#gaami movie

[wikiintro]

Gaami Cast, Movie, Release Date, Roles

MovieGaamiRelease DateMarch 8, 2024DirectorVidyadhar KagitaWriterVidyadhar KagiaPratyush VatyamLanguageTeluguProduction CompanyClown PicturesKarthik Kult KreationsSwetha Vahini StudiosFilming LocationPrayagrajRuntime2 hours 27 minutes Gaami Official Trailer Gaami Top Star Cast Vishwak Sen playing as Top Cast To know more about Vishwak Sen’s wikiintro Profile Abhinaya playing as Top Cast To…

[ineffable-opinions]

Gaami (2024)

Part 3 of the series: Indian Queer Media

Little Hearts (2024)

Kaathal the Core (2023)

Available for streaming on Zee5

Until now all the movies that I have discussed have been centered in Kerala. In this movie, we are moving further north, from Telugu-speaking region to traveling through Himalayas for this bioluminescent mushroom Azisstra arendiphytis (nasyati maalipatra) that blooms once in 36 years on the Dronagiri mountain in the Garhwal ranges, that can wipe out all memories. This mushroom isn’t significant in itself. It could very well be something else. Basically, a typical MacGuffin. However, going in search of it, the journey, the characteristic epic adventure that gets the movie the name ‘Gaami’, the one who seeks, is super exciting.

Our main character, Shankar, is not alone in his journey. He is accompanied by a mycologist, Jahnavi, who has to find the mushroom for personal, altruistic and scientific reasons. Among the characters in the movie, she is probably the one who can be considered the definitive female lead, but is not romantically paired with the main character.

SPOILERS AHEAD, PLEASE WATCH THE MOVIE BEFORE PROCEEDING

The movie deals with queerness in a unique manner. Usually, queerness is discussed in context of romance or family life, either connected to marriages and having kids or in the context of outing/coming out. This one is about an intersex person trying to find himself and coming to terms with what has happened to him in the past, the kind of tortures he has gone through. This is an epic journey to self-discovery that he embarks on with his companion, a mycologist out to find a panacea for the different pains they have suffered. After venturing through very many dark places and coming out of those makes the ending actually looks like it is probably imagined than real, comparable to Life of Pi.

Ardhanarishvara Lore and Intersex Identity

Chola period Ardhanarishvara statue

As @starryalpacasstuff mentioned in this discussion on Indian queer media, Ardhanarishvara is interpreted in very many ways. This movie has one of the most interesting and cinematic interpretation of the revered deity Ardhanarishvara. Uma (one of the names by which Parvati devi is known) and Shankar (another name of Lord Shiva) being the same person, a single entity, separated by much pain, reunites nearing the climax of the movie. Throughout the movie, the name is like one big clue, but it is not an easy clue by any means. While watching the movie, at one point, I had wondered if Shankar is Uma’s father who had opted for an ascetic life after Durga’s theogamy. Shankar as a character is heavily inspired by Lord Shiva. In the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to him as an Aghori, a Shaivite ascetic.

The director, Vidyadhar Kagita, plays around with colors and brightness throughout the movie to represent different moods of Uma-Shankar as they navigate different stages of life, loosing touch of one another. During Uma’s parts we see brighter, warmer tones while almost all of Shankar’s life is covered in dull, melancholic blues. At times, we can barely see him and he can barely see everyone else. It’s never too bright in spite of all the fire and the snow. This has an impact on the structure of the story being told with how Uma’s world was a lot brighter, her life becomes darker as it goes on, especially when she has to hide for her life and later when she’s brought into the research center as CT-333 (here, CT stands for conversion therapy, the treatment Uma is forced to undergo). In the research center, she is met with unbearable levels of torture and ends up losing her memories, her ability to touch people as well as her past and future selves.

Devadasi System and Queerness

One of the least talked about element of devadasi system is its intersection with queerness. Uma’s mother, Durga and later, Uma herself, are devadasis.

Devadasis, Jogatis and Jogappa are female and male women[1], ritually married to Goddess, presumably Goddess Yellamma. There is the whole thing with devadasi system as well as queer people especially those belonging to the third gender, getting abolished during British colonial rule and how both were and continue to be associated with sex work and sex work only.

There is an undeniable element of exploitation. In the movie, the powerful in Uma’s village hunts her down and forces her to be their devadasi against her and her mother’s wishes and subjects the minor to sexual exploitation in the guise of tradition.

