Cast: Priyadarshi, Roopa Koduvayur, Vennela Kishore, Harsha Chemudu, Avasarala Srinivas, VK Naresh, Thanikella Bharani, Rupa Lakshmi, Kalpa Latha and others
Music: Vivek Sagar
Cinematography: PG Vinda
Producer: Sivalenka Krishna Prasad
Writer and Director: Indraganti Mohana Krishna
Rating: 2.5/5
Suresh Kavirayani
Indraganti Mohana Krishna is a sensible director, but he needs a good break. Now, after a long time, he is coming up with Sarangapani Jathakam, with Priyadarshi as the lead actor. Priyadarshi earlier delivered a successful film, Court, and is now banking on that success. Roopa Koduvayur is the female lead, while Vennela Kishore plays an important role. Here is the story and how it goes.
Story:
Sarangapani (Priyadarshi) is a strong believer in astrology, and whatever he does, he first looks at the astro predictions. He works in a car showroom as a salesman and is engaged to Maithili (Roopa Koduvayur), who also works in the same showroom and happens to be Saranga’s immediate boss. Joginder (Avasarala Srinivas), a palm reader who predicts the future by reading lines on the hand, happens to see Sarangapani’s hand and foretells that he is destined to commit a crime in the future.
Thinking about his future with Maithili, Sarangapani decides to commit the crime before the marriage, so he takes help from his friend Chandu (Vennela Kishore). They both plan to murder a person—harmlessly, or in a way that doesn’t feel like a crime. For that, Sarangapani asks Maithili’s parents to postpone the wedding for a few months. Did they really murder someone? What happened to Sarangapani’s wedding? The entire drama shifts to a hotel in Vizag, and what happens there is the crux of the story.
Analysis:
Director Indraganti Mohana Krishna, after the successful Sammohanam in 2018, made two films—one that released directly on OTT and another that was a disaster. He now seeks a much-needed break and has chosen a comic backdrop for Sarangapani Jathakam. He added a hint of crime to it. Indraganti is known for his sensibilities and signature writing, which often sets expectations high.
When you cast actors who can’t pull crowds to theatres, you have to rely heavily on either an interesting or highly entertaining story. With Sarangapani Jathakam, Indraganti succeeds only halfway. The film starts with a routine story, and once Joginder enters and predicts Sarangapani’s future, the plot becomes interesting. But again, Indraganti doesn’t manage to narrate it engagingly. Some scenes are dragged—especially the ones where Priyadarshi attempts to murder the old woman, and the birthday sequence also feels boring.
There’s no logic in the premise where a palm reader tells Sarangapani that he will commit a crime in the future, prompting the protagonist to try and commit a crime before marriage—that’s a silly leap. The second half, however, saves the film, thanks to the comedy by Vennela Kishore, Harsha Chemudu, and Priyadarshi. Indraganti’s writing—particularly his one-liners—stands out. While the film is predictable, a few laughs here and there and a stronger second half help salvage the viewing experience. Indraganti seems to have put more effort into this film compared to his previous two outings.
Performance:
Priyadarshi, as Sarangapani, delivers a good performance. His chemistry with Vennela Kishore and Harsha Chemudu is very entertaining. Vennela Kishore actually plays an important role, parallel to the lead, and emerges as one of the film’s saviours. His dialogues and comic timing are on point. Harsha Chemudu, or Viva Harsha, enters in the second half and keeps the laughs coming. “Manaki trolling lo block-belt,” and many other one-liners give weight to his short but impactful role. He truly carries the second half with ease.
Roopa Koduvayur looks pretty, though she doesn’t get a meaty role. She appears in only a few scenes but handles them with grace. Naresh, Rupa Lakshmi, Kalpa Latha, and all the supporting actors perform well. Thanikella Bharani makes a cameo, though the director doesn’t use him effectively. Avasarala Srinivas plays his part well and appears in a different look this time.
Technical Aspects:
The cinematography by PG Vinda is good, and the visuals suit the comic tone of the film. Vivek Sagar’s music is also decent and blends with the narrative. Technically, the film is well-made.
Final Verdict:
Sarangapani Jathakam definitely provides a few laughs, especially in the second half. Vennela Kishore and Harsha Chemudu are the saviours with their one-liners. Indraganti is back with his strong writing after a couple of flops. In a season full of blood and gore, this clean comedy offers a light-hearted alternative worth a watch—for a few laughs, if nothing more.
