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Godfather (2022 film)

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GodFather
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMohan Raja
Screenplay byMohan Raja (adapted screenplay)
Dialogues byLakshmi Bhupal
Story byMurali Gopy
Based onLucifer (2019) by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Murali Gopy
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyNirav Shah
Edited byMarthand K. Venkatesh
Music byS. Thaman
Production
companies
Distributed byPVR Pictures
Magic Frames
Release date
  • 5 October 2022 (2022-10-05)
Running time
157 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹120 crore[1]
Box officeest. ₹108.7 crore[2]

Godfather (stylised as GodFather) is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language political action thriller film directed by Mohan Raja. It is a remake of the 2019 Malayalam film Lucifer.[3] The film stars Chiranjeevi in the title role, alongside an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Nayanthara, Satya Dev, Murali Mohan, Puri Jagannadh, Murali Sharma, Tanya Ravichandran, Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, Samuthirakani, Nawab Shah and Sunil. It is produced by R. B. Choudary and N. V. Prasad under the Konidela Production Company and the Super Good Films' banners. In the film, the supreme leader of the ruling party dies, leaving a huge vacuum, not only in the electoral and leadership spheres of the party but also that of the state. In the inevitable succession squabble the thin line that separates good and bad becomes irrecoverably blurred. Whoever will succeed him forms the plot.

Principal photography commenced in August 2021 with filming taking place in Hyderabad, Ooty and Mumbai. The music is composed by Thaman S with cinematography handled by Nirav Shah. Godfather was released theatrically on 5 October 2022 to mixed reviews from critics and was a box office failure, earning ₹108.7 crore (US$13 million) against a production budget of ₹120 crore (US$14 million).

Plot

[edit]

At Interpol's office in France, an officer hands over his unsolvable case about the mysterious smuggler kingpin, Abraham Qureshi, to his junior. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister (CM) Padmakanth Reddy (PKR), leader of the ruling Jana Jagruti Party (JJP), dies in the hospital. Acting CM Narayana Varma exploits the situation, inciting riots outside the hospital to benefit the upcoming election.

Govardhan, a truth-seeker, condemns PKR in a live YouTube stream, revealing that he was a puppet controlled by a financial syndicate. He asserts that the JJP has twice the money of the state's treasury and that PKR's successor is crucial. He lists four potential candidates: Sathyapriya, Jaidev Das, Varma, and Brahma Teja.

Sathyapriya, PKR's daughter, is married to Jaidev, a covert drug dealer involved in real estate and Hawala scams. Varma, due to his seniority and lobbying skills, believes he is the rightful successor. Brahma, PKR's secret first child, is labeled as the "most dangerous" by Govardhan and known for his corporate contract work in Chennai.

In Mumbai, Jaidev and Varma meet Abdul, Jaidev's partner, discussing how PKR had given Jaidev an ultimatum to stop his illegal activities. With PKR's death, Jaidev plans to fund the JJP with drug money, striking a deal with Lukas to transfer ₹750 crore (US$90 million) monthly in exchange for unchecked drug imports into Hyderabad. To proceed, Jaidev must set up a discreet drug factory on a government-sealed roadside.

During PKR's last rites in Hyderabad, Sathya asks Varma to prevent Brahma from attending. Varma's enforcer, Indrajeet, fails to stop Brahma. That night, Jaidev gives malana cream to Sathya's sister, Jhanvi, and informs JJP ministers about his plan to dissolve the ministry, advance elections, and nominate himself as CM. Varma advises negotiating with Brahma, the current financier, but Brahma refuses to fund the party with drug money, threatening Jaidev instead. Enraged, Jaidev bribes 140 MLAs to support his nomination as CM.

Jaidev's men set up the drug factory, but Brahma kills them. Jaidev's mole, Koti, reports this to both Brahma and Jaidev. Indrajeet finds no evidence at the factory. From Sathya's diary, Jaidev learns of her resentment towards Brahma, who was favored by their father. Koti persuades Renuka to falsely accuse Brahma of abuse, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. In prison, Brahma receives a call from his contractor and trusted aide, Masoom Bhai. Jaidev sends goons to kill Brahma in prison, but the attempt fails.

Brahma sabotages Lukas's containers while transferring bribe money. He meets Govardhan, providing evidence of JJP workers' corruption and explaining his drug trade involvement. Koti and Renuka confess their lies about Brahma on national news, leading to his release. Jhanvi is hospitalized after a drug overdose, revealing Jaidev's predatory behavior towards her. When confronted, Jaidev admits his crimes and threatens Sathya and Jhanvi. Sathya seeks Brahma's help, who vows to protect them.

