‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ Film Review: A Bold Reimagining of Classic Action Cinema

There are numerous instances and subtle details where it’s clear that Vivek is aiming for a uniquely unconventional atmosphere.

While ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ is marketed as an action thriller, there are only a few moments where the action truly shines. Nonetheless, Vivek Athreya brings his full creative energy to these scenes, showcasing a vibrant visual style. Most action sequences carry the classic flair of a heroic moment, but two in particular stand out. One captivates with stunning shots and lighting, while the other, set in a bustling pub, delivers a genuine thrill. As our hero Surya (Nani) prepares to confront the antagonist, the buildup of tension—his initial hesitation followed by his decisive action—adds an emotional depth to this exhilarating moment. Vivek Athreya clearly has a vision for pushing the boundaries of a traditional action film while still operating within familiar frameworks. His ambition is evident in nearly every choice he makes as both a writer and director. There are numerous instances and subtle nuances that reveal his intention to create a distinctly unconventional atmosphere. For example, the title card appears briefly, and during the classic hero introduction, there’s something refreshingly unheroic about Nani’s character that subverts expectations. At its essence, the film remains a classic tale of hero versus villain. Philosophically, it touches on intriguing concepts, but I wished for a deeper exploration of the different facets of anger as they manifest in both the hero and the villain. The film also occasionally dips into a comic book-inspired vibe, particularly in the interactions between Dayanand (SJ Suryah) and Kurmanand (Murali Sharma). Even in comedic moments, the writing maintains a distinct tone.

In keeping with his signature style, Athreya crafts his screenplay in a way that allows characters to intentionally withhold crucial information from the audience. However, the way these revelations are unveiled feels authentic and not forced. One of the film’s standout moments, both in terms of writing and humor, occurs during the introduction of our antagonist, CI Dayanand (SJ Suryah). As Dayanand interrogates a man he has captured, questioning him about his son and who he loves more, the dialogue leads to a hilarious and insightful look into Dayanand’s own past and emotional struggles. SJ Suryah delivers an outstanding performance in this scene, as he does throughout the film. ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ reinforces Vivek Athreya’s status as one of the most innovative writers in contemporary Telugu cinema. He is undoubtedly the perfect filmmaker to take on the challenge of reinventing the traditional Telugu action movie.