Raja Ravindra’s latest film, “Saranga Dhariya,” generated significant buzz with its teasers and trailers, promising a pure family entertainer. Let’s delve into this review to see if the film lives up to the hype and truly entertains the audience.
The Story:
Krishna Kumar (Raja Ravindra), a middle-class man, works as a lecturer at a college. His elder son, Arjun (Moin Khan), falls into the trap of substance abuse due to heartbreak. Meanwhile, his younger son, Sai (Mohit), finds himself in love with a Muslim girl. His daughter, Anupama (Yashaswini), grows up to be a well-mannered young woman. However, a truth about Anupama comes to light in the community, sparking discussions and judgment around Krishna Kumar and his family.
The crux of the story revolves around what this truth about Anupama is, what transpired in her flashback, and how the future unfolds for Krishna Kumar’s sons.
Plus Points:
The story chosen by director Padma Rao Abbishetti (Pandu) is commendable. The core message feels fresh. In a middle-class family, when faced with such an issue, many tend to avoid it. However, the way Krishna Kumar and his family overcome this hurdle is portrayed beautifully. Additionally, the struggles and anxieties Krishna Kumar faces as a middle-class father trying his best for his children resonate with the audience. Some dialogues in the film are bound to strike a chord with viewers.
The film effectively portrays the way middle-class families tackle problems that arise within their circles. Particularly noteworthy is the way Anupama’s issue is not sensationalized but presented as a common occurrence in society. The decisions taken by Krishna Kumar and his wife as parents, along with their unwavering support for their daughter, are bound to win the hearts of the audience.
Minus Points:
While the core message of the film is strong, the way it is stretched out and used to move the story forward becomes a drawback. The director does a good job handling Anupama’s issue but seems to have taken a rather light approach to the problems faced by Arjun and Sai. While such issues are prevalent in many families, the solutions presented in the film may not feel realistic to viewers.
Furthermore, portraying Raja Ravindra’s character in a completely serious mode throughout the film can be a bit off-putting for the audience. A father, while being serious about his children’s well-being, also needs to share lighter moments with them. However, such scenes are scarce in the film. Additionally, the mother’s role is reduced to a mere supporting character. The first half takes a considerable amount of time for viewers to truly become invested in the story, and the slow screenplay in the second half significantly reduces the film’s overall appeal, even overshadowing its positive aspects. The music by E. Ebenezer Paul also fails to leave a lasting impression.
Technical Aspects:
Director Padma Rao Abbishetti (Pandu) has chosen a good story for his debut film. However, with a stronger focus on execution, “Saranga Dhariya” could have been a truly impactful film. Siddharth Swamy’s cinematography is commendable, with all the frames beautifully captured. The music by E. Ebenezer Paul tests the audience’s patience. The editing work could have been tighter. Production values are good.
Verdict:
“Saranga Dhariya” presents itself as a film showcasing the emotions of a middle-class family. However, the film’s screenplay tests the audience’s patience and reduces their overall interest. Furthermore, the underwhelming music adds another layer of disappointment. Despite these shortcomings, the film’s execution of a previously untouched subject matter has the potential to resonate with family audiences.