Brahma kills Indrajeet and clears the NNTV news channel's debts, giving control to Sathya. He and Masoom Bhai blackmail Varma and the MLAs into allying with him. Jaidev kidnaps Jhanvi, forcing Sathya to announce him as CM. Brahma and Masoom Bhai kill Jaidev's associates and confront Jaidev. Lukas reveals that Brahma is actually Abraham Qureshi, the "Godfather." Defeated, Jaidev kills himself. Sathya becomes the new JJP president and CM, while Brahma heads to Paris with Masoom Bhai. There, they gather and eliminate major drug lords.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The Telugu remake of the 2019 Malayalam film Lucifer was announced in April 2020 with Chiranjeevi in the lead role. Sujeeth was signed to direct the project, who had also started working on the script for the Telugu adaptation.[4] Sujeeth opted out of the project in September 2020 due to creative differences. Later, V. V. Vinayak was approached in replace him.[5] In December 2020, Mohan Raja was confirmed as the director, marking his return to Telugu cinema after 20 years. Hanuman Junction (2001) was his first and only Telugu film until then.[6] The film was officially launched in January 2021 with a traditional pooja ceremony in Hyderabad. The film marks the maiden collaboration of Chiranjeevi with composer Thaman S. Nirav Shah was signed as the cinematographer.[7] It was to be produced by Konidela Production Company and Super Good Films. The film's title was unveiled as Godfather in August 2021.[8]

Casting

[edit]

In September 2021, Nayanthara, Biju Menon and Satyadev entered talks to sign the film.[9] Nayanthara[10] and Satyadev were confirmed to be a part of the film in November and the latter was signed in to play the main antagonist in this film.[11] Gangavva plays a supporting role next to Chiranjeevi in the film.[12] Director Puri Jagannadh had a special role in the film.[13] Bigg Boss 4 contestant Divi Vadthya joined the film as Chiranjeevi promised her a role in the season's finale.[14]

In August 2021, actor Salman Khan was approached to play a key role in the film.[15] In November, Thaman confirmed that Khan would star alongside Chiranjeevi, in addition to appearing a dance number, thus marking Khan's debut in Telugu cinema.[16] Khan reportedly portrays the role of Zayed Masood (Prithviraj Sukumaran) from Lucifer.[17][18]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography of the film began on 13 August 2021.[19] The first schedule of the film took place in Hyderabad.[20] The second schedule of the film began in September 2021 in Ooty.[21] Shooting was halted in October as Chiranjeevi underwent a surgery on his right hand which was followed by a 15-day bed rest.[22] He resumed the shoot in November 2021 in Hyderabad.[23] In January 2022, the actor tested positive for COVID-19 and therefore had to quarantine himself.[24] This proceeded to shoot a few crucial scenes that didn't involve him during which Nayanthara joined the production.[25] Chiranjeevi joined the sets back in February following his recovery.[26] Salman Khan completed filming his portions in March 2022 in a week-long schedule at ND Studios, Karjat, Mumbai.[27][28] Khan also shot for a song alongside Chiranjeevi in Hyderabad under the choreography of Prabhu Deva.[29]

Music

[edit]
Godfather
Soundtrack album by
Thaman S
Released4 October 2022
Recorded2021–2022
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length21:26
LanguageTelugu
LabelSaregama
ProducerThaman S
Thaman S chronology
Thank You
(2022) 		Godfather
(2022) 		Prince
(2022)
External audio
audio icon Godfather - Full Album on YouTube
Singles from Godfather
  1. "Thaar Maar Thakkar Maar"
    Released: 15 September 2022
  2. "Najabhaja"
    Released: 27 September 2022
  3. "Godfather - Title Song"
    Released: 3 October 2022

The film score and soundtrack album of the film is composed by Thaman S. The music rights were acquired by Saregama. The first single titled "Thaar Maar Thakkar Maar" was released on 15 September 2022.[30]

