Amartya Smaran
Srikanth Odela’s debut film Dasara— starring Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty, and Shine Tom Chacko in important roles is set in a small village called Veerlapalle. This not-so-scenic village surrounded by traces of murky coal dust is located approximately eight kilometres away from Singareni quarters near Godavarikhani.
The filmmaker took inspiration from major real-life incidents that occurred within the region. Thus, right off the hook, we are introduced to the world of Dasara.
It is 1995! The then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N.T. Rama Rao announces a statewide liquor ban. The men of Veerlapalle have a major drinking problem, but they think it’s their tradition to booze their guts out. The camera points to Kanakayya, owner of Silk Bar(named after late actress Silk Smitha). The rather flamboyant owner has a reality check as he sees the CM make the announcement. Sarpanch Nambayya makes the most out of this crisis. His sons Rajanna (Sai Kumar) and Shivanna(Samuthirakani) part ways after Nambayya’s death; each forms their own little parties. Shivanna’s son, Chinna Nambayya(Shine Tom Chacko) plays a role in retaining the family’s monopoly over the liquor business and manages to put Rajanna on the sidelines. This sets the tone for village politics which drives the film forward.
In the midst of all this, you’ve got three childhood friends– Dharani(Nani), Soori(Dheekshith Shetty), and Vennela(Keerthy Suresh). Dharani can take a bullet for Soori and vice-versa. The young Dharani falls for Vennela for the first time in his childhood. You can call that true love. It is made really clear from the onset that Dharani is someone who’s timid. A cat meowing in the middle of the night can make him pee. One day, the boy fights his way to the counter outside Silk Bar. By the way, people from the lower classes are not allowed inside the bar.
Alright! Dharani buys a mini alcohol bottle, runs home and gives it to his grandmother and asks out of curiosity, “Why do you drink?” She replies, “For courage!” A quick transition makes way for a brilliant introduction of our hero. Two mini bottles tied to his waist, lungi and a messy shirt with sleeves folded. Nani looks fabulous. When he’s not drunk, Dharani is coy and reluctant but when he pops a few bottles and gulps down the alcohol; he’s the most cocky person on the field. He fights, makes over the top promises and even succeeds and loathes his life like a perfect filmy vagabond. Vennela on the other hand is an Anganwadi teacher. She’s bubbly, brave and naughty. Soori, Dharani’s best friend doesn’t differentiate between classes. He stands by his friends and unlike Dharani, he’s super brave.
The background score is one of Dasara’s biggest strengths. Santosh Narayan puts his heart and soul into this film. Each tune is so pure and reflects nothing but honesty. While Dhoom Dham Dhosthaan underscores the trio’s friendship, Ori Vaari reminds Dharani that the girl of his dreams is out of his reach and the reel worthy Chamkeela Angeelesi is a cute wedding gig that ignites feelings of trust and renewed love. Santosh Narayan brilliantly uses the background score to immerse you so deeply into the film that you’ll think of that ‘clinking of glasses’ beat that plays soon after Vennela asks Dharani if he ever loved someone. Sathyan Sooryan brings every element on the screen to life with his cinematography. A special shout out to Kolla Avinash(production design) — the set pieces, houses, the lone standing Silk Bar and entire set in the climax. A freaking visual treat.
The film falters a bit here and there. It hits the highest of the high notes and spends a few minutes in the shallow darkness. All that is covered up with stylistic cinematic choices, music and acting by the lead cast. A few shots will just stay with you. Pre-interval and climax sequences matter a lot for the Indian audience. I sat with my mouth open after the pre-interval scene played. It took me a few moments to sink in what I just saw. Nani is one of the few stars who can actually act and I wish the director left the camera hanging for a few more moments in the interval bang to make us weep a bit more. The climax is as intense and over the top as the interval bang.
Dasara is not just about the village politics or how Chinna Nambayya(Shine Tom Chacko) lusts after women; he is a crook of the first kind. Shine Tom Chacko is cheeky and witty with his performance here. The film is about friendship. How far would you go to stand up for your friend? Srikanth Odela could have easily gone wrong with the film but the way he blocks the scenes and takes the film forward with almost no filmmaking experience is shocking. The originality of the story and the performances are sure to stay with you. Yes! There are flaws but if you can sit through a few negligible moments of dullness, nothing like it. A fantastic debut and even with all its brutality, the director manages to bring sensitivity to his characters. Especially in the form of Vennela. He brings to the fore the inherent problem of the cast and class division masterfully. If you don’t want your favourite stars to resort to remakes… support original films like Dasara.
