Saripodhaa Sanivaaram Review: The Highlights and Lowlights?

Story Summary:

As a teenager, Surya (played by Nani) was notorious for his explosive reactions to injustice. On her deathbed, Surya’s mother made him promise to control his anger, allowing himself to unleash his fury only once a week—on Saturdays. In the present day, Surya is troubled by the ruthless actions of Dayanand (SJ Surya), a notorious city police officer, and his brother Koormanand (Murali Sharma). Determined to confront Dayanand, Surya finds himself entangled in a complex web involving his childhood love Charulatha (Priyanka Mohan) and Dayanand’s brother. This tangled relationship sets the stage for an intense and intriguing conflict among Surya, Dayanand, and Koormanand.

Analysis:

Vivek Athreya, known for his work on films like Mental Madhilo, Brochevarevarura, and Ante Sundaraniki, makes his mass film debut with Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. With Nani, typically recognized for his family-centric roles, leading the cast, this film creates a fresh expectation for a mass entertainer from two filmmakers with strong family film backgrounds.

The film starts strong with Nani’s engaging introduction, though the pace slows slightly before the antagonist, Dayanand, fully makes his entrance. The narrative holds steady up until the interval, but the post-interval section, which runs for about 45 minutes, picks up the pace with its thrilling and sharp progression. The pre-climax scenes, however, drag a bit, though the film concludes on a strong note with a satisfying climax.

A notable feature is the filmmakers’ decision to omit unnecessary songs, item numbers, and romantic tracks, leaving only a single montage song. At 160 minutes, the film remains focused on action and drama without any romantic duets. Vivek Athreya cleverly leverages Murali Sharma’s tendency for misjudgment to both entertain and advance the story. The chapter titles—“Introduction,” “Twist,” “Conflict,” “Interval,” “Post Interval,” and “Ending”—add an engaging structure to the narrative, showcasing Athreya’s wit in certain scenes.

The casting is a significant strength, with Nani, SJ Surya, Murali Sharma, Saikumar, and Priyanka Mohan delivering standout performances. S.J. Surya’s role could have been more prominent, though the overall cast shines. Jakes Bejoy’s trendy background score and Murali’s effective cinematography contribute positively. However, the film does have a few dull moments in the first half, some predictable elements, and would benefit from a 15-minute trim, particularly around the pre-climax.

Positives:

• Unique Storyline: The film offers a fresh and original plot.
• Nani’s Mass Avatar: Nani delivers a powerful performance in his mass role.
• SJ Surya’s Outstanding Performance: SJ Surya excels in his role as the antagonist.
• Vivek’s Direction and Clever Screenplay: Vivek Athreya provides a sharp and engaging narrative.
• Impressive Background Score: The background score enhances the film’s overall impact.
• Well-Developed Key Characters: The characters are thoughtfully crafted and compelling.

Negatives:

• Lengthy Runtime: The film could be tighter, with some scenes feeling prolonged.
• Predictable First Half: The initial part of the film includes some predictable moments.
• Flat Narration in the First Half: The first half suffers from a lack of dynamic storytelling.
• Dragging Pre-Climax: The pre-climax sections drag and could be more engaging.

Verdict: Saripodhaa Sanivaaram stands out as an action film with a distinctive storyline. While the first half may be average and somewhat predictable, the gripping second half makes up for it. Nani and SJ Surya deliver remarkable performances, contributing significantly to the film’s appeal. Vivek Athreya’s direction and witty screenplay bring a smart touch, though the film’s extended runtime occasionally affects the pacing. Overall, it’s a watchable action drama that offers an engaging experience despite its few flaws.

HashtagU Rating: 3.5/5
Director: Vivek Athreya
Cinematography: Murali G.
Music: Jakes Bejoy
Producer: D. V. V. Danayya
Production: DVV Entertainment