Saindhav Review – An Action Thriller with Room for Improvement

Venkatesh Daggubati joins forces with emerging filmmaker Sailesh Kolanu in their latest collaboration, "Saindhav," touted as an action thriller that hit theaters on December 13, 2023. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of the film to provide an insightful review.

Overview:

Directed by Sailesh Kolanu and produced by Venkat Boyanapalli, "Saindhav" features an ensemble cast, including Venkatesh, Shraddha Srinath, Ruhani Sharma, Mukesh Rishi, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. With a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes, the film promises an engaging cinematic experience.

Plot:

The narrative revolves around Saindhav Koneru, portrayed by Venkatesh, leading a content life with his daughter in a town. The storyline takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled with a cartel supplying children to ISIS for terrorism. Simultaneously, Saindhav discovers his daughter's rare medical condition, necessitating a costly injection priced at Rs 17 crore. To procure the funds, he reverts to his past activities. The film unfolds the challenges he faces, exploring his connections with the cartel.

Performance:

Venkatesh delivers a compelling performance, showcasing his versatility in the action-driven role with emotional depth. Shraddha Srinath effectively handles her character, while Mukesh Rishi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui add intensity as antagonists. Nawazuddin's performance stands out despite unique Telugu dubbing.

Off-screen Talents:

Director Sailesh Kolanu opts for a thriller genre, presenting Venkatesh in an intense light. While the story is decent, the screenplay becomes monotonous as the narrative progresses. The background score falls short of enhancing the film's intensity, although the visual presentation and action choreography receive commendation.

Hits and Misses:

What's Hot?

Venkatesh's versatile performance

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's impactful portrayal

Some noteworthy action sequences

What's Not?

Flat narration

Serious tone throughout

Limited entertainment quotient

Music and Background Score lacking impact

Verdict:

"Saindhav" boasts a promising storyline and engaging action sequences. However, the narration falters, maintaining a serious tone throughout, which might overwhelm audiences, especially towards the climax. The music and background score contribute minimally to the overall experience. Despite its flaws, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's performance adds some entertainment value, making "Saindhav" an overall subpar action thriller.