Saaree (2025) – "Saaree: More stalk than story."
Written by: Ram Gopal Varma
Starring: Aaradhya Devi, Satya Yadu, Sahil Sambhyal, Appaji Ambarish
Genres: Thriller
Language: Telugu
Country: India
Plot Summary
Saaree follows Aaradhya Devi, a woman who thrives in the limelight of social media, living confidently on her own terms. Her life spirals when an obsessive photographer named Kittu becomes fixated on her. What begins as admiration quickly turns into sinister stalking, with Kittu’s obsession threatening not only Aaradhya’s peace of mind but also her family’s safety. As events take a darker turn, Aaradhya is forced to confront the disturbing reality behind the lens. But why is Kittu so obsessed—and what is his real agenda?
Review Breakdown
Story & Writing
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A one-line concept stretched painfully thin. Ram Gopal Varma might’ve had a sliver of a psychological thriller in mind, but the execution is clumsy and monotonous.
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The screenplay drags endlessly, with scenes that could’ve been summarized in seconds stretched across painful minutes.
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Dialogues are awkward, cringeworthy, and fail to elevate any emotional tension or thematic depth.
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The film feels voyeuristic, using the plot more as an excuse to exploit visuals than to tell a compelling story.
Direction
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Giri Krishna Kamal’s direction lacks clarity and conviction. The narrative feels like an extension of RGV’s obsession rather than a focused film.
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Tonal control is non-existent. The film meanders between pseudo-thriller moments and unintentionally comical melodrama.
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Scenes feel choppy and disconnected, with zero rhythm or build-up, making it hard to stay invested.
Performances
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Aaradhya Devi delivers a loud, overacted performance with no nuance. Her acting feels forced and theatrical, pulling the audience out of the story at every turn.
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Satya Yadu gives an earnest effort, but the material is too weak to let his work shine. His efforts go unappreciated in a role that lacks depth.
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The supporting cast exists purely to fill frames. None leave a lasting impression.
Technical Aspects
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Visuals: Visually intrusive. The cinematography feels tailored to feed a specific male gaze rather than serve the story. Shot composition feels dated and uncomfortable.
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Editing: Disjointed, with abrupt jumps that ruin continuity.
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Music & BGM: Forgettable and ineffective. The soundscape adds nothing to the mood or tension.
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Production Design: Barebones and uninspired. Feels like a film rushed through the pipeline.
Pros
✅ Aaradhya Devi’s screen presence (for those drawn to glamor)
✅ The runtime finally ends
Cons
❌ Paper-thin plot stretched to exhaustion
❌ Overacting across the board
❌ Zero character development
❌ Lazy writing, lazy direction
❌ RGV-style visuals that feel outdated and inappropriate
❌ Technically weak across all departments
My Personal Take On Cinema
Saaree is an unfortunate example of how style without substance can’t carry a film. What could’ve been a chilling psychological thriller turns into an unintentionally comic, painful-to-watch vanity project.
There’s little to admire here, and even less to take away. Unless you're actively building a list of films to avoid, you're better off skipping this one.
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