Movie: Sabari
Release Date: 03-05-2024
Cast: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Ganesh Venkataraman, Shashank, Mime Gopi, Sunaina, Baby Niveshka, Rajashri Nair and Others
Music: Gopi Sundar
Editing: Dharmendra Kakarla
Cinematography: Rahul, Vatsava, Nani Chamidisetty
Producer: Mahendranath Koondla
Director: Anil Katz
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar is popular with versatile roles. For the first time she is coming with a female oriented psychological thriller, ‘Sabari’ directed by Anil Katz. The film has successfully grabbed the interest of audiences with its promotional material. ‘Sabari’ released in theatres on May 3rd. Let’s delve into the review.
Story:
Sanjana (Varalakshhmi Sarathkmar), relocates to Visakhapatnam along with her daughter Riya (Baby Niveshka) after unforeseen happenings in her life in Mumbai. But more trouble awaits her in Vizag and later she comes to know that Riya’s life is in danger.
What are those startling developments and how her husband Aravind (Ganesh Venkatram), her friend, advocate Rahul (Sashank Siddamsetty), ACP Ramesh (Madhunandan), psycho Surya (Mime Gopi) are connected to it, form the rest of the story.
Performances:
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar delivered a heartfelt performance, as a single mother. She adeptly portrayed a spectrum of emotions, skillfully conveying her character’s frustration, anger, and unwavering love for her daughter in emotional scenes. She carried the film on her shoulders whenever the plot weakens. Her expressive eyes and compelling body language are evident about the conviction she displayed while playing her role.
Ganesh Venkatram portrayed the role of an arrogant husband, adding layers to the storyline. Sashank’s portrayal of the supportive lawyer was convincing. Mime Gopi’s impresses with his disturbing psycho act which also brings authenticity. The remaining cast members also delivered adequate performances.
Highlights:
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar
Few Scenes
Cinematography
BGM
Drawbacks:
Predictable Plot
Slow Pace at times
Analysis:
Sabari, penned by Director Anil Katz, tries to make it an emotional tale between Mother and daughter blending psychological elements and finally making it a thriller where a mother can goes to any extent to save her daughter. While the narrative begins intriguingly but with slow-paced proceedings at times hinders the tempo. The twists happened at every turn of the story succeeds in keeping us on our toes
The first half predominantly delves into Varalakshmi’s character’s current and past circumstances, her flashback where she suffers lack of mother’s love and falling for Aravind which further leads to conflicts between them resulting in divorce. The film picks up momentum with the introducing of Mime Gopi as Psycho Surya. It has a few standout moments, but the predictability at times is the draw back. The second half revolves around her solitary battle to rescue her daughter. Varalaxmi’s conviction in her performance made things work to some extent.
Gopi Sunder’s songs are situational, and the background score effectively complements the storyline, enhancing several scenes. Nani Chamidisetty’s cinematography adeptly captures the scenic locations. Dharmendra Kakarla’s editing leaves much to be desired. Sabari has good production values capturing scenic beauty of hill station.
Rating: 3/5
Bottom-line: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s Show All The Way