Nani, who has been in excellent form, made a concerted effort to promote “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram,” asserting that the film is an action drama with a distinctive screenplay and numerous adrenaline-pumping moments. It was his conviction that it would undoubtedly strike the target.
Did his assurance truly prove advantageous? Let us investigate.
The Story
In the fictitious Sokula Palem, Surya (Nani), a LIC agent, is grappling with anger management. He made a commitment to himself prior to his mother’s passing that he would only vent his rage on a specific Saturday, and only if he genuinely felt compelled to do so.
In contrast, Inspector Daya (SJ Suryah) is a ruthless police officer who harasses individuals belonging to Sokula Palem and abuses them without justification. There, Charulatha (Priyanka Mohan) serves as a constable and is a person of great empathy.
Charulatha develops feelings for Surya after he rescues a woman from Daya’s fury. The remainder of the drama is a depiction of Surya’s wrath as he seeks to assist the residents of Sokula Palem in escaping the oppressive world with the assistance of Charulatha.
Artists’ Performances
Nani delivers a strong performance and is particularly impressive during the emotional sequences, as is customary. Nevertheless, it is SJ Suryah who steals the show. He delivers a performance that is whistle-worthy, and his characterisation is exceptional.
The sequences between Nani and Suryah are highly enjoyable due to the exceptional performances of both actors. Murali Sharma, with his portrayal of a politician, also garners substantial attention and performs exceptionally well in the role.
Saikumar, who portrays Nani’s father, is equally remarkable, and Priyanka Mohan executes her role with effortlessness. There is a dearth of screen time for the other actors. Abhirami makes a fleeting appearance as Nani’s mother.
Technical Prowess: The film boasts exceptional cinematography. Murali G has exhibited his capacity to capture action scenes by utilising illumination patterns to establish specific moods. The action sequence in which the hero reveals his identity to the heroine is particularly noteworthy.
The background score is another noteworthy technical aspect. Although the tracks of Jakes Bejoy are not particularly noteworthy, the background music is unquestionably a significant asset.
The production design is remarkable. Nevertheless, the film’s lengthy duration is a detriment.
Analyse
The title of “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram” is distinctive; however, its fundamental narrative is not novel. It adheres to a well-established formula in which a common man employs his strength (in this instance, his wrath) to enhance the lives of oppressed individuals.
Although it is similar to any other mass film, the concept of “Sanivaaram” (Saturday) offers a distinctive variation.
Director Vivek Athreya, who demonstrated his exceptional writing in “Brochevarevarura,” endeavours to present the conventional “mass cinema” genre in his own unique manner by segmenting it and offering a comprehensive backstory for the protagonist and the cause of his rage.
The hero’s justification for unleashing his wrath exclusively on Saturdays, as opposed to other days, is well-executed, emphasising Athreya’s fortitude.
Nevertheless, the film introduces the antagonist, Police Inspector Daya (played by Suryah), and the concept of Sokulapalem, where people live in dread of this ruthless policeman, after establishing this premise.
From this point forward, the film transitions into a typical mass-market film, featuring predictable sequences such as the hero’s domestic conflict when his pregnant sister arrives.
The sequences progressively become repetitive, despite the fact that Daya’s characterisation is distinctive. Additionally, there is an unclear conflict between the character of Daya and that of his sibling (Muril Sharma).
Nani and Surya’s encounter outside a government hospital and their encounter during the interval are two notable sequences in the first half.
Nani and Surya’s confrontation is the focal point of the remainder of the film, as it becomes evident during the interval. Consequently, the narrative becomes accustomed.
In the penultimate sequence, “Dagudu Moothalu,” Vivek Athreya’s exceptional writing is once again evident, as the manner in which Suryah’s character ascertains the identity of the assailant is compellingly depicted.
This sequence, which lasts approximately 20 minutes, is highly captivating. Nevertheless, the film reverts to its conventional approach towards the conclusion. The extended climax is a substantial disadvantage.
The film contains an equal number of predictable and intriguing moments as it does entertaining ones. Subsequently, it is inappropriate to characterise it as an ordinary action film. There is a squandered opportunity to produce a clever mass action film.
In the context of screenplay, the utilisation of a clock that is ten minutes tardy as a result of a character’s actions at the outset, which is subsequently pertinent during a fight scene in the latter half, is an illustration of a “perfect payoff.”
Nevertheless, the notion that the entire population of Sokulapalem is apprehensive of a single police officer and refrains from engaging with the courts or other legislators is a common trope in mass-produced films. These examples demonstrate the predictability and intellect of Vivek Athreya’s narration. Also, there are numerous logical inconsistencies.
The film’s duration is a significant detriment. The film’s nearly three-hour runtime, which includes only one song, provides a sense of length. Numerous situations could have been more concisely described and tightened.
In general, “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram” is an average action drama that contains both noteworthy and mundane moments. It does not provide a complete satisfaction, as it makes numerous promises but only partially delivers. You may view it for SJ Suryah’s performance and a few exceptional episodes; however, you should anticipate spending nearly three hours watching it. “Saripoledu,” as they say, translates to “it did not meet expectations.”
Movie: Saripodhaa Sanivaaram
ibomma Rating: 2.75/5
Cast: Nani, Priyanka Arul Mohan, SJ Suryah, Abhirami, Sai Kumar, Murali Sharma, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Harsha Vardhan, Vishnu, Ajay Ghosh, Shivaji Raja, Ajay, and others
Music: Jakes Bejoy
DOP: Murali G
Editor: Karthika Srinivas R
Art Director: GM Sekhar
Action: Ram-Laxman, Real Satish
Producers: DVV Danayya, Kalyan Dasari
Written and directed by: Vivek Athreya
Release Date: Aug 29, 2024