Rahman's music.
Acting
The film's greatest strength lies in its acting. Without uttering a single word, Vijay Sethupathi meticulously portrays innocence, fear, anger, hope, and despair through his facial expressions and body language. His subtle expressions feel incredibly authentic. Arvind Swami captivates with his calm and serious demeanor. The subtle tension on his face perfectly reflects his character's inner turmoil. Aditi Rao Hydari plays Mahadev's love interest, and her presence adds tenderness and emotional moments to the story. Siddharth Jadhav, as a petty thief, brings a lively energy, dark humor, and witty social commentary to the film. His scenes instantly inject a different kind of energy onto the screen. The four actors together make the film effective even without dialogue.
Direction
Director Kishore Belekar has crafted the film in a very unique style. He has dared to tell the story through expressions and atmosphere. Many scenes are designed to allow the audience to feel, understand, and connect with the story on their own. However, some symbols, such as the pictures of Gandhi, shots related to money, and exaggerated gestures, sometimes appear too frequently, making them feel a bit overdone. But overall, his direction gives the film a distinctive and memorable identity.
Negative Points
The silent format might not appeal to everyone. In some parts, the story feels slow and a bit lengthy. The lack of dialogue makes some characters seem less developed, especially the female characters. Some emotional or romantic moments don't leave much of an impact. Viewers looking for fast-paced entertainment or masala films might find this film heavy.

Watch or Not?
If you enjoy unique, experimental, and visually driven films, then 'Gandhi Talks' could be a good experience for you. Our Indian cinema also began with similar films. Dadasaheb Phalke's first film, 'Raja Harishchandra,' was also a silent film, where the entire story unfolded through expressions and visuals. 'Gandhi Talks' presents that old silent era in a new way in today's times.
However, if you prefer fast-paced, lighthearted, or dialogue-driven films, then this film might feel a bit slow and heavy for you.
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