- Release Date: 29/08/2024
- Platform: Netflix
- Cast: Nani, S.J. Suryah, Priyanka Arulmohan, Murli Sharma
- Director: Vivek Athreya
“Anger Management? Nah! Nani’s Saturday Slugfest Packs in Rage, Romance, and Ceaseless Fun!”
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is the second film in as many weeks for me, this time from the Telugu film industry, that catapults a simplistic masala premise to great heights due to its many subplots, a supporting cast of characters brimming with energy and importance, and some pulsating action accentuated by a background score that even the most disinterested viewer won’t be able to ignore. Chances are, the audience will picture themselves beating villains to a pulp as the score roars in the background, complemented by the most heroic and inspiring presentation of the hero in question.
We often talk about forgiving films for being mindless and stupid, as they are meant only to entertain and are classified as masala entertainers. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram proves that intelligence and suspension of disbelief are the two most important things that need to be ensured, besides impactful characters and situations, for a masala entertainer to be successful and inspiring. It is only when these elements work in tandem with healthy doses of entertainment and uproarious fun that a film can be truly called a mass entertainer. This is one sphere that the southern film industries have mastered over years of fine-tuning the formula and zeroing in on the perfect version of it, with immaculate balance and ideal impact.
The Story:
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram centres around Surya (Nani), a man with severe anger issues who isn’t afraid to beat people to a pulp, sometimes for trivial reasons. His mother, diagnosed with a terminal disease, takes it upon herself to bring some sense into him. After some meaningful discussions, the two decide that Surya will unleash his anger only one day a week—on Saturdays. There are a few more intricacies and twists to this decision, which not only channel Surya’s rage into that one day but also establish strict rules on how and to what extent he can release his anger.
Things take an interesting turn for Surya and those around him when he meets Charulatha (Priyanka Arulmohan), who introduces him to the people of Sokulapalem, a village terrorized by a corrupt and maniacal police inspector, Daya (S.J. Suryah). Daya is embroiled in a court litigation with his own brother, played by Murli Sharma, and is willing to go to any lengths to bring his brother down. Surya’s involvement in the conflict not only adds an interesting dimension to the already tense situation but also intensifies the conflict, making it more palpable, violent, and primed to explode.
Brimming With Characters, Interesting Situations, and Immensely Enjoyable Setpieces:
The central conflict between Surya and Daya is fully established only by the interval point of the film. However, the story moves into top gear well before that. The development of Surya into a vigilante-like crusader, his earlier years dealing with anger issues, his many interactions with his mother, the first time he began unleashing his rage on Saturdays, the extent to which he goes on those days, his lethal methods, and his father’s helplessness in knowing what Surya was about to do each week but being unable to stop him—all of these are documented through a series of intriguing setpieces that unfold one after another with great pace and energy.
The development of the romance between Surya and Charulatha is also wonderfully depicted, making you feel the genuine love between the two characters. This, in turn, establishes and highlights the stakes for both characters, setting the stage for what will happen later in the story.
Character development is not limited to the protagonist of the film. Daya’s character is also fleshed out. We learn about his conflict with his elder brother, the reasons for his anger toward the people of Sokulapalem, and his detailed plan involving his brother. Once the conflict between Surya and Daya is established, a large portion of the film focuses on Daya’s investigation into the mysterious masked man who got the better of him, while also leaving many questions about his modus operandi. These scenes, though lighter on action, are still intriguing and tense. The character development done in the beginning for the many players infuses these scenes with added tension and drama.
Splendid Action Sequences:
The action sequences in the film are ballistic and infused with the kind of energy and pace popularized by films like Singam (2010) (Suriya, Hari). There are at least three major action scenes, each pulled off with the same energy, gusto, and raw intensity. These scenes not only justify and underline the pent-up rage that Surya holds in his heart but also emphasize the unbridled intentions with which he is willing to unleash his fury on anyone who crosses his path on a Saturday.
I was blown away by the amount of realism in the action sequences. While there are a few moments where characters defy the laws of physics, these instances are few and executed well enough to avoid any negativity. The hero is pitted against dozens of villains, which might seem excessive to some, but for me, it was handled with enough logic and strategy to allow suspension of disbelief. Also, It was done well enough to extract hero worship for the character.
The action choreography is also fantastically complemented by the editing and background score, along with the leading man’s performance. This synergy is so seamless that the use of extras fades into the background, making it feel as though the hero is performing all the action scenes himself. It also feels as if the action is cut to the beats of the background score, enhancing the feel and impact of the sequences. All of this makes the action sequences stand out as a notable aspect of the film, even though they may not be overtly unique or groundbreaking.
Nani and S.J. Suryah Shine as Always:
Nani had to portray his character with the perfect balance of craziness and composure to convincingly sell the two completely different facets of Surya, and he succeeds in doing just that. One must also acknowledge that Nani possesses a trademark charm that has become synonymous with every character he has played over the years, and it’s something that’s always enjoyable. He brings ample doses of that charm to both facets of Surya’s character, ensuring he wins over his audience in any of the two ways that they would like. He looks the part in the action sequences and displays excellent comic timing, making sure that the subtle humour in the film lands well. I also loved his chemistry with Priyanka Arulmohan, which not only enhances one of the most important aspects of the film but also makes the romantic elements intriguing and adds depth and impact to the climactic sequences. Priyanka Arulmohan does a great job in her role as well.
S.J. Suryah has become known for his unique interpretation and rendition of maniacal villains, and he does just that here. While his performance may not be on par with his iconic role in Spyder, he strikes a fantastic balance between the calmer moments and the ones where he surrenders to his animalistic instincts, committing some of the most horrifying acts imaginable. In short, he’s the perfect antagonist for a protagonist like Surya, and the two face off with unmissable intensity and fun in the final act of the film.
Final Words:
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram demonstrates how mass entertainers should be written and executed. Nothing about the film is entirely unique, yet the way it’s written, directed, and brought to life by the cast ensures that every aspect feels fresh, entertaining, intriguing, and brimming with energy and gusto. The director builds the story, characters, and set pieces in such a way that while you’re watching, you never feel the need to question the realism or authenticity of what is being shown. Similarly, the director extracts pitch-perfect performances from the ensemble cast and uses them to the film’s best advantage. He creates numerous subplots, giving each just enough weight and purpose in the narrative to evoke the intended emotions, intrigue, and mass appeal.
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram is still playing to packed houses in the Telugu belt, even though its various translations are available on Netflix, and I’m not surprised why. If you’re looking for a mass family entertainer with a healthy dose of action, inspiring moments of heroism, and thrills, this film should be at the top of your list this week.
Rating: 3.5/5 (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
The views expressed in this article are that of the reviewer and do not reflect EastMojo’s position.
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