The film 'GDN' tells the story of Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, a distinguished inventor whose legacy was overshadowed by his own country declaring him a traitor, leaving him forgotten in Indian scientific history.
Viewers can feel a sense of pride watching the life journey of one of India's greatest thinkers—a man who developed the country's first indigenous electric motor, founded the first polytechnic college, and revolutionized agriculture through his inventions.
The story begins with a young and curious Gopalaswamy (played by Tiji Arunasalam), who shows a deep interest in motorcycles and engine inventions, striving to ease people's lives. His entrepreneurial and inquisitive mind quickly allowed him to rise to higher levels in agricultural business.
Over time, the elder Gopalaswamy (played by R Madhavan) becomes a respected member of colonial business circles, being the only Indian at such events. His steady ascent, despite numerous setbacks, attracts the attention of British management, which assigns the tax officer Ambalapara Krishnan (played by Jayaram) to investigate Gopal's empire.
Without slowing down, Gopalaswamy, with the support of his trusted assistant Ramaiya Pillai (played by Satyaraj) and devoted wife Ranganayaki (played by Dushara Vijayan), faces all difficulties head-on, turning every confrontation into a test of his resilience.
R Madhavan delivers a commendable performance, lending depth and intellect to the lead role. His transformation from a confident middle-aged man to an elderly, frail, yet witty businessman is convincing and praiseworthy. Jayaram and Satyaraj are also impressive; their strong characters drive the narrative forward and lend credibility to the plot. Although Dushara's role was underdeveloped, she maximizes her screen time, drawing attention in every scene.
Actor Tiji Arunasalam successfully conveys the curious and passionate spirit of young GDN, engaging the audience from the start. The role of Chellam, played by Shila Ramkumar in his youth and later by Priyamani, deserved more screen time.
As a biographical film, the picture is a laudable attempt that balances intelligence and perseverance, tracing GDN's ups and downs. The main flaw of the film is its lack of emotional resonance, but it successfully captures every major stage of GDN's journey and portrays his true legacy, refuting the notion of him being a terrorist or a tax evader. Currently, 'GDN' is available on Netflix.
