Movie Review: ‘Saripodaa Sanivaram’ – A Unique Blend of Mass Action and Smart Storytelling

Overview:
‘Saripodaa Sanivaram’ marks a significant departure for both Nani and director Vivek Athreya, known for their previous work in family-oriented cinema. In this film, they dive into the mass action genre with a storyline that’s both intriguing and unique.

Plot:
The story centers on Surya (Nani), a young man known for his violent outbursts against injustice. Before her death, Surya’s mother extracts a promise from him to control his anger, allowing himself to release it only one day a week—on Saturdays. Enter Dayanand (SJ Surya), a ruthless CI whose actions deeply disturb Surya. Also in the mix is Dayanand’s brother, Koormanand (Murali Sharma), and Surya’s childhood love, Charulatha (Priyanka Mohan). The ensuing conflict between Surya, Dayanand, and Koormanand sets the stage for a gripping triangular race that drives the narrative forward.

Analysis:
Vivek Athreya, who previously directed critically acclaimed films like Mental Madhilo, Brochevarevarura, and Ante Sundaraniki, makes his mass film debut with Saripodaa Sanivaram. This collaboration with Nani, who typically excels in family-oriented roles, created high expectations for this action-packed drama.

The film kicks off with well-executed introductory scenes that establish Nani’s character. However, the pacing slows slightly until the antagonist, Dayanand, is introduced, which then picks up the momentum. Up until the interval, the film remains an engaging watch, setting the stage for a more intense second half.

The post-interval portion, lasting about 45 minutes, is particularly racy and smart, showcasing Vivek Athreya’s clever direction and screenplay. However, the pre-climax episodes drag slightly, which could have benefited from some trimming. Despite this, the film wraps up on a satisfying note with a strong, impactful climax.

Positives:

• Unique Storyline: The film offers a fresh take on the mass action genre, with a storyline that’s both engaging and unique.
• Nani’s Mass Avatar: Nani shines in his role, delivering a strong performance that departs from his usual family-centric roles.
• SJ Surya’s Outstanding Performance: SJ Surya delivers a standout performance as the antagonist, adding depth to the film’s conflict.
• Vivek Athreya’s Direction: Vivek Athreya’s direction and screenplay are smart and clever, particularly in the post-interval block.
• Impressive Background Score: Jakes Bejoy’s background score is trendy and enhances the film’s action sequences.
• Well-Developed Characters: The key characters, including Nani, SJ Surya, Murali Sharma, and Priyanka Mohan, are well-developed and excellently portrayed.

Negatives:

• Lengthy Runtime: The film’s 160-minute runtime feels a bit stretched, particularly in the first half and pre-climax sequences.
• Predictable Scenes: Some scenes in the first half are predictable and could have been more tightly written.
• Flat Narration: The first half’s narration is somewhat flat, and the Sokulapalem sequences drag slightly, impacting the film’s overall pacing.

Verdict:
‘Saripodaa Sanivaram’ is an action drama that stands out for its unique storyline and strong performances. While the first half has its predictable moments, the gripping second half more than makes up for it. Nani and SJ Surya deliver powerful performances in this intense face-off, and Vivek Athreya’s smart direction keeps the film engaging. Despite its lengthy runtime and occasional flat storytelling, Saripodaa Sanivaram is a watchable action drama that’s worth giving a try.

Final Recommendation:
If you’re a fan of action dramas with a unique twist, Saripodaa Sanivaram is definitely worth watching. The film offers a fresh take on the genre, and the performances alone make it a worthwhile experience.