Telugu
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Thaar Maar Thakkar Maar"Anantha SriramShreya Ghoshal4:28
2."Najabhaja"Anantha SriramSri Krishna, Prudhvi Chandra3:18
3."Godfather - Title Song"Ramajogayya SastryAnudeep Dev, Aditya Iyengar, Raghuram, Saicharan Bhaskaruni, Arjun Vijay, Ritesh G Rao, Chaitu Satsangi, Bharat, Arun Kaundinya, Sri Krishna, Adviteeya, Sruthika, Pranathi, Pratyusha Pallapothu, Rachita, Vaishnavi, Harika Narayan, Sruthi Ranjani, Sahiti Chaganti2:46
4."Blast Baby"Ramajogayya SastryDamini Bhatla, Blaaze3:39
5."Padara Sainika"Ramajogayya SastrySreerama Chandra4:09
6."Annayya"Ramajogayya Sastry Vaishnavi Kovvuri3:08
Total length:21:26
Hindi
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Thaar Maar Thakkar Maar"Vimal KashyapShreya Ghoshal4:28
2."Dekho Dekho"Vimal KashyapRitesh G. Rao, Sai Charan Bhaskaruni3:18
3."Godfather - Title Song"Vimal KashyapAnudeep Dev, Aditya Iyengar, Raghuram, Saicharan Bhaskaruni, Arjun Vijay, Ritesh G Rao, Chaitu Satsangi, Bharat, Arun Kaundinya, Sri Krishna, Adviteeya, Sruthika, Pranathi, Pratyusha Pallapothu, Rachita, Vaishnavi, Harika Narayan, Sruthi Ranjani, Sahiti Chaganti2:46
4."Blast Baby"Vimal KashyapBlaaze, Pratyusha Pallapothu3:39
5."Chalo Chalo Sainiko"Ritesh G. RaoSreerama Chandra4:09
6."Thu Hi Hai"Vimal Kashyap Vaishnavi Kovvuri3:08
Total length:21:26

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Godfather was released in cinemas on 5 October 2022 in Telugu along with a Hindi dubbed version.[31] The film is distributed in India by Konidela Production Company along with PVR Pictures while the overseas distribution is by Sarigama Cinemas through Phars Film.[32][33] Worldwide theatrical rights of the film were sold at a cost of ₹91 crore.[34] The Tamil dubbed version was released on 14 October 2022.[35]

Home media

[edit]

The film's digital streaming rights were acquired by Netflix at a cost of ₹57 crore.[36] It has been reported from News18 that, the film producers have been offered ₹45 crore for the satellite and digital rights for the Hindi dubbed version of this film.[37] The film was digitally streamed on Netflix from 19 November 2022.[38] Gemini TV acquired satellite rights of the film. The received 7.08 TV in Urban and Rural Market across Telugu states.

Reception

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Critical response

[edit]

Godfather opened to mixed reviews with most critics praising but also criticising Chiranjeevi's performance.[39]

Murali Krishna CH of The New Indian Express rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Watch it definitely for the Megastar, who delivers enough bang for your buck".[40] Arvind V of Pinkvilla rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Chiranjeevi, after a dull performance in Acharya, is terrific here. Satyadev delivers an award-winning output".[41] Opining the same, Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express appreciated Mohan Raja's work and stated that he "has steered clear of mystery and has turned GodFather into a full-fledged political drama".[42]

Roktim Rajpal of India Today rated the film 3 out of 5 and wrote, "The Chiranjeevi-led political thriller is massier and more action-packed than the Malayalam version. GodFather is a grand celebration of the brand Chiranjeevi that proves to be a treat for the veteran hero's ardent fans".[43] The Hans India rated the film with 3 out of 5, stating that the film is a decent one-time watch and offers something to cheer for Chiranjeevi's fans.[44] Deepa Gahlot of Rediff.com rated the film with 3/5 stars, stating the film has a gracefully aged Chiranjeevi, who plays Brahma with a quiet but menacing look keeping the audience engaged.[45]

Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Director Mohan Raja seems to have been torn between his instincts to make a solid political thriller and the compulsions to pander to his leading man’s fanbase".[46] Abhimanyu Mathur of Hindustan Times stated that, the film works only when Chiranjeevi is on screen, with the veteran actor more than holds his own and simply carries the film with his stardom and screen presence to save the film from flaws.[47] On the contrary, Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "The magic touch seems to be missing in GodFather. It is certainly not a movie that would put you to sleep, however, it is neither one that would elicit excitement either".[48]

Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India gave a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stating that the film proves to be a worthy remake of the Malayalam original with Chiranjeevi coming up with a charismatic performance.[49]

Box office

[edit]

