Veteran actor R Sarathkumar has given a strong thumbs-up to GDN, the much-awaited biographical drama based on the extraordinary life of Coimbatore-born inventor and industrialist G.D. Naidu, popularly remembered as the “Edison of India”. After watching the film, Sarathkumar took to social media to share an emotional and detailed appreciation, calling the experience not just a film screening but a journey back into the life of a remarkable Indian innovator.
Sarathkumar began his note with an emphatic verdict, writing, “I watched the much awaited must watch film #GDN. It was not only an experience but a treat to watch the life of our own GD Naidu the edison of India.” His words underline what makes the film particularly significant—the opportunity to bring the story of a homegrown genius to a new generation that may not be familiar with his remarkable contributions.
A major part of Sarathkumar's praise was reserved for R Madhavan, who plays G.D. Naidu in the film. The veteran actor wrote that Madhavan “excelled in the role and took us back in time to tell the story of the legend of invention from Coimbatore”, adding that the film made him realise “how we are negligent in knowing our own history and our own heroes.” For Sarathkumar, Madhavan's performance appears to have gone beyond simply portraying a historical personality—it recreated the period and personality with enough conviction to transport audiences into Naidu's world.
Sarathkumar further praised the entire team for recreating the era, saying, “Madhavan and team have not only re created the times of GDN but had lived every moment of the great hero.” He went on to congratulate Madhavan, Sathyaraj, Pillu Mani, Dushara Vijayan and the entire cast and crew, while specifically appreciating director Krishnakumar Ramakumar for his effective narration. His detailed shout-out reflects how strongly the film's performances and storytelling appear to have connected with him.
The actor also extended his appreciation to the film's wider team, including AGS, which is distributing the project, calling it “yet another box office film.” He also acknowledged the producers and creative collaborators involved in bringing Naidu's story to the screen. With a subject rooted in Indian innovation and history, GDN arrives as more than a conventional biopic—it attempts to revisit a chapter of India's past through the life of a man whose achievements deserve a larger place in popular memory.
Sarathkumar's reaction ultimately brings the conversation back to the man at the centre of the film. G.D. Naidu was known for his pioneering work in engineering, technology and industry, earning the enduring nickname “Edison of India”. Through Madhavan's performance and Ramakumar's direction, GDN seeks to introduce his extraordinary journey to audiences on a much larger scale. And if Sarathkumar's words are anything to go by, the film has succeeded in doing exactly what a good historical drama should—entertaining audiences while making them curious about the heroes they may have forgotten.