CSI Sanatan: A Crime Thriller Review
Starring: Aadi Sai Kumar, Misha Narang, Nandini Rai, Tarak Ponnappa, Vasanthi, Sanjay Reddy, Madhusudhan Rao, Ali Reza, Khayyum, Siva Karthik, Vikas, Ravi Prakash, Bhupal Raju.
Director: Sivashankar Dev
Producers: Ajay Srinivas
Music Director: Aneesh Solomon
Cinematography: Ganganmoni Shekar
Editor: Amar Reddy
Actor Aadi Sai Kumar’s latest venture, “CSI Sanatan,” helmed by director Sivashankar Dev, hits the theaters today. Dive into this review to uncover the essence of the film.
Story:
Vikram Chakravarthi (Tarak Ponnappa), the CEO of VC Finance Company, extends interest-free loans to middle-class individuals, rapidly amassing wealth. However, his life is cut short after a party, leaving behind a mystery. The police enlist the expertise of Sanatan (Aadi Sai Kumar), a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) specialist, to unravel the enigma. Did Sanatan crack the case? What obstacles did he encounter during his investigation? How are Sudheeksha (Misha Narang) and Minister Rajavarshan (Madhusudhan Reddy) linked to the incident? Unraveling the culprit’s identity demands a viewing of the film.
Plus Points:
Aadi continues to evolve as an actor, displaying versatility in his choice of roles. His portrayal as a CSI officer is commendable, with convincing performances in action and investigation sequences.
Supporting actors like Ali Reza, Nandini Rai, Madhusudhan Rao, and Ravi Prakash deliver noteworthy performances, adding depth to the narrative.
While the storyline may feel familiar, the investigative sequences peppered with twists and turns sustain audience intrigue, ensuring an enjoyable cinematic experience.
Minus Points:
The screenplay lacks the necessary engagement expected of an investigative thriller. Despite a promising premise, the execution falls short, hindering the film’s potential to captivate viewers.
The director’s handling of the script leaves much to be desired, with loopholes and extraneous scenes diluting the narrative impact. Certain dialogues undermine the seriousness of investigation sequences, detracting from the film’s essence.
The absence of action sequences diminishes the film’s engagement quotient, leaving room for improvement in delivering a gripping theatrical experience.
Characters like Vasanthi and Khayyum contribute minimally to the plot, serving primarily to create suspense. Misha Narang’s portrayal fails to leave a lasting impression, while Nandini Rai’s character could have been developed further to heighten drama and suspense.
Technical Aspects:
Enhanced storytelling and cinematography could have elevated “CSI Sanatan” into a compelling investigative thriller. However, cinematography by Shekar and music by Aneesh Solomon fail to fully realize the film’s potential. Editing by Amar Reddy lacks finesse, with certain scenes warranting trimming for a smoother narrative flow. The production values, while adequate, do not significantly enhance the overall viewing experience.
Verdict:
“CSI Sanatan” offers moments of intrigue and suspense, anchored by Aadi’s performance and occasional plot twists. Despite its shortcomings, particularly in the first half, the film remains a watchable option for enthusiasts of the crime thriller genre.