Gatha Vaibhava (2025) Movie Review ft. Dushyanth, Ashika Ranganath, and Sudha Belawadi
Director Simple Suni steps into fantasy territory with Gatha Vaibhava, bringing SS Dushyanth and Ashika Ranganath together for this period drama. The film opened in theaters on November 14, 2025, backed by Servegara Silver Screens and Suni Cinemas.
Suni made his reputation with everyday stories like Chamak. Here, he tries something bigger, weaving mythology into history and romance across centuries.
The Story
Two people, Purathan and Adhunika, cross paths in today’s Karnataka. Something about their meeting feels familiar, like they’ve known each other before.
Their journey takes them through the world of gods, the time when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama sailed Indian waters, and the coastal regions of Karnataka before the country won its freedom. Each chapter reveals more about their connection, asking whether love can last through multiple lives.
The Performances
Ashika Ranganath carries her role well as Adhunika. She handles the shifts between time periods smoothly, keeping things real even when the story gets mythical. Her presence holds steady from start to finish.
SS Dushyanth shows potential in his first lead role but overdoes it. I noticed his expressions running too big when smaller moments called for restraint. The pair has some chemistry, but not enough to carry this kind of sweeping romance through the ages.
Technical Side
William J David’s camera work gives the film its best moments. Each period looks different, from divine realms bathed in gold to simple coastal life. The frames tell their own story.
Ashik Kusugolli keeps things moving through his editing, managing multiple timelines without confusing viewers. At 142 minutes, the film doesn’t drag too much, though I felt the second half could lose some scenes. The visual effects create worlds that work well for a regional production budget.
Judah Sandhy’s music matches the scale but nothing stays with you afterward. The background score does its job during key scenes. Set design brings each era to life through costumes and props that feel right for their time.
What Clicks
The visuals deliver something special. This film needs a theater screen to show what it can do. Taking on a story that jumps between divine worlds and historical moments takes courage, especially in Kannada cinema where such attempts stay rare.
The technical team brings professional quality to editing, effects, and overall look. Ashika gives the film its emotional grounding.
What Misses
The emotional pull between the leads feels weak. I wanted to invest in their eternal bond, but the script chases spectacle over feeling. Dushyanth’s big approach hurts the quiet moments that needed subtlety.
Parts of the second half lose momentum. Some story elements stay vague when they should be clear, leaving questions that feel accidental rather than intentional. Being unclear isn’t the same as being meaningful.
Reception
Deccan Herald rated it 2 out of 5, suggesting Suni return to simpler stories. They liked Ashika’s work but called out Dushyanth’s lack of nuance. Other reviewers praised the look while noting the emotional gap between the leads.
Social media reactions split down the middle. Production values get thumbs up, story clarity gets questions. The craft impresses people, but many want more heart.
Bottom Line
Gatha Vaibhava brings fantasy filmmaking to Kannada cinema with serious intent. It works as eye candy, with strong camera work and good production design. Telling a love story across centuries and realms shows ambition.
But I missed the emotional hook. The spectacle sometimes crowds out character moments. Ashika comes through, while Dushyanth needs to dial back. The narrative gets fuzzy when it should stay focused.
Technical appreciation will find plenty here. Big screen viewing brings out the scale. Those seeking deep emotional connection might walk away unsatisfied despite the interesting setup.
Suni deserves credit for trying something new. The experiment doesn’t fully land, but it shows Kannada cinema pushing into different genres with better technical skills.
Rating: 3.5/5