The film which was made on a budget of ₹120 Crores was a box office disappointment and only collected ₹108.7 Crores in its entire theatrical run. On the first day, it collected ₹21.7 crores include ₹15.7 crores from India and ₹7.0 crores overseas. In its first weekend, the film's box office collection was around ₹85 crores.[50] The film performed well in its first weekend but ultimately became a box-office failure.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "'God Father' vs 'The Ghost' clash on Dussehra 2022: Who is likely to win the box office?". The Times of India. 2 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  2. ^ "God Father collections: GodFather is a box office bomb with gross of over Rs.167 Crores Gross". News 18 Telugu (in Telugu). 21 October 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  3. ^ "Godfather". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
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  10. ^ "మెగాస్టార్ కు చెల్లెలిగా నయనతార..!". Telugu Global. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  11. ^ Vyas (19 November 2021). "Godfather team rubbishes the rumors". www.thehansindia.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  12. ^ "Gangavva: చిరంజీవికి తల్లిగా గంగవ్వ.. ఏ చిత్రంలోనో తెలుసా?". Namasthe Telangana (in Telugu). 4 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
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  16. ^ "Mega Collaboration! S Thaman Confirms Salman Khan, Chiranjeevi's Dance Number in Godfather". Outlook India. 10 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
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  19. ^ K., Janani (13 August 2021). "Chiranjeevi's Lucifer Telugu remake shoot begins. Director Mohan Raja shares pic with crew". India Today. Archived from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
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  21. ^ K., Janani (22 September 2021). "Chiranjeevi resumes Mohan Raja's Godfather shoot in Ooty". India Today. Archived from the original on 22 September 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  22. ^ "Chiranjeevi's Godfather shoot called off due to surgery". Telangana Today. 18 October 2021. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
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  24. ^ "Chiranjeevi tests positive for Covid-19". The Indian Express. 26 January 2022. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
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  26. ^ "Chiranjeevi is back to work after testing negative for COVID-19, Vijay Deverakonda's Liger wraps up". The Indian Express. 8 February 2022. Archived from the original on 11 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  27. ^ "Salman Khan starts shooting for Chiranjeevi's Godfather". Cinema Express. 14 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  28. ^ "Salman Khan completes shooting for Chiranjeevi's Godfather, see pictures". The Indian Express. 25 March 2022. Archived from the original on 22 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  29. ^ "Chiranjeevi shakes a leg with Salman Khan for Godfather". The Indian Express. 29 July 2022. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  30. ^ "Chiranjeevi and Salman Khan come together for 'Thaar Maar' in Godfather; song to release on September 15". Bollywood Hungama. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  31. ^ "Chiranjeevi GodFather Teaser out: Action feast for Chiranjeevi and Salman Khan fans - Watch". Zee Business. 22 August 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022.
  32. ^ Jha, Lata (11 July 2022). "Chiranjeevi, Salman Khan-starrer Godfather to release for Dussehra". mint. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  33. ^ "Chiranjeevi's God Father first look out". Indulgexpress.com. 6 July 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  34. ^ "God Father Pre Release Business: షాకింగ్ గా గాడ్ ఫాదర్ ప్రీ రిలీజ్ బిజినెస్.. బ్రేక్ ఈవెన్ అవ్వాలంటే ఎన్నికోట్లు రాబట్టాలంటే?". Zee News Telugu (in Telugu). 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  35. ^ K, Janani (14 October 2022). "GodFather box office collection Day 9: Megastar Chiranjeevi's film eyeing for an eventful weekend". India Today. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  36. ^ "Chiranjeevi and Salman Khan starrer 'GodFather' sold to Netflix for THIS whopping amount". Bollywood Hungama. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  37. ^ "Chiranjeevi starrer Godfather Hindi version offered whopping amount for digital, satellite rights?". Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  38. ^ "Chiranjeevi's GodFather gets OTT release date". The Indian Express. 2 November 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  39. ^ "Chiranjeevi shares special message for Salman Khan, says 'Masood Bhai is force behind GodFather's success'". India Today. 8 October 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022. It received positive reviews, with most critics praising the veteran actor's performance.
  40. ^ CH, Murali Krishna (8 October 2022). "'God Father' movie review: Chiranjeevi is back with a bang". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  41. ^ "GodFather Movie Review: This Chiranjeevi starrer is a pack of power games and whistle-worthy moments". Pinkvilla. 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  42. ^ "GodFather movie review: Chiranjeevi-Salman Khan starrer is a satisfying watch". The Indian Express. 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
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  44. ^ "GodFather Movie review: Perfectly made for fans go high in theatres". The Hans India. 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  45. ^ Gahlot, Deepa (6 October 2022). "Godfather Review: Chiranjeevi isn't abdicating the superstar's throne just yet". Rediff.com. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  46. ^ "Godfather review: This Chiranjeevi remake has some fresh ideas but still flounders". The News Minute. 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  47. ^ Mathur, Abhimanyu (5 October 2022). "GodFather movie review: Chiranjeevi's unmatched charisma gives this fun political thriller many whistle-worthy moments". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  48. ^ "GodFather movie review: Chiranjeevi-starrer is a mediocre remake plus a VFX-heavy Salman Khan". Firstpost. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  49. ^ GodFather Review: Chiranjeevi delivers a charismatic performance in this worthy remake, Times of India, 5 October 2022, archived from the original on 5 October 2022, retrieved 5 October 2022
  50. ^ "GodFather movie box office: Chiranjeevi-Salman Khan starrer is a box office bomb with gross of Rs.109 Crores……GoDfAtHeR…BoX OfFiCe BoMb…". The Indian Express. 5 October 2022. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
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