BOTTOM LINE
Clueless Auction
OUR RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
‘UA’
What Is the Film About?
Mahi (Mahesh Babu) is a money lender and goes to any extent to get it back. Kalavathy (Keerthy Suresh), a girl with many vices, takes a substantial sum (from him) and runs away to India.
How did Mahesh recover the loan from Kalavathy? What is her connection with his past? How their story ends with Rajendranath (Samudrakani) becoming a critical factor is the movie’s story.
Performances
Taking heed to fans’ demand, Mahesh Babu went for an energetic makeover with his last outing Sarileru Neekevvaru. In Sarkaru Vaari Paata, he goes a step ahead and changes styling (clothes and hairstyle). So, we have a fresh-looking and slick Mahesh Babu with the vintage energy expected of him.
All the potential factors exciting the fans are checked in Sarkaru Vaari Paata concerning Mahesh Babu. The problem, unfortunately, is the content which doesn’t offer him much. It makes the whole effort alright and not that impactful or memorable. At times, he looks to be straining to maintain his energy. Sometimes he slips into his older self, reminding the past acts. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, the comic timing and all are there, but at the same time, it isn’t anything special.
Keerthy Suresh is getting back to her best looks after a brief ‘slimming’ detour. She looks good, and the pairing with Mahesh Babu is a treat for sore eyes. Sadly, she is relegated to a bland part (mostly) that sticks out like a sore thumb in a few over the top moments. It is more so because most of the first half rests on her chemistry and fun.
Analysis
Parasuram of Solo and Geetha Govindam fame directs Sarkaru Vaari Paata. It is his first outing with a big star. There is a lot of expectation from him to deliver an entertainer. But, he fails to make use of the golden chance.
The movie opens with a childhood episode signalling a formulaic narrative ahead. We get precisely that and with a weak story. In fact, there is hardly anything in the first half related to the main tale until the pre-interval mark.
The typical commercial entertainment, involving fun and romance between the lead pair, Mahesh Babu and Keerthy Suresh, covers the vast part of the first half. It would all be fine had the track offered some ‘freshness’. There is a ‘seen-there’ feel throughout, even when something works. This dejavu feel and routineness never let the narrative get high and leave one with a flat and ordinary impression.
Only when we move beyond the entertainment that we get to the actual story. It happens towards the interval mark and raises hopes in the second half.
Unfortunately, the real problem with Sarkaru Vaari Paata surfaces in the second half. The issue is the lack of conviction and clarity from Parasuram regarding the core content.
There is one eye on the entertainment, another one on delivering a message; simultaneously, Parasuram wants some action; while doing all this, he also wants to bring out vintage Mahesh Babu for fans. The concoction of these all leads to a narrative that goes nowhere. The bigger issue is the writing and half baked approach related to the core ‘banking’ drama.
The entire EMI plot is unconvincing from the word go. It is here we feel that Parasuram is out of depth. But, his failure in his strengths, i.e. entertainment, hurts Sarkaru Vaari Paata more. It shows that he is more at ease with family dramas and comedy entertainers than serious mass movies.
By the time one reaches the end, there is no interest left. Even the mass song placed for fans doesn’t enthuse any reaction. It’s an indication of the tiresome journey of Sarkaru Vaari Paata.
Overall, Sarkaru Vaari Paata is a formulaic commercial entertainer with a new set-up. However, the poor writing and lack of clarity in narration turn the movie into a bland and boring affair.
Performances by Others Actors
Apart from the lead actors, the rest have forgettable roles. Vennela Kishore doesn’t get even one memorable line or scene with Mahesh Babu. Samudrakani is alright but feels like he has walked out from Ala Vaikunthapurramulo’s set. Subbaraju and others are wasted, whereas Nadiya appears in a very brief role.
Music and Other Departments?
The songs by S Thaman are peppy and likeable. They have also been shot decently. However, when it comes to the critical background score, he fails. It could be his weakest work in the recent outings. The cinematography is decent. R Madhi’s frames give a grand look to the movie in parts. The editing by Marthand K Venkatesh could have been better. The film feels very lengthy and tiring by the end.
For a biggie, the VFX are pretty substandard. We feel that, particularly in action scenes. Writing is a strong pursuit of Parasuram, but he fails big time in Sarkaru Vaari Paata. There are some cringe moments which could have been avoided.
Highlights?
Mahesh Babu
Entertainment In First Half
Core Plot Idea
Drawbacks?
Routine Story
Gets Preachy
Second Half
Feels Very Lengthy
Alternative Take
The core drama related to the banking sector and the EMI should have been given more space and integrated well into the narrative with clarity in thoughts. What we have is a half-baked idea that confuses more than enlightens.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, In Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Sarkaru Vaari Paata Movie Review by M9News
