Renowned actor Venkatesh collaborates with Sailesh Kolanu, acclaimed for the HIT film, for the thrilling action drama “Saindhav.” Marking Venkatesh’s 75th film, the ensemble cast includes the versatile Nawazuddin Siddiqui in his Tollywood debut. Let’s delve into the movie.
Plot:
Set in the fictional city of Chandraprastha, “Saindhav” revolves around Saindhav Koneru, or SaiKo (played by Venkatesh), a crane operator in the customs department. His daughter Gayathri (Baby Sara Palekar), cared for by cab driver Manogya (Shraddha Srinath), is diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). To save Gayathri, Saindhav must secure a 17-crore injection. The narrative unfolds as he confronts challenges, intertwining with Mitra (Mukesh Rishi), the leader of a cartel dealing in drugs and weapons.
Pros:
Victory Venkatesh delivers a compelling performance, showcasing his versatility and anchoring the film effortlessly. His screen presence is captivating, especially in action scenes. The emotional sequences are impactful, and the last half-hour features engaging action and Venky’s dynamic performance. The song “Bujjikondave” adds appeal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui brings humor to the film.
“Saindhav” serves as a platform for raising awareness about SMA and the commendable work of NGOs. Well-composed fight sequences, skillfully captured by cinematographer Manikandan, contribute to the film’s visual appeal. The interval action set piece stands out.
Cons:
Despite a promising concept, the director fails to deliver an engaging narrative. The screenplay lacks depth, with a slow and unexciting first half-hour. Despite a talented cast, characterizations are weak, and even Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s potential is underutilized. Logical errors in the story further detract from its quality.
The background score by Santosh Narayanan falls short, failing to enhance the impact of crucial scenes. Technical aspects, such as production values and art direction, are commendable, but the overall impact is hindered by subpar background music.
Technical Aspects:
Impressive production values and cinematography by Manikandan successfully bring the fictional city to life. The art direction team deserves credit for their work. Unfortunately, the film is let down by a lackluster background score that fails to complement the well-designed action sequences. Decent editing contributes to the overall technical quality.
Direction and Verdict:
Sailesh Kolanu’s direction, while showcasing Venkatesh effectively, falters in presenting other cast members convincingly. Despite a promising idea, the film lacks the necessary highs and a gripping narrative. Venkatesh’s stellar performance and some emotional moments salvage the movie, making it a moderately enjoyable watch. However, the film falls short of expectations, mainly due to weak character development and an uninspiring background score. Caution is advised regarding expectations.