Saripodhaa Sanivaaram Review: Vivek Athreya and Nani Team Up for a Fresh Take on a Classic Tale

Vivek Athreya, renowned for his work on films like Mental Madhilo, Brochevarevarura, and Ante Sundaraniki, ventures into the realm of commercial cinema with Saripodhaa Sanivaaram. While the film's premise—a battle between good and evil—may appear conventional, Athreya injects his signature humor and distinct visual style, transforming it into something uniquely engaging.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Surya (Nani), a hot-headed young man who, under his mother Chayadevi’s (Abhirami) guidance, adopts an unusual method to manage his temper. Surya meticulously keeps track of those who anger him, but only takes action on Saturdays, provided he deems it justified. His adversary, Dayanand (SJ Suryah), is a volatile police officer whose feud with his brother Koormanand (Murli Sharma) brings turmoil to Sokulapalem, a colony with a history steeped in crime. Unlike Surya, Daya’s rage is indiscriminate, affecting anyone in his path. The film also introduces Charulatha (Priyanka Mohan), a compassionate constable who is a rare voice of empathy among the chaos.

Athreya’s Approach to Mass Cinema

Athreya’s transition to mass cinema is marked by a surprising blend of humor and respect for serious themes—a rarity in the genre. Despite the film’s length, the engaging narrative, bolstered by Jakes Bejoy's immersive score, maintains audience interest. Notably, the film avoids typical commercial pitfalls like gratuitous dance numbers, allowing the story’s rhythm to flow naturally.

Visual and Thematic Highlights

Cinematographer Murali G. captures Hyderabad’s gritty underbelly with earthy tones that mirror Surya’s emotional journey. As Surya evolves, so does the film’s color palette, reflecting his growing understanding of anger and its purpose. Athreya’s ability to weave warm, subtle messages into intense sequences stands out, particularly in moments that challenge traditional gender roles and emphasize the importance of human compassion over divine intervention.

Performances

Nani and SJ Suryah deliver standout performances, embodying their characters’ complexities with vigor. Nani’s portrayal of Surya as a modern-day angry young man is both powerful and nuanced, while Suryah shines in scenes where his character’s mania escalates. The supporting cast, including Sai Kumar and Murli Sharma, also contribute significantly, each bringing depth to their roles.

Drawbacks

While Saripodhaa Sanivaaram excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. Some plot points are resolved too conveniently, and the film occasionally slips into clichés that Athreya typically avoids. The motivations behind certain character actions, particularly towards the film's conclusion, feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the female characters, despite moments of promise, are not as fully realized as those in Athreya’s previous works.

Conclusion

On the surface, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram might seem like a typical commercial film, complete with familial sentiment and a hero who saves the day. However, Vivek Athreya subverts these tropes, relying on strong performances, technical excellence, and mostly sharp writing to craft a film that stands apart from its peers. While the narrative occasionally wavers, it ultimately finds its purpose, much like its protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on the vigilante genre.