The recently released teaser for "Gandhi Talks," starring Vijay Sethupathi, Aditi Rao Hydari, Arvind Swami, and Siddharth Jadhav, offers a compelling glimpse into a silent film that tackles themes of greed and corruption with striking visual storytelling. Directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar, the film is set to release in theaters on January 30, 2026, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, a date that amplifies the film's symbolic weight.
The teaser foregoes dialogue, instead using potent imagery and silence to create a powerful narrative. Indian currency featuring Mahatma Gandhi is juxtaposed in clandestine exchanges, highlighting the pervasive role of money and underhanded dealings in contemporary society. This visual approach underscores the contrast between the ideals Gandhi represented and the moral contradictions present in today's world.
Vijay Sethupathi portrays Mahadev, an unemployed graduate whose desperation leads him into ethically questionable situations. Aditi Rao Hydari appears as his romantic interest, grounding the film in both personal and societal contexts. Arvind Swami plays a key role, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Without spoken words, the actors rely on expression, movement, and stillness to convey their characters' internal conflicts and motivations.
The music, composed by Academy Award-winning A.R. Rahman, serves as the emotional language of the film, guiding the audience through moments of tension, despair, and reflection. Rahman's score fills the void where dialogue would typically reside, transforming the film into an immersive sensory experience. The absence of spoken words challenges viewers to actively engage with the visuals and interpret the story's meaning.
"Gandhi Talks" was originally announced in 2021 and filmed in 2022. It made waves as the first silent film screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023. Sethupathi noted that the film explores the disparity between the Gandhi depicted on currency and the true essence of his principles. The film invites audiences to contemplate how silence can amplify the most profound societal truths. The teaser suggests a thought-provoking cinematic experience that encourages viewers to reflect on their own values.