However, that’s not the only thing. There is an element of seeking solace in the Goddess and dedicating life to being a devadasi as a pious deed motivated by faith and gratitude as in the case of Durga. Anxieties over neonatal health, Durga’s motivation, on the other hand is part of systemic oppression common citizens like her are subject to since healthcare have never been prioritized enough by Indian governments. Combined expenditure on healthcare and education by state and central governments in most states and union territories remain below 5% thanks to limiting fiscal deficit targets set to please international capital.

The Goddess offer solace to young queer people who are either brought to these temples and abandoned at or run away from their native families that reject them. Thus, theogamy, marrying their deity, becomes an escape route for queer folk, earning them respect and worship, albeit conditional.  

Durga decides to become a devadasi for personal reasons. She believes that she should be repaying the Goddess who has blessed her with a healthy daughter by undergoing this procedure.

However, her perception of how healthy her daughter is, comes into question during Uma’s failed sexual debut where she is exposed to be suffering from Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a condition considered a “genetic disorder” in modern medicine. For this, Uma is subject to inhumane treatment including but not limited to electrocution as a part of conversion therapy, aiming to achieve a “ground-breaking discovery” and for all the money and prestige that will bring in for doctor Ravi and the village head.

The devadasi institution which is now frowned upon, has contributed immensely to mainstream Indian culture we know today through music, dance forms and whatnot. The institution gets very little credit for any of it as the arts has been appropriated by the so-called upper caste folk.

One of the radical musicians of the Carnatic stream, T M Krishna, can be seen holding concerts with Jogappas and he is considered a rule-breaker among contemporary classical musicians. I hope to dive deeper into the world of third gender south Asians in my upcoming appreciation post on the movie Ardhanaari (2012).

Conversion Therapy, Amnesia, Hapnophobia

We get to see a lot of outdated procedures inspired by actual 20th centuary medical science such as lobotomy, aversion therapy and conversion therapy involving electric shock. These are seldom explored even in movies which focus on queer people’s lives, despite the prevalence of conversion therapy practices, in not just modern medicine (allopathy) but also in ayurveda and other systems of health care popular in South Asia.  

Given the hegemony of Brahminical-heteropatriarchy, even now people try to find solutions to queerness, not only queer people themselves who struggle to be accepted but also their parents driven by helplessness and/or hostility.

Conversion therapy in its most brutal form, ultimately breaks Shankar. He has undergone unspeakable tortures and is so traumatized that there is very little hope of him overcoming his hapnophobia or recovering his memories.

When CT-333 (Uma-Shankar’s identification when institutionalized) finally escapes and gets taken away by guru Kedhar Baba, it is pretty obvious that Shankar has lost a part of himself, which CT-333 has been losing slowly over the six years spend as a test subject, held captive in the dungeon-like research center. This includes the ability to recall what it feels like to be caressed by Durga, a phantom touch Uma had treasured for so long yet had become completely alien to CT-333.

Shankar’s inability to have physical contact with others is the reason for his ultimate downfall. He is perishing with as he is not able to have any sort of kind connection with people around him. Indians are extremely tactile people in general. And his failure to save someone due to his extreme hapnophobia is taking a toll on him. His fellow Aghoris does not hesitate to ostracize him claiming he is cursed by none other than Lord Shiva and that his curse is bring down the whole ashram. Throughout the movie too he struggles to save his companion in the journey. He is overwhelmed by despair.

The lines he spoke to Sudhamma at Maha Khumb Mela, “Is this a curse I'd have to carry to my grave?” reverberates throughout the movie.

It is in a way answered by the Buddhist monk who saves Shankar, who tells him, “Get to know the root of that pain. You'll find your purpose to live… You are karmically indebted to them [Uma and CT-333]. Their wounds are the real cause of your suffering and pain. As their wounds heal and the pain subsides, your problems will be solved too. Fulfilling your karmic debt and freeing yourself from your problems is now in your control.”

Kedhar Baba who found CT-333 leaves behind a map that leads Shankar to the Buddhist monastery, presumably where the great guru himself breathed his last. What he sought for Shankar, what Shankar and Jahnavi sought for themselves (and others) holds deep philosophical meaning, of love and compassion.

Crowd-funded Project to a Box Office Hit

There are many side stories including the one regarding the reason why Shankar was thrown out of the Aghori ashram which the director explains in the interview linked below. The director had way too many ideas and a lot of them had to be cut due to time constraint. They didn’t want the movie to drag on for forever.

