Laalo - Inside Man

Laalo: Krishna Sada Sahaayate

Gujarati and Hindi, 2025

Director: Ankit Sakhiya

Stars: Reeva Rachh, Shruhad Goswami, Karan Joshi, Mishty Kadecha 

Mohan's Measure ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Popular understanding of the deeply Vedantic Bhagavad Gita suggests that the meaning to life lies in doing what we are supposed to do with no expectations for the fruits of our labors. As such, we find the Auto Rickshaw driver, Laalo, struggling to survive and free himself from his self induced trap, while another Laalo, Sri Krishna Himself, guides him on a path of repentance and self discovery.  At the same time, Auto Laalo's loving wife struggles to redefine herself without him, and in doing so discovers her own talents.

In moments that feel like distractions, however, we are treated to images of the beautiful landscapes that make up the town of Dwaraka, as the Lord of that land offers food, shelter, clothing and hope to the people of His Kingdom. All the while, his disciple anxiously waits for His Arrival in the hope of being freed. It is in these scenes where Mr. Goswamy's age and acting skills weaken the intent, making the incidents feel trite. 

What also falls in the "been there, done that" category are hints of Govinda Gopala - in deference to Akshay Kumar or Pawan Kalyan, God is seen reclining on a hammock and cruising around town on a motorcycle.  Little philosophy outside of knowing God within, the movie contains nothing of the wit and radical ideas from past successes to offer anything to its weak plot.  The director seems to prefer wading in shallow waters rather than seeking profundity or human reflection.

Probably better to reflect on Him.