Goli Soda (2014) Review in 2025
Goli Soda is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age drama film that tells the story of three friends growing up in a small town, struggling to find their place in the world.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to its mature themes, violence, and strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
Goli Soda is worth watching for fans of Tamil cinema and those interested in coming-of-age dramas. However, viewers may find the film's mature themes and violence off-putting. It's best enjoyed in theaters for a more immersive experience.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film revolves around the lives of three friends, Dinesh, Murugan, and Chandra, who run a small-time business selling soda in their hometown. However, their lives take a drastic turn when they get involved in a local gang war, leading to a series of intense and violent confrontations.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it lacks depth and originality. The plot twists are predictable, and the characters' motivations are not fully explored.
acting7.00/10
The acting is decent, with some standout performances from the lead actors. However, the supporting cast is underutilized, and some actors feel miscast in their roles.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but they lack complexity and nuance. The lead characters' relationships with each other are believable, but their interactions with other characters feel forced at times.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with good use of camera angles and lighting. However, the pacing is uneven, and some scenes feel rushed or dragged out.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with stunning visuals and a great use of color. The film's aesthetic is gritty and realistic, which suits the tone of the story.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Goli Soda has a strong cast, engaging storyline, and excellent cinematography. The film's themes of friendship and perseverance are well-explored, and the pacing is generally well-balanced.
Cons
The film's predictability, lack of originality, and uneven pacing hold it back from being a truly great movie. Some characters feel underdeveloped, and the supporting cast is underutilized.
Notable Quotes
"Another notable quote is 'Life is like a bottle of soda, it's got its ups and downs, but you've got to keep it fresh and exciting.'"
"The film's most memorable quote is 'Goli Soda' itself, which becomes a metaphor for the characters' struggles and aspirations."