I wish they had kept those side stories. I wish they had done it in a two-part movie duology. Or, they could have done a five-hour movie. But with experimental themes and storytelling, it could have forced more people away from the movie. Given the theatrical success the movie enjoyed in Tollywood, it was the right call to make. Yet, I mourn the side stories we miss out on.

Conclusion

This movie is layered. I could only discuss so much. For sure, it requires a deeper, analytical viewing and anyone who is interested in watching a movie with queer themes this season should give this one a try. It is so good! It’s very unfortunate that very little people talk about this movie outside of Telugu-speaking audience. I don’t understand how it did not get popular elsewhere - probably because of the limited release outside Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

There is a lot of exploration about domestic violence (especially what Jahnavi has gone through), ethics in medical science, religion, community, selfhood, greed and about powers that trying to alter who you are and those who declare you outcast and above all else about hope and the folk who you meet on your way, who become your gurus, companions and confidants.

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Recommended readings (since like half a dozen of you guys seemed interested):

Consent and Bodily Integrity: Mapping the Regulation of Bodily Rights of Intersex Children and its Representation in Vijayarajamallika's Poems by Gargi Thilak

Backward Futures and Pasts Forward: Queer Time, Sexual Politics, and Dalit Religiosity by Lucinda Ramberg

(more + how to access them)

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[1] They adopt traditionally womanly embodiment and mannerisms, dress up in saree and acting as priests in certain rituals and blessings.

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Sorry for tagging @the-gayest-tree-you-ever-did-see uninvited. Hope you enjoy reading this because your post got me interested in the movie initially but I had to wait much longer to actually watch it.

[how-to-be-a-tree]

the entire movie is screaming "HEALING" and idk how to pen down my thoughts.

GAAMI (2024)

[my-movie-clips]

Gaami Movie Teaser Review | Vishwak Sen, Chandini Chowdary

[themovieblogonline]

ZEE5 Global brings the best of Telugu and Tamil entertainment to viewers worldwide, featuring action-packed dramas, heartfelt narratives, and mind-blowing visuals. If you’re craving compelling stories, this year’s South Indian titles on ZEE5 Global promise to entertain, thrill, and tug at your heartstrings.   Why You Should Watch ZEE5 Global's South Indian Blockbusters 1. HanuMan: The Mythical Spectacle Imagine combining ancient mythology, breathtaking visuals, and non-stop action. HanuMan is a Telugu cinematic marvel that does just that. Inspired by the epic figure of Hanuman, this film takes viewers on a rollercoaster of heroism. Watch as the protagonist battles dark forces, making this a perfect pick for fans of action and mythology alike. HanuMan is not just a movie; it's an epic journey into mythology reimagined for modern audiences. 2. Vikkatakavi: A Mystery to Unravel Set in the hauntingly beautiful Amaragiri province during the 1970s, Vikkatakavi stars Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash. This mystery-thriller series blends eerie suspense with stunning storytelling. As memory loss plagues the villagers, detective Rama Krishna must confront an ancient curse. Vikkatakavi keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mix of mystery and cultural depth.   3. Paravu: A Bold Statement Paravu tackles caste politics in a story that’s as gripping as it is relevant. This Telugu drama explores the struggles of an eloping couple defying societal norms. Paravu isn’t just a movie; it’s a spine-chilling reflection of modern-day struggles.     4. Maa Nanna Superhero: A Heartwarming Journey This Telugu blockbuster is more than its superhero title suggests. It’s a deeply emotional story of a father-daughter bond that navigates life’s challenges. Sudheer Babu’s heartfelt performance brings Johnny’s journey to life as he faces tough choices to protect his family. Maa Nanna Superhero is the ultimate reminder that not all heroes wear capes—some wear grease-stained shirts in car garages.   5. Gaami: A Fantasy Adventure Streaming in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, Gaami blends folklore and fantasy into an epic tale. As the protagonist uncovers secrets and battles ancient forces, this film becomes an enchanting visual treat. Why ZEE5 Global Stands Out With a library of over 200,000 hours of content across 18 languages, ZEE5 Global ensures viewers experience the best of South Indian cinema. It’s the go-to platform for films like Demonte Colony 2, which takes supernatural horror to new heights, or Gaami, a feast for fantasy lovers. Accessible on: ZEE5 Global can be streamed on apps for Android and iOS, Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs.

