‘Sarangapani Jathakam’ Opens to Disastrous Response
Priyadarshi, who previously struck gold with realistic films like Balagam and Court, seems to have stumbled with this foray into slapstick comedy, which doesn’t align with the credibility he’s built as a serious actor.
Despite scoring big with the critically acclaimed Court – State Vs A Nobody, actor Priyadarshi’s latest outing Sarangapani Jathakam has failed to make a mark at the box office. “The film has managed to collect only Rs 50 lakhs gross so far. It needs to pick up momentum quickly, or it could become a risky proposition,” says a leading distributor. He adds, “The success of Court had certainly boosted Priyadarshi’s confidence, but these poor numbers must be disheartening for him.”
The film centers around Saranga (played by Priyadarshi), a man deeply rooted in astrology since childhood. The narrative unfolds as he gets engaged to Maithili (Roopa Koduvayur), his love interest, and how his astrological beliefs begin to strain their relationship. The core of the story lies in Saranga’s eventual awakening and his journey to break free from his superstitions.
Unfortunately, the film’s execution has been a major letdown. Take the so-called “Bamma comedy block” in the first half—what could have been a laugh riot turns out to be a bland, outdated sequence that adds little value. Another example is the “Simon Darknet” subplot involving a perfume, which completely falls flat. The entire segment feels misplaced and unnecessary in a 2025 film. These missteps reflect the director’s inability to connect with today’s audience and understand evolving tastes.
Priyadarshi, who previously struck gold with realistic films like Balagam and Court, seems to have stumbled with this foray into slapstick comedy, which doesn’t align with the credibility he’s built as a serious actor.