Sarangadhariya Movie Review: A Predictable Drama with Intriguing Insights

In Sarangadhariya, we see a Hindu college boy from a middle-class background who falls for a Muslim girl and takes a drastic step to win over her father. Rejected for their differences, he goes to her father and claims he has removed the barrier between them by undergoing circumcision. It might sound comical, but the boy’s actions stem from youthful impulsiveness rather than rational thinking. He’s driven by a desperate need to prove himself, even if it means making naive decisions. Interestingly, Sarangadhariya follows a similar path. Despite its occasional rough patches in execution, the film deserves credit for tackling themes rarely explored in Telugu cinema with respect. Directed by Padmarao Abbisetti, the story centers around Krishna (Raja Ravindra) and his family, focusing on the challenges faced by his three children: Arjuna, Sai, and Anupama. Each of them grapples with their own struggles. While Sai (Mohit Peddada) navigates college life clumsily, Arjun (Moin) battles alcoholism and unemployment, haunted by a past tragedy. Anupama (Yashaswini Srinivas) aims for a future filled with ambition, all while reluctantly becoming the talk of her neighborhood. The initial half of Sarangadhariya offers a mundane yet intriguing glimpse into everyday life. As the core plot unfolds, the director delicately weaves in secondary narratives. Notably, the film includes a transgender character, shedding light on societal reflections and challenging norms.

Krishna, the head of the family, is quite a character. Initially, he may come off as indifferent to his children, much like the typical father figures we see in movies. However, there’s a hidden strength in him. He’s straightforward and doesn’t hesitate to stand up to those who doubt him, all while keeping his cool. Despite his composed exterior, Krishna carries a weight of past struggles, beautifully portrayed by Raja Ravindra, showing that he has come to terms with his somber present.

Although the film boasts a strong main character and meaningful themes, it often gets bogged down by clichéd commercial elements. Some dialogues objectify women, even if they’re spoken by stereotypical henchmen, leaving a distasteful impression. The excessive use of melodramatic background music in many scenes becomes overwhelming.

Anupama’s character aims high but lacks depth. She frequently appears helpless against various obstacles, mostly in the form of predatory men. This setup conveniently allows the three male leads to step in as saviors—a predictable trope. Sarangadhariya also falters due to subpar production values and weak direction, diluting the emotional impact of the story. The build-up to the climax feels disjointed.

However, amidst its flaws, Sarangadhariya manages to touch the heart with its moments of sensitivity. A poignant scene where Arjun (Moin) wakes from a nightmare, craving a cigarette while grappling with his inner turmoil, is captured powerfully. Moin effectively portrays the character’s self-destructive nature, adding depth to the narrative.

Sarangadhariya brings forth numerous unexpected moments. Despite its familiar and somewhat predictable 150-minute duration, the movie prompts introspection on life several times, which is quite an achievement.

Title: Sarangadhariya

Starring: Raja Ravindra, Yashaswini Srinivas, Moin, Mohit Peddada

Director: Padmarao Abbisetti

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars