Today, on September 22, 2023, Rakshit Shetty's highly anticipated film 'Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati-Side A' is hitting the screens amidst tremendous expectations.
This film, originally a Sandalwood production titled 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello-Side A,' achieved superhit status, adding to the excitement surrounding its dubbed version. The film's trailer and teaser have already received a positive response, intensifying the anticipation among audiences.
It's worth noting that the Kannada version is readily available on platforms like Voot Select and JioCinema, while other language versions can be accessed on Amazon Prime through rental mode. Now, let's dive into the cinematic world of 'Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati' and see if it can recreate the enchantment it conjured in Sandalwood, promising an exceptional cinematic experience for movie enthusiasts.
'Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati - Side A' unfolds as a heartfelt romantic entertainer, weaving the tale of two young couples who embark on a journey to fulfill their romantic aspirations while confronting the harsh realities of life. Manu (Rakshit Shetty) makes his living as a cab driver, catering to the rich and affluent. In the midst of his routine life, he crosses paths with Priya (Rukmini Vasanth), a middle-class girl with dreams of becoming a singer.
Their love story blossoms, and together, they set out to manifest their romantic dreams in a pragmatic way. However, just as they are immersed in the joy of their romantic journey, Priya encounters a profound and unexpected shock. The film's narrative pivots on unraveling these startling developments and delves into the impact they have on Priya and Manu's lives. It also explores the reactions of Priya's parents (Rajesh S Rao and Pavithra Lokesh) to these unfolding events.
As the story unfolds, it introduces a captivating ensemble of characters, including a group of prisoners (Gopal Krishna Deshpande, Ashok Sharma, Ashwin Haasan, Sunil Kulkarni), each with their own unique connection to the central plot. Additionally, the narrative delves into the lives of characters like Surabhi (Chaithra), Prabhu (Achyuth Kumar), Soma (Ramesh Indira), Patila (Sharath Lohithaswa), and Shankre Gowda (Avinash), all of whom contribute to the intriguing and compelling narrative.
'Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati - Side A' promises to be a captivating and emotionally charged story that explores the intertwining of love, dreams, and the complexities of reality. It invites audiences to immerse themselves in a world filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists, making for an engaging and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Rakshit Shetty, renowned for his exceptional and impactful performances, truly inhabited his character in this film. His portrayal was marked by a range of expressions and emotions, effortlessly transitioning from a loyal and innocent driver to a caring lover, and convincingly conveying the pain when confronted with harsh realities.
Rukmini Vasanth seamlessly slipped into the role of a middle-class girl with a pragmatic outlook on life. Her innocent appearance was eloquently expressed through her facial expressions, often conveying more profound messages than lengthy dialogues could. Her silent communication through her eyes was a standout feature.
The on-screen chemistry between Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth elevated the film to a higher level, adding depth to their characters' connection. Pavithra Lokesh delivered a natural performance as the heroine's mother.
Supporting actors such as Avinash, Sharath Lohitashwa, Achyut Kumar, Ramesh Indira, and Gopal Deshpande all played their respective roles convincingly, contributing to the overall authenticity of the film.
Hemanth M Rao's storytelling in Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati - Side A, while rooted in a familiar plot, unravels with a deliberate pace that gives room for the blossoming romance between the lead characters to feel natural and realistic. The story gradually gains momentum leading up to a pivotal interval twist, setting the stage for a compelling second half that delves deep into the protagonist's struggles in jail and the female lead's relentless efforts to save her lover.
The dialogues are decent, and the scenes are visually captivating, thanks to Hemanth M Rao's impactful script and skillful screenplay and direction. Charan Raj's music breathes life into the narrative, with soulful and heart-touching songs strategically placed and beautifully shot.
Advaitha Gurumurthy's cinematography gracefully captures the scenic beauty of Bengaluru and Mangalore.While the editing by Sunil Bharadwaj and Hemanth Rao is passable, it could have been more judiciously employed to pace up the film, which, at times, moves at a sluggish tempo. Nonetheless, the production values remain commendable, adding to the overall appeal of the movie.
Altogether, "Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati - Side A" is a heartfelt love story, elevated by a torrent of emotions. Hemanth M Rao, backed by stellar performances from Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth, as well as impressive technical aspects such as vibrant cinematography and soul-stirring music and BGM, has skillfully captured the audience's hearts on an emotional journey. The film leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the sequel, Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati Side B, set to release in October 2023. Taking all these factors into account, Cinejosh awards a Rating of 2.5 for Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati - Side A.