Dasara Review

"Dasara" starring the charming Nani, spins an enthralling tapestry of cinematic excellence that captivates moviegoers. This film is a feast for our senses, with its thought-provoking plot and compelling performers. "Dasara," which has released in March 2023, demonstrates Nani's amazing range as an actor, courageously immersing himself in unexpected characters. In this article, we will talk about the important factors that make "Dasara" an unmissable jewel, while focusing on Nani's portrayal, which seamlessly outshines his already excellent collection of unforgettable performances.

Plot Overview:

Dasara is a film directed by Srikanth Odela, starring Nani as Dharani, Deekshith Shetty as Suri, and Keerthy Suresh as Vennela. The story revolves around the lifelong friendship of these three characters and how their lives are disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

The film is set in Veerlapally, a village where drinking at the Silk Bar is a long-standing tradition. However, casteism restricts certain people from entering the bar, causing dissatisfaction among the women in the village. The village is also covered in soot due to coal mining activities. Power struggles between Rajanna, Shivanna, and Shivanna's son Chinna Nambi create tension in the village, with control over the liquor trade being a significant factor.

Dharani, who has always been fearful, carries bottles of alcohol with him to cope with his fears. He is deeply devoted to his best friend Suri and is willing to sacrifice his own love for Vennela, who also has feelings for Suri.

While Dharani and his group of misfits indulge in drinking and coal theft, they unwittingly become embroiled in a larger issue. Hidden agendas are revealed, leading to an increasing body count. Dharani is eventually forced to confront his fears without relying on alcohol or Suri's support.

Srikanth Odela emphasises little moments as he establishes the village of Veerlapally and its residents in the first half of the movie. However, the director lets the characters struggle with their emotions after a significant tragedy upends their lives. While some sequences are compelling and unforgettable, others could be uninteresting or seem unduly serious. The movie also raises a number of issues, but it doesn't get into all of them in depth.

Nevertheless, Srikanth excels in certain aspects. The pre-interval sequence is chilling and unpredictable, creating anticipation for what will follow. The climax is cathartic and intense, with no holds barred. Both the massy, action-packed scenes and emotional moments leave an impact. The film also explores the suffering of women due to men's choices while allowing them some agency.

Nani delivers a powerful performance as Dharani, carrying the weight of the film on his shoulders. Keerthy Suresh shines in some scenes but falls short in others. The supporting cast, including Shine Tom Chacko, Sai Kumar, Samuthirakani, Poorna, and Deekshith, also deliver competent performances. The cinematography by Sathyan Sooryan and the music by Santhosh Narayanan add to the film's overall appeal.

While Dasara may not leave the audience with a smile or break new ground, Srikanth Odela and Nani's efforts make this slow-burn film worthwhile. Despite its flaws, credit is due to the director and the lead actor for their compelling work.

Character Analysis:

Nani's Role:

Nani's role in the film "Dasara" marks a significant departure from his usual boy-next-door characters. Playing the character of Dharani, Nani embraces the challenge of portraying an out-and-out mass role for the first time in his film career. His performance as Dharani is exemplary and showcases his versatility as an actor.

Every aspect of Nani's performance, including his attire, body language, and line delivery, is carefully considered. He offers an excellent performance and thoroughly commits to the role, especially in the emotionally difficult sections. His aggressive, tough, and convincing portrayal of Dharani serves as an illustration of Nani's skill in a variety of genres.

Nani pushes himself to play a more action-oriented part in "Dasara," demonstrating his talent as an actor. His tough appearance and outstanding action sequences give his character depth and increase the movie's overall impact. Being one of the most brilliant performers in the Telugu cinema industry, Nani's portrayal of Dharani is a testimonial to his acting abilities.

Supporting Cast:

Apart from Nani, several other notable actors contribute to the grandeur and narrative of the story. Their involvement in the film promises a well-rounded cast that enhances the overall success and grandeur of "Dasara."

Keerthy Suresh, the National Award-winning actress, shines in her role as Vennela. Her flawless portrayal and natural acting skills make her performance a standout. After her acclaimed performance in Mahanati, this film serves as another impressive addition to her repertoire in Tollywood. Keerthy Suresh's dialogues and nuanced expressions enhance the believability of her character.

Dheekshith Shetty, who plays Soori, dazzles with his effortless performance. His portrayal is accurate, adding dimension to the character dynamics. Dheekshith Shetty shows his talent and is likely to get more opportunities in the Telugu film business thanks to his convincing performance.

Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko delivers a noteworthy performance in a substantial role. He justifies his character with his impressive acting skills, bringing authenticity and intensity to the screen. His presence adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

Sai Kumar, Samuthirakani, Purnaa, and other supporting actors contribute adequately to the film. While their roles may not be as prominent as the leads, their performances are effective in their respective characters, complementing the overall storytelling.

Direction and Cinematography:

Director's Vision:

Srikanth Odela embarks on a remarkable cinematic journey with his unique vision for this Telugu action drama. With a desire to present a gritty and realistic portrayal of village life, Odela weaves together a narrative that immerses the audience in the world of Veerlapalle in Godhavarikhani.

Odela's meticulousness shines through his approach to filmmaking, as he pays attention to every intricate detail. From characters' attire and behavior to dialogues they utter, Odela strives to authentically depict the essence of the village and its inhabitants, aiming for a genuine setting.

In a daring move, Odela defies norms by casting Nani in a role that deviates completely from his usual performances. This decision reflects Odela's fearlessness in taking risks and his desire to challenge Nani's established image. With a distinct vision for Nani's character, Dharani, Odela's trust in the actor is well-placed, as Nani delivers a breathtaking performance that flawlessly captures the nuances of the role.

In showcasing the dynamics of the village, Odela utilizes his directorial skills to craft impactful action sequences and powerful dialogues. His vision is to bring the audience face-to-face with the gritty realities of Veerlapalle, presenting a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Cinematography and Production Design:

Dasara boasts commendable cinematography and production design that contribute to the overall visual appeal of the movie. Cinematographer Sathyan Sooryan deserves appreciation for his excellent work behind the camera, particularly in capturing the night scenes with richness and depth.

Dasara's cinematography complements the raw and emotional tone of the plot. The skilled use of lighting methods and camera angles by Sathyan Sooryan produces a dark ambiance that compliments the narrative. The ambient lighting in the night sequences, in particular, adds to the suspense and drama.

The production design of Dasara also deserves accolades. The village setting of Veerlapalle in Godhavarikhani is effectively brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The sets and locations feel authentic, immersing the audience in the rural backdrop of the story. The attention to detail extends to the costumes, which are well-suited to the characters and the setting.

Viewers are guaranteed a consistent visual experience thanks to the teamwork between the cameraman and the production designer. Dasara's technical elements, such as the cinematography and production design, add to the overall immersive quality of the movie, increasing the visual appeal and the narrative.

Impact and Reception

Critics gave "Dasara" largely favorable reviews, praising Nani, Keerthy Suresh, and Dheekshith Shetty in particular for their roles. Critics also praised Srikanth Odela's direction, photography, soundtrack, action scenes, and technological elements. However, there were some complaints about the movie's writing.

Reviewers highlighted Nani's outstanding performance, describing his swag as unbeatable. They also emphasized the never-seen-before climax sequence, which created goosebumps and was hailed as a visual treat. The film's technical finesse and gritty action drama were commended, along with the performances of Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty, and Shine Tom Chacko.

While some reviewers pointed out a few laggy portions in the second half, overall, "Dasara" was considered a good choice for an enjoyable weekend watch. The film was praised for its authentic dialect, raw and gritty performances, and Srikanth Odela's impressive debut as a director. Despite not reinventing the wheel or leaving viewers with a smile at the end, the slow-burn narrative and the efforts of Odela and Nani were acknowledged.

The writing of "Dasara" received mixed reviews. Some critics felt that the screenplay faltered due to poor narration and conventional choices reminiscent of previous movies. However, the film's strong drama, technical finesse, slick action sequences, and the performances of the entire cast elevated the overall experience.

Conclusion

"Dasara" is a gripping Telugu action movie that brilliantly displays Srikanth Odela's and Nani's directing skills. The film immerses viewers in a world of lifetime friendships and unexpected interruptions with a thought-provoking plot set in the town of Veerlapally. While the supporting cast, which includes Keerthy Suresh and Dheekshith Shetty, performs admirably in their roles, Nani's portrayal of Dharani stands out and showcases his acting range. The story is made more visually appealing and viscerally emotional thanks to Odela's direction as well as the film's outstanding photography and production design. Despite conflicting opinions about the narrative, "Dasara" is a must-watch for fans of Telugu films because of its technical mastery, potent acting, and compelling plot.