Sarangapani Jathakam Review:Quirky Premise, Winning Performances

Priyadarshi is back yet again with a comedy, Sarangapani Jathakam. The film features Roopa Koduvayur and Vennela Kishore in key roles and is directed by Mohanakrishna Indraganti. The film has been released in theaters; here’s our review.

Plot:

Sarangapani (Priyadarshi) works as a salesman who has believed in astrology since childhood. He gets engaged to Maithili (Roopa Koduvayur). Everything goes well in their life until they meet a Chiromancist named Jogeshwar (Srinivas Avasarala), who predicts that Sarangapani will commit a crime in the future. Sarangapani becomes scared about his life with Maithili if he were to do that crime. Left with no option, he allies with his buddy Chandra (Vennela Kishore) to pull off something unpredictable. The comedy that flows from this desperation is what the film is about.

Performances:

Priyadarshi excels in his role and delivers a commendable performance. His comic timing entertains the viewers. The scenes between Vennela Kishore and Priyadarshi evoke laughs and whistles in theaters. Viva Harsha steals the show with his comedy in the second half. Roopa Koduvayur gives a neat performance.

The film also features the likes of Viva Harsha (as a waiter at a star hotel), Srinivas Avasarala (as the confident palmist), Tanikella Bharani (as a flamboyant businessman), Harshini of Sammohanam fame, and Vadlamani Srinivas (as the male lead's practical-minded dad). VK Naresh (as the female lead's dad), Kalpa Latha, Pradeep Rudra (as the boss at the automobile company where the lead pair work). Raja Chembolu's characterization is a bit convenient.

Analysis:

Sarangapani Jathakam taps into a certain healthy brand of comedy director Mohanakrishna Indraganti has been known for. At least two characters are unhinged when faced with an extraordinary dilemma. The female lead is a helpless witness to her fiance's crazed behaviour.

The film is never over-the-top. Yes, the dose of comedy could have been more focused in the second hour. But the deficiency doesn't take away from the overall strength of the movie.

If you love silly comedies that are self-aware, this film will impress you. You are not supposed to be looking for logic when an astrology-obsessed fatalist moves heaven and earth to save his marriage. Saranga could have been an emotionally volatile person but he is more a guy-next-door exhibiting occasional bouts of loss of self-control. The film holds its forte during two-character scenes as much as it does when multiple characters converge unexpectedly.

Verdict:

'Sarangapani Jathakam' succeeds as a lighthearted and enjoyable comedy, driven by Priyadarshi's engaging portrayal and the humorous chaos that ensues from a bizarre prediction. While the second half could have been tighter, the film's self-aware silliness and strong comedic performances make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking uncomplicated entertainment.