Sri Raghupati

The story of 'Sri Raghupati' progresses in a very linear structure. It introduces us to Pori, who is driven by a genuine dedication and a passion for teaching, as she takes up a position in a village school located in the remote regions of Assam. However, tragedy strikes when Pori is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and the two young school going girls, who had accompanied her on their way home from school, go missing. In response, Raghupati Rai Baruah, an ACS officer renowned for his integrity and diligence, embarks on a mission to locate and rescue the missing girls. Along the way, he stumbles upon a wide network that is involved in the trafficking of young women and children. This illegal operation is masterminded by Altaf, a notorious criminal figure who leverages his extensive connections to transport the abducted women and children across the border to Bangladesh.

'Sri Raghupati' offers a captivating blend of suspense and unexpected twists that engage the audience throughout its duration. The first half unfolds at a leisurely pace as the central conflict surrounding Pori's death takes its time to materialize due to the linear progression of events. Initially, the film presents itself as a delightful family drama, where everything falls into place and everyone is happy and content. It is also accompanied by moments of lighthearted comedy. However, the narrative undergoes a significant shift in tone and momentum with the striking occurrence of Pori's unfortunate demise.

From thereon, the film undergoes a dramatic shift as Ravi Sharma, hands over his resignation letter, and takes the matter of investigating the death of Pori into his own hands, unleashing a series of intense action sequences that stands out in Assamese cinema of recent times. The second half exhibits a gritty atmosphere, saturated with crime, violence, and bloodshed. It is also characterized by a loud sound mixing, as the action sequences are amplified to a high decibel level, ensuring their impact is felt thunderously inside the cinema hall.

But the element of suspense in 'Sri Raghupati' could have been enhanced by withholding the revelation of Pori's fateful incident contrary to the linear and straightforward manner in which it has been told now. Presenting it as a flashback would have allowed for a greater impact to be delivered from the death. Then, the ambiguity surrounding Pori's fate, coupled with the case of the missing girls, could have added more depth or an additional layer of complexity to the emotional challenges faced by the character of Raghupati.

In this film, actor Ravi Sharma's prowess extends beyond his physical abilities to include his skillful delivery of dialogues. "If they are storm, then I am fire and fire burns brighter when winds blow", he says. He stands out as an honest officer and a compassionate individual, dedicated to rescuing the lives of several innocent young girls. He has justified his character, delivering a performance that exudes a heroic aura in every frame. His on-screen presence is captivating, as he flawlessly portrays the required attitude and expressions for the role.

Suvrat Kakoti's direction in the film is characterized by its vibrant and energetic style, effectively capturing the essence of the protagonist Raghupati. Kakoti skillfully balances the contrasting facets of Sharma's character. When clad in a formal suit, Raghupati exudes a composed and rational demeanor, preferring negotiations to resolve conflicts. However, when he sheds his shirt, Raghupati transforms into a formidable and aggressive force, ensuring swift and brutal retribution for any wrongdoings. Director Suvrat Kakoti expertly navigates these nuances, by bringing out only the necessary intensity and aggression in each scene.

The action sequences are remarkable, enhanced further by the technical advancements of recent times that have elevated the visual aesthetics of Assamese cinema. This is particularly evident in the climactic scenes, which undoubtedly can be declared as the pinnacle of the film. Ravi Sharma appears to relish his role, particularly in the exhilarating fight sequences, where he shines. However, it is regrettable that Preety Kongana and Priyam Pallabee are given only limited opportunities to showcase their talents in the film.

Actor Raj Sharma delivers a striking performance as Altaf, displaying remarkable boldness and conviction in his portrayal. However, it is veteran actor Arun Nath who adds an unprecedented swagger to his role, leaving a lasting impression. While Ravi Sharma's performance deserves applause, Arun Nath's never-seen-before captivating portrayal garners even more admiration, earning him double the applause and appreciation. Siddhartha Sharma's character is also very interesting in the way that he sucks philosophies out of Bhupan Hazarika's songs and combines them with mythology.

Although the film is rescued by the performances and technically strong execution, 'Sri Raghupati', falls short in terms of delivering an inspiring or groundbreaking storyline. It treads familiar territory that has been explored numerous times before. And there are serious shortcomings in the script of the film. Most importantly, the film lacks a personality. While there are unique character experiments involving Siddhartha Sharma and Arun Nath that are specific to this film, but collectively, the film fails to establish a distinct identity. Perhaps it is because the film revolves around its titular character, and the portrayal and appearance of the character does not significantly differ from Ravi Sharma's other recent works. Or maybe the thematic and aesthetic resemblances are stronger which connects 'Illegal', 'Black and White' and 'Sri Raghupati' together.

However, regardless of the dated storyline, the uneven pacing in the first half, and the almost non existent role of the female characters, 'Sri Raghupati' successfully fulfills its purpose by providing ample action for fans of the genre, catering exclusively to their preferences. Those anticipating a novel story may be easily disappointed, but those seeking excitement from slow-motion fights and the intense flavor of heroic bloodshed will undoubtedly find enjoyment in it.