[moviemazaxyz]

Gaami (2024) Hindi ORG Dual Audio South Movie HDRip | 1080p | 720p | 480p | ESubs | Moviesflix - TheMoviesflix - Movieflix Movie Maza

Gaami (2024) Hindi ORG Dual Audio South Movie HDRip | 1080p | 720p | 480p | ESubs Title: Gaami (2024)IMDB Ratings: 6.5/10Released Date: March 8, 2024 (India)Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi, ThrillerLanguages: Hindi ORG, TeluguDirector: Vidyadhar Kagita, Pratyush VatyamStars: Vishwak Sen, Abhinaya, Rajiv Kumar AnejaQuality: 1080p | 720p | 480p | HDRip Plot: Shankar, an amnesiac…

[noisyearthquakeninja]

"GAAMI" - MOVIE REVIEW | EPIC ADVENTURE THRILLER MOVIE |VISHWAK SEN MOVIE |

[ramtracking]

Gangs Of Godavari Teaser: Vishwaksen’s Oora Mass Blood Bath [ Krishna Chaitanya ]

Gangs Of Godavari Teaser: Vishwaksen’s Oora Mass Blood Bath [Highlights] From a long time, talented young hero Vishwaksen is banking a lot on his upcoming film “Gangs of Godavari” which is directed by… Vishwak Sen scored a hit with the experimental film Gaami. His next movie, Gangs Of Godavari, is releasing on May 17. Vishwak Sen has earned a name for himself as a young star actor from…

[24hrsallnews]

Gaami review: A unique visual spectrum of high standards Vishwak Sen

We will read about, "Gaami review: A unique visual spectrum of high standards Vishwak Sen" The craze, buzz and excitement about 'Gami film' increased manifold in the minds of lovers. The film Gaami has been creating a stir for a long time and fans are eagerly waiting for the release of this film. Gaami movie is an epic psychological adventure movie, fans are eagerly waiting for this movie.  

Gaami Review

Gaami film has a unique concept, a brilliantly captive storyline, brilliant cinematography that is going to draw you towards the theatre. The cast has put in a lot of hard work in the film, one of the best performances of the actors is from Vishwak. Vishwak Sen has played the role of Shankar/Aghora in the film. In Gaami film, an Aghora (Vishwak Sen) plays a mysterious character who sets out on a mystical journey into the Himalayan mountains in search of a cure for his arctic hunger. A conflict exists for the movie despite the positive reception it has received from numerous celebrities and the promising advance booking performance. The film will have to deal with the conflict between Ghannu Bhai, Gangs of Godavari, and Bhimaa. The genre of all the films is different, where Bhimaa is an action drama genre film, on the other hand Gaami film is a adventure drama film. The film is getting excellent ratings on IMDb, the film has been shot at many places. This film is releasing on the occasion of Maha Shivratri and despite facing clashes, it is making great collections. Gaami film has crossed the $100k to 150K mark after taking a stellar start at its USA premiere. Gaami Review in Social media A Twitter user wrote on the post, "#gaami will b a game changer in tfi for movie making with awesome editing and sound design n grt VFX shots and exceptional editing @VishwakSenActor gave his 100% and kudos to the director @nanivid for his vision #pcx experience was mesmerizing @PrasadsCinemas." another twitter user wrote on the post, "Go watch #gaami for the unique experience it offers. It’s only once in a while we witness attempts like these in India. So proud of the gem called @VishwakSenActor. Vishwak used to show these rushes when we were shooting Hit1. Worth the wait. Congrats #vidyadhar and team." "Without Taking Any Remuneration And Stood Supporting For @nanivid Garu Vision And Project Taking Forward From Several Years Is A Great Thing @VishwakSenActor. U Deserved Everybit Of Applause Wholeheartedly From The Audience. #Gaami Must Watch Film. @UV_Creations", wrote a user on X. "Lion 🦁 sence from #Gaami 2nd half done ✅ 🔥...Bgm next level... Cinematography peaks in every frame #gaami best attempt in TFI", wrote a user on X.   Gaami Box office collection India net box office collection of Gaami on first day is 2 crores as per as box office reviewz. Gaami  film is getting positive response from fans.   About Gaami The film is directed by Vidyadhar Kagita and written by Vidyadhar Kagita, Pratyush Vatyam. The film was produced by Karthik Sabreesh, Swetha Morvaneni under the banner of Karthik Kult Kreations, V Celluloid. The lead actors in the film are Vishwak Sen, Chandni Chaudhary, Abhinay, Mohammad Samad, Harika Pedada and many others. The cinematography of the film is done by Vishwanath Reddy Chelumalla, Rampi Nandigam and the editor is Raghavendra Thirun.   Read More - 12th fail movie Review: Vidhu Chapora 12th Fail Will Inspire You To Start - Crakk Movie Review: Vidyut Jammwal is a great action hero in every way. - Murder Mubarak Trailer: Murder Mubarak is coming to Netflix on March 15th only - Yodha teaser: Sidharth Malhotra is going to be seen once again in Cop uniform - War 2 Update: An action-packed introduction sequence on War 2 Hrithik Roshan will be shot in Japan Shaolin Temple - Manjummel Boys Box Office Collection Report - Bollywood beauty Jahnavi kapoor roped in for RC16 - Article 370, Crakk box office clash: Yami Gautam starrer or Vidyut Jammwal starrer film- Who Will Win The War - Article 370 review: Article 370 is a gritty, gutsy and emotional political drama full of patriotism Read the full article

