Overview
Only one man can stop a villain who, backed by his father, brutally murders anyone who gets in the way of his unscrupulous real estate deals.
Synopsis
“Sarrainodu,” directed by Boyapati Sreenu and produced by Geetha Arts, is a 2016 Telugu action-drama featuring Allu Arjun in the lead role. The film promises a high-octane mass entertainer experience with intense action sequences, emotional drama, and vibrant performances. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the film’s storyline, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact.
Story
Gana (Allu Arjun) is an ex-military officer who returns home with a mission to serve society. His journey takes a critical turn when he intervenes to help a village under threat and saves Maha Lakshmi (Rakul Preet Singh), unknowingly challenging the powerful and ruthless Vairam Dhanush (Aadhi Pinisetty). Vairam Dhanush, the son of the Chief Minister, is determined to usurp agricultural lands for a pipeline project and does not shy away from using violence and fear to achieve his goals. Gana’s life becomes further complicated by his romantic involvement with local MLA Hansita Reddy (Catherine Tresa), leading to a series of conflicts and challenges.
Review
Performances
Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Gana is the standout performance in “Sarrainodu.” Shedding his lover boy image, Arjun embraces the role of an angry young man with a commanding screen presence. His dedication to the character is evident in his dialogue delivery, mannerisms, and action sequences. Arjun’s transformation from a romantic hero to a rugged action star is commendable and adds a fresh dimension to his acting repertoire.
Aadhi Pinisetty delivers a powerful performance as Vairam Dhanush. His portrayal of a ruthless villain is convincing and adds depth to the film’s conflict. The confrontations between Gana and Dhanush are among the movie’s highlights, showcasing the intense dynamic between the hero and the villain.
Rakul Preet Singh, playing Maha Lakshmi, and Catherine Tresa, as Hansita Reddy, bring their own charm to the film. Singh’s role allows her to showcase her acting skills beyond her usual glamorous image, while Tresa convincingly portrays a headstrong young MLA. Srikanth and other supporting actors, including Brahmanandam, contribute effectively to the narrative, providing comic relief and emotional support.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Boyapati Sreenu deserves credit for his treatment of Allu Arjun’s character. The film begins with an impressive introduction of Gana, establishing him as a hero with a strong sense of justice and fearlessness. The first half of “Sarrainodu” is packed with entertainment, setting a fast pace with engaging action sequences and a compelling interval bang that leaves the audience eager for more.
However, the screenplay falters in the second half, losing momentum and leading to a somewhat anticlimactic ending. The film’s heavy reliance on violence may not appeal to all viewers, particularly families seeking a more balanced entertainment experience. Despite these flaws, Sreenu’s direction effectively targets the mass audience, delivering the necessary dose of action and drama.
Technical Aspects
Thaman’s music and background score significantly contribute to the film’s success. The songs are catchy and complement the narrative, while the background score enhances the intensity of the action scenes. The rich production values, vibrant cinematography by Rishi Punjabi, and effective art direction contribute to the film’s visual appeal.
The editing and action choreography, while generally well-executed, could have benefited from tighter pacing in the latter half. Dialogues, though average in some parts, effectively convey the film’s mass appeal. The technical team’s collective effort ensures that “Sarrainodu” stands out visually and aurally.
Character Development and Storyline
Despite strong performances, “Sarrainodu” suffers from a weak storyline that lacks originality. The plot follows a predictable trajectory, and the second half loses steam, leading to a somewhat anticlimactic ending. The film’s heavy reliance on violence may not appeal to all viewers, particularly families seeking a more balanced entertainment experience.
The character development for some supporting roles feels underwhelming. The forced romantic resolution between Gana and Maha Lakshmi, at the expense of his relationship with Hansita Reddy, appears unconvincing. Additionally, the excessive violence and repetitive confrontations might have been balanced with more nuanced storytelling and character interactions.
Personal Opinion
“Sarrainodu” is an unabashedly mass entertainer that delivers on its promise of high-energy action and drama. Allu Arjun‘s stellar performance, Aadhi Pinisetty’s compelling villainy, and the film’s technical finesse are its primary strengths. While the storyline may lack novelty and the film is heavy on violence, it succeeds in providing an engaging experience for fans of the genre. If you enjoy action-packed masala films with strong hero-villain dynamics and can overlook the predictable plot, “Sarrainodu” is a worthwhile watch.
What’s Good
- Allu Arjun’s Performance: His transformation and intense portrayal of Gana stand out.
- Aadhi Pinisetty as the Villain: His menacing performance adds depth to the conflict.
- Action Sequences: Well-choreographed and engaging, providing the necessary adrenaline rush.
- Music and Background Score: Thaman’s compositions and score elevate the film.
- Visual Appeal: Rich production values and vibrant cinematography.
What’s Bad
- Weak Storyline: Predictable plot with little originality.
- Second Half: Loses momentum and ends on an anticlimactic note.
- Excessive Violence: May not appeal to family audiences.
- Character Development: Some supporting roles are underdeveloped and unconvincing.
- Logical Inconsistencies: Certain sequences lack contemporary relevance and believability.
Rating
“Sarrainodu” delivers a quintessential summer entertainer with high-energy action, strong performances, and technical finesse. Despite its predictable plot and excessive violence, it stands out as a mass entertainer that showcases Allu Arjun‘s versatility and Boyapati Sreenu’s knack for crafting action-packed cinema.
FAQs
Is Sarrainodu hit or flop? “Sarrainodu” is a hit, becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of 2016.
Who is the villain of Sarrainodu? The villain is Vairam Dhanush, played by Aadhi Pinisetty.
Who is Dhanush in Sarrainodu? Vairam Dhanush, the antagonist, is portrayed by Aadhi Pinisetty.
Where was Sarrainodu filmed? It was filmed in Hyderabad and its surroundings, with some songs shot in Bolivia.
Which OTT platform does Sarrainodu release? “Sarrainodu” is available on Disney+ Hotstar.