Saripodhaa Sanivaaram review: Highlights, flaws, and overall verdict.
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram: A Mix of Highs and Lows
Nani’s latest venture, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, directed by Vivek Athreya, has generated considerable buzz, especially after the successful collaboration between Nani and Vivek in the rom-com Ante Sundaraniki. However, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is a departure from their previous work, diving into the realm of action-drama with a darker, more intense storyline. The film also features a talented ensemble cast, including Tamil actor SJ Suryah as the antagonist, and Priyanka Mohan in the female lead, with Abhirami, Aditi Balan, Sai Kumar, Murali Sharma, Ajay, and Supreeth in supporting roles.
The story centers around Surya, played by Nani, a man grappling with anger issues, who takes on the role of a vigilante. However, there’s a unique twist to his vigilante activities: he only delivers justice on Saturdays, adhering to a promise he made to his mother. This unusual premise sets the stage for an intriguing narrative, where Surya’s path inevitably collides with that of a ruthless policeman, portrayed by SJ Suryah. Their intense confrontations form the crux of the movie, leading to a series of high-stakes battles that define the film’s dramatic arc.
The Good
One of the film’s strongest assets is the stellar performances by the lead actors. Nani, known for his versatility, brings a nuanced portrayal of Surya, a character riddled with internal conflict. His transition from a calm individual to a man on the edge, driven by a desire for justice, is executed with finesse. This role, while demanding, seems tailor-made for Nani, and he delivers with the ease of a seasoned actor.
SJ Suryah, as the antagonist, is the standout performer in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. His character is menacing yet layered, offering a formidable challenge to Surya. Suryah’s screen presence is commanding, and he brings an intensity to the role that elevates the film, particularly during the confrontation scenes. These scenes, where Suryah and Nani go head-to-head, are among the highlights of the movie and are crafted with precision.
Jakes Bejoy’s background score is one of the film’s major strengths. The music amplifies the tension in the action scenes and adds depth to the more emotional moments. Murali G’s cinematography captures the gritty essence of the narrative, while Karthika Srinivas’ editing ensures that the film’s pace, despite its nearly three-hour runtime, maintains a level of engagement, particularly in the first half and during the climactic sequences.
The Bad
However, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is not without its flaws. The film’s biggest drawback is its screenplay, which, at times, feels overly predictable and formulaic. While the premise is interesting, the execution falters in the middle portions, where the narrative becomes sluggish and repetitive. The flatness of the screenplay, particularly in the second act, detracts from the overall impact, making the film feel longer than necessary. The story, though demanding a lengthy runtime, could have benefitted from tighter editing to avoid the dragged-out middle portions that hamper the flow.
Another point of criticism is the film’s departure from Vivek Athreya’s usual style. Known for his light-hearted narratives and subtle humor, Athreya steps out of his comfort zone with Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. Unfortunately, this attempt to craft a savior-type action drama succeeds only in parts. While Athreya manages to deliver in key moments—such as the introduction, interval, and climax blocks—the film lacks the racy narration and unique screenplay that could have elevated it to the next level. The lack of humor and entertainment, elements that have characterized Athreya’s previous works, might disappoint some fans expecting his signature style.
Final Thoughts
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is a mixed bag. It offers moments of excellence, particularly in the performances and certain well-executed sequences, but these are counterbalanced by a predictable and sometimes sluggish narrative. The film’s characterizations, especially SJ Suryah’s villainous role, are compelling and provide the necessary drama and tension. Nani, as always, delivers a solid performance, making the most of his character’s emotional depth and action-oriented persona.
Despite its shortcomings, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram manages to be a satisfactory action drama. It’s not without its flaws—chiefly in pacing and screenplay—but for those looking for a timepass watch with some strong performances and intense action scenes, it is worth a try. The film might not reach the heights of Nani and Vivek’s previous collaboration, but it certainly has enough merit to stand on its own, particularly for fans of the genre.
In conclusion, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram can be seen as a commendable, if not entirely successful, attempt by Vivek Athreya to explore new territory. While it may not fully satisfy all viewers, it remains an engaging watch, especially for those who appreciate strong character-driven stories within the action drama framework.