[denimbex1986]

'...All Of Us Strangers

In the run up to the Oscars, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal's critically acclaimed All Of Us Strangers will release on the big screens on March 8...'

[bigtvmojify]

Producer Karthik Sabareesh About GAAMI Movie |Vishwaksen | గామితో సినిమా కొత్త అనుభూతి వస్తుంది..

Producer Karthik Sabareesh About GAAMI Movie |Vishwaksen | గామితో సినిమా కొత్త అనుభూతి వస్తుంది.. BIGTV Entertainment #gaamiovie #producer #karthiksabareesh #bigtventertainment BigTV Telugu Entertainment is a YouTube channel that provides Telugu-speaking viewers with the latest news, reviews, and interviews related to movies and celebrities from Tollywood, Bollywood, OTT, and social media…

[cine-sports]

Wow! That’s an Announcement- Vishwak Sen new project Gaami

Wow! That’s an Announcement- Vishwak Sen new project Gaami

That’s an Announcement- Vishwak Sen new project Gaami The young actor Vishwak Sen who is known for playing the lead role in Falaknuma Das and Hit,  is doing some interesting films in his career and now he is coming up with an interesting movie Gaami. The upcoming drama Gammi starring Vishwak Sen is bankrolled by UV Creations on their new banner V Celluloid. Today the makers made an official…

[themovieblogonline]

ZEE5 Global brings the best of Telugu and Tamil entertainment to viewers worldwide, featuring action-packed dramas, heartfelt narratives, and mind-blowing visuals. If you’re craving compelling stories, this year’s South Indian titles on ZEE5 Global promise to entertain, thrill, and tug at your heartstrings.   Why You Should Watch ZEE5 Global's South Indian Blockbusters 1. HanuMan: The Mythical Spectacle Imagine combining ancient mythology, breathtaking visuals, and non-stop action. HanuMan is a Telugu cinematic marvel that does just that. Inspired by the epic figure of Hanuman, this film takes viewers on a rollercoaster of heroism. Watch as the protagonist battles dark forces, making this a perfect pick for fans of action and mythology alike. HanuMan is not just a movie; it's an epic journey into mythology reimagined for modern audiences. 2. Vikkatakavi: A Mystery to Unravel Set in the hauntingly beautiful Amaragiri province during the 1970s, Vikkatakavi stars Naresh Agastya and Megha Akash. This mystery-thriller series blends eerie suspense with stunning storytelling. As memory loss plagues the villagers, detective Rama Krishna must confront an ancient curse. Vikkatakavi keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mix of mystery and cultural depth.   3. Paravu: A Bold Statement Paravu tackles caste politics in a story that’s as gripping as it is relevant. This Telugu drama explores the struggles of an eloping couple defying societal norms. Paravu isn’t just a movie; it’s a spine-chilling reflection of modern-day struggles.     4. Maa Nanna Superhero: A Heartwarming Journey This Telugu blockbuster is more than its superhero title suggests. It’s a deeply emotional story of a father-daughter bond that navigates life’s challenges. Sudheer Babu’s heartfelt performance brings Johnny’s journey to life as he faces tough choices to protect his family. Maa Nanna Superhero is the ultimate reminder that not all heroes wear capes—some wear grease-stained shirts in car garages.   5. Gaami: A Fantasy Adventure Streaming in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, Gaami blends folklore and fantasy into an epic tale. As the protagonist uncovers secrets and battles ancient forces, this film becomes an enchanting visual treat. Why ZEE5 Global Stands Out With a library of over 200,000 hours of content across 18 languages, ZEE5 Global ensures viewers experience the best of South Indian cinema. It’s the go-to platform for films like Demonte Colony 2, which takes supernatural horror to new heights, or Gaami, a feast for fantasy lovers. Accessible on: ZEE5 Global can be streamed on apps for Android and iOS, Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TVs.