Sapta Sagaradaache Ello: Side A

"More than kisses, letters mingle souls"

Here we have letters, tape recorder and a sea. I want to begin the review with the quotes by metaphysical poet John Donne. This is one of those melancholic films that will evoke a ruminative feeling.

As 2023 is preparing to draw it's curtains with 4 months to the end of the year, i am feeling so ecstatic to start the month of September with Sapta Sagaradaache Ello Side A. Being a huge fan of the RRR (Rakshit Shetty-Rishab Shetty-Raja B Shetty) of Kannada cinema, i have immense gratitude for the triumvirate. They have gone all out to be part of Good cinema for more than a decade with a number of successes and having a huge share of buzz over the years. There can be no negativity made about the RRR's when it comes to their contribution to Kannada Cinema. In addition, Rakshit and Rishab backing indie projects like Saakutumba Sametha and the upcoming Shivamma and Pedro to that extent going all out, I really have to give them the utmost respect. I have greatly apotheosized them and if you have a moment do peep my reviews on this site for Kantara, GGVV, 777 Charlie and Varthamana. I will also, recommend cinephiles to hunt down MS Prakash Babu's Attihannu Mattu Kanaja and check out Pinki Elli? (2023).

Coming back, i have to say right from the first frames, accompanied by the brilliant title track the movie is packed with quintessence of everything cinema. In principle, I got an idea what would happen in this film going by the trailer - a doomed loved odyssey that changes lives of the leads due to the unfortunate turns of fate. I was so right, but let me tell you that SSE is a bittersweet love story, but so much more below the surface like how the sea.

At the very beginning of the film, post title credits, we see a couple driving along a quite street as the guy in full adrenaline rush behind wheel keeps going fast while the girl keeps reminding him to halt. We are now introduced to Manu (Rakshit) and Priya (Rukimi Vasanth) as it establishes the character trait for both. The first half of the film has lot of moments between Manu and Priya with usual lovesick conversations, banters and it holds on really well. They have dreams, hoping to seek a bright future, and settle down in a house located near the beach which is chosen as the background and a leitmotif - the feeling of tranquility. Manu is framed to cover up for a mess, he accepts the offer, some money and to do some time in jail for 3 months. Manu gets a buddy in jail while Priya longs to see him, this separation is unbearable for both with little room for hope till the pre interval. I would like to say a more, reveal about what happens next but don't want to spoil it for other viewers or readers.

Coming to performances, i loved the Priya who is an aspiring singer, a lovesick and talks endlessness about the sea and spends time by yearning for Manu. She is forced to constantly be disappointed with things going around her but does not lose hope. Especially the grief and the emptiness in her character and, above all, to not let go of her dreams is showcased without a very little overkill. At some point, you understand that she need these dreams fulfilled. I love how she always takes an upper hand when it comes to being mature and this is established in the beginning of the movie.

Rakshit Shetty as Manu did a great job, he is someone who doesn't have any buddies or bar friends, living a boring life and there is nothing remarkable about him. Everyday he works as a driver and yearns for Priya and in all this routine he dreams to fulfill her wishes which brings more trouble. He was so damn good in the jail sequences longing for escape in the grip of alienation and is backstabbed twice.

Also, Pavitra Lokesh did a fine job as Pirya's mother, she gets one of my favorite moments in the 2nd half. Knowing what her daughetr wants, sincere and respecting her feelings she talks about grief, the unbearable pain but the pleasure to overcome it.

Now the background score by Charan Raj who is once again at the top of his game. The musical world is an integral part of storytelling and emerges as a separate character in the film which is highly evocative with a lot of aesthetic impact in the musical cues. The entire movie benefited from the bgm as it is promised in its title and works like a mood piece to accentuate the experience.

I applaud Director Hemanth Rao's decision to avoid descending into the backstory of Manu and Priya with proceedings of how all it began, how they fell in love and cut to flashback with love songs and forced cringe cute moments. Sigh, a major relief and the tone of the film is maintained throughout the runtime, I am so glad that we won't be drawing comparison or find heavy similarity wth the films made by Rakshit's fellow countparts. The Drama here is undramatic rather than deliberate with a bit of influence from Hong Kong cinema and Thai new wave, which is by no means a let down.

Hemanth Rao did not inoculate with a happy ending, but does a good job in the pre climax sequence which really got me excited and the Side B tease is now awaited with applause. The reveal of Priya's marriage was shocking and I can't wait to see more of Katthe, Putti and the SSE world.

Finally we have a promising female lead in kannada industry who is pro with her acting skills.... Rukmini Vasanth take a bow mam.... Rakshit Have done a good job.... Hemanth as director is evolving. Initial movie feels slow but it will pick up the pace. BGM is to the point. I would say take a shot at this movie but it may not be the the cup of tea for each individual. The viewers will need a time to understand this love story.. Set up in 2010 year and the director showing the aspirations of to be wed new partners, their dreams will make think you know them. This is part 1, part 2 will release on Oct 20th.

Mind-blowing and universal experience of cinema. What a movie. Thank you Rakshit and hemant for this experience. Story telling is an art and bringing that to cinema is simply marvelous with the universal content and making understand to lay man through an emotion i like it. All language cinema lovers can watch. It's an emotional experience with poetic love story and next door common people life story with such brilliant craft by hemant and team. Rakshit are simply superb and you made simple story grandeur like life time experience. Rukmini you're sweet and superb. All the cast and supporting were terrific. What story and film was still in the heart. Love this experience. Please do the more flim like this and society needs it.

Pure cinematic brilliance.. SSA is a poignant, immersive love story with its beautiful screenplay, acting and camera work is an absolute treat to the eyes. The whirlwind of emotions between 2 people in love is brilliantly woven into the simple storyline. The rigmarole Court procedures, Jail scenes etc provide backdrops that compliment the slow paced story. With such good movies the Kannada film industry is taking strides that can leapfrog it to its golden olden era.

I have to appreciate Rukmini Vasanth for her acting skills. She is such a natural.. Hope Kannada film industry retains such good talents and gives them good roles that showcases their performance. Just making the same old Machu, Long, Macho-ism movies will not get audiences attention.

Eagerly awaiting part 2 on Oct 20.

A phenomenal movie that carries a concrete emotion between 2 beings. Witnessed this story 2 times as the it carries a strong bonding that makes us to live within it. U will feel your time was worth watching it. BGM of the movie is classic and it adds more value to the emotion that played around. Director has made his comeback so well with a lovley story. Actors have justified their characters by rendering more efforts in bringing their characters to live than being just acted. It will be worth a wait for the Side B of this movie for the director has built the hype with spoiler and as well as curiosity.