Saranga Dariya (2024) - "A father's quest to turn his children into heroes."

Directed by: Padmarao Abbisetti
Starring: Raja Ravindra, Shivakumar Ramachandravarapu, Yashaswani Srinivas, Moin Mohammad, Mohit Pedada, Neela Priya Devulapalli, Srikanth Iyengar, Harsha Vardhan, Madhu Latha
Genres: Drama, Family
Categories: Telugu Featured, Telugu Movies 2024
Country: India
Language: Telugu

Plot:

"Middleclass person Krishnakumar works as a lecturer at an Engineering College in Vizag. He lives with his family comprising his wife Lakshmi, his sons Arjun and Sai, and his daughter Anupama. Krishnakumar faces multiple problems on personal and professional fronts, with both his sons turning into drunkards and loafers, much to his disappointment. The situation worsens when a shocking secret involving his daughter Anupama is exposed, devastating the family. The story explores how Krishnakumar and his family deal with these crises, influenced by characters like Raju, millionaire Batley, Fathima, and College Head Murthy."

Performances:

• Raja Ravindra (Krishnakumar): Raja delivers an outstanding performance, portraying the struggling father with depth and conviction. This role is arguably one of his best.
• Neela Priya Devulapalli (Lakshmi): Neela plays the supportive wife effectively, adding to the familial dynamics.
• Moin Mohammad (Arjun): Moin captures the troubled nature of the eldest son well, bringing the character's shades to life.
• Mohit Pedada (Sai): Mohit’s performance as the younger son is adequate, fitting into the narrative smoothly.
• Yashaswani Srinivas (Anupama): Yashaswani gives a commendable performance, especially in the film's more emotional scenes.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting actors, including Shivakumar Ramachandravarapu, Srikanth Iyengar, and Harsha Vardhan, contribute effectively to the story.

Technicians:

• Direction and Writing: Padmarao Abbisetti directs with a focus on family dynamics and emotional conflicts. Despite some flaws, the film successfully conveys the intended emotions and messages.
• Cinematography: The visuals are decent, capturing the essence of middle-class life in Vizag.
• Editing: The editing could have been tighter, as some scenes feel prolonged and could have been trimmed.
• Music: The soundtrack is functional but not particularly memorable, supporting the narrative without standing out.

Strengths:

• Performances: Raja Ravindra and Moin Mohammad's performances stand out, adding depth to the film.
• Family Dynamics: The portrayal of family bonds and conflicts is well done, making the characters believable and relatable.
• Emotional Core: The film's emotional moments, particularly those involving Krishnakumar's struggles and decisions, are impactful.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: The film suffers from pacing issues, with some scenes dragging on unnecessarily.
• Narrative Focus: The director tries to tackle multiple perspectives and conflicts, which can sometimes feel overwhelming and unfocused.
• Predictable Climax: The climax is somewhat predictable, lacking the punch needed for a strong finish.
• Title: The title "Saranga Dariya" doesn't quite fit the family-centric theme of the movie, which might affect its appeal.

My Personal Take on This Film:

"Saranga Dariya" is a family drama that delves into the challenges faced by a middle-class family, led by a struggling father. Raja Ravindra’s portrayal of Krishnakumar is the film's highlight, bringing depth to the character's struggles and decisions. The film's strength lies in its emotional core and the believable depiction of family dynamics. However, the pacing issues and the somewhat unfocused narrative can detract from the overall experience.

Despite its flaws, "Saranga Dariya" has moments that resonate, particularly for viewers who appreciate family dramas. The film's ability to portray the familial bond authentically makes it a worthwhile watch, especially on OTT platforms where it might find a more receptive audience. The predictable climax and the unsuitable title are minor setbacks in an otherwise engaging film.

Rating: 2.75/5