Paisa wasool movie go with your family and watch it in Delhi this weekand 85% theatre are full and all character are supereb performances. I had never thought in my life that even an assamese movie would become like this Hats off to Assamese film industry. Look at the film, it seems that these Assamese film industry will record in this movie u see Love suspense heart touching is some scene, my mother's she has tears in her eyes, Ravi Sharma has done a good fight scene in this film, in some places you will also laugh, if you say then the movie is everything that should happen. In my view you must be watch this movie love it.

Emerging from the vibrant cinematic landscape of Assam, India, Sri Raghupati (2023) stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to not only entertain but also to illuminate societal issues and ignite a call for change. Directed by the acclaimed Suvrat Kakoti, this Assamese-language crime thriller has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and unflinching exploration of the critical social issue of women trafficking.

At the heart of the film lies the story of Raghupati Rai Baruah, an honest and diligent ACS officer, whose life takes a tragic turn when his sister becomes the victim of a brutal rape and murder. Consumed by grief and a relentless sense of justice, Raghupati embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth, bring the perpetrators to book, and expose the dark underbelly of human trafficking that plagues his society.

Throughout his quest, Raghupati confronts a formidable network of criminals, corrupt officials, and societal indifference, each posing significant obstacles to his pursuit of justice. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, he remains undeterred, driven by an unwavering moral compass and a deep-seated empathy for the plight of women caught in this vicious cycle of exploitation.

The film's narrative unfolds with an intensity that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat, masterfully weaving together Raghupati's personal tragedy with the broader societal ills of women trafficking. Kakoti's direction is both gritty and nuanced, capturing the harsh realities of Assam's landscape and the emotional turmoil of the characters with raw authenticity.

Ravi Sarma delivers a tour-de-force performance as Raghupati, embodying the character's vulnerability, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice with remarkable depth and sincerity. His portrayal is complemented by a stellar supporting cast, including Arun Hazarika, Arun Nath, Priyam Pallavi, and Preety Kongana, who bring their characters to life with nuance and emotional resonance.

Sri Raghupati's technical aspects are equally impressive. The cinematography, capturing the beauty and harsh realities of Assam, serves as a stark backdrop for the film's exploration of social injustice. The editing maintains a brisk pace that mirrors the urgency of Raghupati's quest for justice, while the film's soundtrack, composed by Pranjal Bordoloi, adds an emotional layer to the narrative, underscoring the characters' struggles and triumphs.

Beyond its thrilling storyline and captivating performances, Sri Raghupati stands as a powerful commentary on the rampant issue of women trafficking in Assam and beyond. The film sheds light on the plight of women caught in this vicious cycle of exploitation, while also highlighting the complicity of corrupt officials and societal indifference. It does not shy away from portraying the brutal realities of the trade, the psychological trauma inflicted on the victims, and the devastating impact on their families and communities.

Sri Raghupati is a cinematic triumph that blends entertainment with social consciousness, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. It is a film that demands to be seen, not only for its captivating narrative and stellar performances but also for its courage to confront a critical social issue with honesty, sensitivity, and a call to action.

Raghupati is an Assamese Action thriller revolving around missing girls where Raghupati, the right guy stands on one side and the human trafficking on the other. It's a thrilling adventure about how a common govt police employee dug deep to expose and wage war against the trafficking racket that plagued the society for ages. Raghu's personal loss and the corrupt system moved him to the root to act as fire against the hurricane. Arun Nath is dashing as the punky old guy who is left with few years but with commendable commitment to fight against evil. Both duo is a memorable pair that stands with each other in this modern re-retelling of the great epic Ramayana. As said by Tora's father there are many Ravans in today's time and make us remember Sudhakontho's lyric that says --- let life fades in the war against Ravan.

The film's vibe is new to Assamese audiences. Ravi Sarmah is the bright spot in the film, reflects the hard man with righteousness. Other casts are also well done, decent and touchy. The script is also well written, meaningful plots with fun themes imbibed with regional sentiments. There are significant scenes of dragginess dependent upon BGM but you will feel the suspense throughout. The story wàs good with moral rigidity. The presentation nevertheless is adopted from modern Bollywood action thriller, having unrealistic action sequences and fast paced sounds. But the social set up is detailed whether it be rural or urban landscape. The film is undoubtedly a commercial success earning about 130 million gross. It will definitely earn the Assamese approval for it being the good attempt to add modern flavour to traditional cinema. Arun Nath also in new look, is bonus treat to watch.

It's an Assamese film upgraded in its technical aspects. The film has few flaws like being noisy or highly BGM dependent. But the nook and edges of the script are well knitted. Assamese filmmakers should not stop here and must work to create new quality based films for upcoming generations, with real stories and realistic presentations which well appeals to society. Trying for realistic plots will be a good start. For an attempt to make a film with all the equipments and members it's a 7/10. A full 70/100.

I have seen lot of assamese movies but one honest opinion about this movie would be the best utilization of available resources. Flawless acting of each character in the movie, none of the scenes would feel like over acting or forces commedy. Every scene of the movie has been well picturiezed and keeps you synced with movie. Big pat on back of ravi sharma for his very natural acting. Kudos to assamese movie industry, please make movies realistic like this always. 10 stars is not enough. Assames film industry is filled with talent but they do not get right platform but this movie gives everyone a chance to redeem themselves.