Saripodhaa Sanivaaram review: Nani, SJ Suryah can't save this dull plot

Filmmaker Vivek Athreya is known for capturing the essence of small moments and weaving them into engaging narratives. However, his narrative techniques seem inadequate to compensate for the wafer-thin plot of Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. 

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, starring Telugu star Nani and SJ Suryah, is a departure from Vivek's usual style. Unfortunately, this experiment does not pay off.

The plot revolves around Surya (played by Nani), a man with a notorious temper who is given a unique outlet for his anger by his mother, Chayadevi (Abhirami). Surya is allowed to unleash his fury only on Saturdays, a ritual that leads him to keep a list of grievances and exact his revenge at the end of each week. Opposite him is Daya (SJ Suryah), a sociopathic cop with a bitter feud against his elder brother, Koormanand (Murali Sharma). Daya vents his frustration by randomly assaulting innocent men, adding another layer of brutality to the narrative.

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The concept, while intriguing, is weighed down by a thin plot that feels stretched far beyond its capacity. Vivek Athreya attempts to create a quintessential Telugu action drama but seems to falter in a genre that doesn’t play to his strengths. The film touches on themes of violence and retribution but does so in a way that feels superficial and unoriginal. Instead of exploring the deeper implications of these themes, Vivek opts for a more conventional approach, resulting in a narrative filled with cliches and predictable moments.

The film does have its moments. The chemistry between Nani and Priyanka Mohan (who plays Charulatha) brings some light-hearted relief to the otherwise monotonous storyline. SJ Suryah’s performance is another highlight; his over-the-top portrayal of a deranged cop adds a layer of unpredictability and intensity to the film. However, these moments are few and far between, and they are not enough to sustain the audience’s interest for nearly three hours.

Vivek Athreya’s previous film, Ante Sundaraniki, was a comedy-drama that, despite its initial lukewarm reception, found its audience over time. It appears Athreya attempted to prove his versatility by taking on a “mass movie” with Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, but the result feels more like a misstep than a triumph.

Despite Vivek Athreya’s attempt to inject his signature style into a new genre, the film ultimately lacks the excitement and novelty that could have made it memorable. Like a journey where we already know the destination, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram leaves little to surprise or captivate, resulting in a viewing experience that feels disappointingly flat.

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