August 30, 2024: Nani’s Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is a film that brings together an intriguing blend of suspense, drama, and action, skillfully crafted by director Vivek Athreya. Featuring Nani as Surya and SJ Suryah as Dayanand, the movie offers a unique narrative driven by the conflict between two contrasting characters.
Surya, an LIC insurance agent, is a man of patience, reserving his anger for Saturdays. On this day, he exacts revenge on those who have wronged him during the week. He keeps a book, reminiscent of the Death Note series, where he notes down the names of his tormentors. If his anger subsides by Saturday, he strikes off the name; if not, he confronts them physically. This routine adds a unique layer to his character, making him both relatable and unpredictable.
On the other hand, Dayanand, the ruthless Circle Inspector of the fictional village Sokula Palem, is a man of impulse. Unlike Surya, he doesn’t wait for a specific day to vent his fury—he unleashes it whenever he feels like it, often without any reason. The village, inspired by Stuartpuram near Guntur, carries a history of stigmatization, which adds depth to the setting and context of the story.
Athreya’s screenplay is one of the film’s strongest suits, keeping the audience engaged with unexpected twists and turns. Unlike many films where the second half tends to be predictable, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram maintains its momentum right until the climax, consistently adding layers to the story.
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram Review: A Compelling Mix of Suspense and Action
In the film Nani delivers a commendable performance, balancing the calm and aggression of Surya’s character with ease. SJ Suryah, despite some distracting makeup choices, gives a memorable performance as the unhinged Dayanand.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. While Athreya masterfully introduces Dayanand’s character and his relationship with Koorma (played by Murali Sharma), he relies too heavily on dialogues to drive the narrative forward.
Some of the key twists, such as Dayanand deducing the connection to Saturday, feel rushed and superficial, missing the emotional impact that well-crafted scenes could have delivered.
The supporting cast, including Priyanka Mohan, Murali Sharma, Sai Kumar, and Abhirami, all deliver solid performances, adding to the film’s overall appeal. The cinematography by Murali G is particularly noteworthy, especially in the execution of the fight scenes. However, Jakes Bejoy’s background score can be overpowering at times, slightly detracting from the film’s overall tone.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram stands out for its engaging screenplay, strong performances, and the intriguing dynamic between its lead characters. It’s a film that keeps you on your toes, with enough twists and turns to make it worth a watch.
Verdict: It is an entertainer and will keep you immersed