GDN - Gearhead Glory

G. D. N. 

Tamil, 2026

Genre: Biographical Drama

Director: Krishnakumar Ramakumar

Stars: Madhavan, Satyaraj, Jayaram, Priyamani, Dushara Vijayan

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐

Even long-standing Chennai residents would be hard pressed to say they remember Gopalan Doraiswamy Naidu. His name has been erased by the broad stroke of history, which has labeled him a traitor. In the spirit of Rocketry, however the seasoned Mr. Madhavan brings him to life before our eyes. 

Obsessed with machines from childhood, Mr. Naidu would bring to India inexpensive but practical devices that, as the movie asserts, are on par with stuff found in wealthier countries. From cotton processors to electric razors to four wheel drive vehicles, Mr. Naidu's tinkering would bring affordability to the people of India, along with the wealth and fame needed for him to be hob-nobbing with the fabulous and the nefarious. 

And what a list it is. Periyar, Gandhi, Nehru, even Hitler himself, a cavalcade of colorful characters, each appears on the screen in cameos that are just slightly longer than the blink of an eye. 

The shallowness extends to the other leads too, no matter how long they share time with Madhavan on the screen. Many questions remain in my mind, like: why does Ramiah Pillai, a business partner, spend his life being a Katappa-like servant to this man (pun intended)? Another one is why does the first wife leave Naidu and what happens to her and their kids afterwards? Then there is the matter of the great man himself. He flaunts his success but never seems to stop working. Shouldn't something have been said about his relationship with his wife, kids, at least his dog. 

Credit should be given, however, to Mr. Jayaram, who brings much personality and Brahmin integrity to Ambalapuram Krishnan, who works tirelessly to bring GDN down. 

But much like GDN himself, this film won't go down in history. Much like the inventions, GDN is creative, but lacks soul.