Movie: Dasara
Rating: 2.75/5
Banner: Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas
Cast: Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty, Samuthirakani, Shine Tom Chacko, Sai Kumar, Poorna and others
Dialogues: Thota Srinivas
Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Director of Photography: Sathyan Sooryan
Editor: Navin Nooli
Production Designer: Avinash Kolla
Stunts: Real Satish, Anbariv
Producer: Sudhakar Cherukuri
Written and Direction: Srikanth Odela
Release Date: March 30, 2023
Nani had never spoken so confidently about a film or toured across India to promote it before 'Dasara.' The film has received a lot of attention in recent weeks. Nani's promotion of the film gave the impression that it would be a major milestone. Is it really that good?
Let us look into it.
Story:
Set in the 1990s in a village called Veerlapally in the Singareni coal mine area, the film begins with the story of three childhood friends, Dharani (Nani), Soori (Deekshith Shetty), and Vennela (Keerthy Suresh).
The villagers are always drinking and spend most of their time at Silk bar. Local politics between Rajanna (Saikumar), Shivanna(Samuthirakani) and the latter's son Chinna Nambi (Shine Tom Chacko) threaten to disrupt their lives.
What effect does a political leader's game plan have on the lives of the three friends?
Artistes’ Performances:
For this film, Nani reinvented himself. He played a rustic character for the first time, which was unlike any of his previous roles. He sinks into the role and delivers an amazing outcome. The effort he has put in for the role is evident throughout, and he is the film's main pillar.
The award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh delivers another believable performance in the author-backed role. She is the central character around whom the plot revolves.
Deekshith Shetty, who plays the hero's friend, gives an effective performance. Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko has also given a good performance. There are many actors, but none of them receive adequate recognition.
Technical Excellence:
The film's cinematography is the first thing that stands out because the film is entirely set in a coal mine. The dark color palette of the color scheme works so well with Sooryan's imaginative camera work.
The music by Santosh Narayanan yields mixed results. The production design is flawless, and the production values are excellent. The dialogues are neat.
Highlights:
Nani’s performances
Keerthy Suresh
Interval bang
Villain reveal scene
Drawback:
Slow pace
Predictable sequences
Loses the steam at many places
Analysis
"Dasara" makes its intentions clear from the start, with the hero entering the scene in a coal mine area and his friend assisting him. The scene establishes the story's theme of friendship, and gradually introduces the lives of the two friends, as well as the villagers addicted to alcohol in the coal mine area. It is also quickly established that the two friends are in love with the same girl, Keerthy Suresh. So, the first sections are predictable and move at a slow pace.
However, the film is more about creating atmosphere and focusing on characters than it is about plot. The design of the hero's character is impressive. He's timid and only gains courage when he consumes alcohol. And when he drinks, he loses control and can do whatever he wants. This characteristic trait of the protagonist is used so effectively in the later portions of the film, including the interval twist.
Additionally, there are cultural and social references that are properly established, such as women in Telangana performing Bhatukamma during the Dasara festival and Ravana's effigy being burnt on the festival day. The director effectively employs these cultural aspects in his storytelling.
If we take these elements out of the film, it becomes more or less a typical revenge drama. Srikanth Odela, the new director, has prioritized mood and visual palette over story.
The film's biggest surprise is the interval bang. The pre-interval chase sequence and the intermission bang are handled expertly, revealing the villain's true intentions at the start of the second half. As a consequence, the remainder becomes more predictable, and many sequences are bland. The running time is also too long, and the film definitely needs sharp editing.
Furthermore, the film, whether intentionally or unintentionally, attempts to follow the template of "Rangasthalam," but lacks the gripping screenplay that the Sukumar movie had. Caste politics are also mentioned in the film, but they are not properly established.
Additionally, the period (probably set in the 1990s) is shown as if it happened in the 60's or 70's, even though most villages had more modern facilities by the 1990s, even in remote coal mine areas.
Overall, "Dasara" is a regular revenge drama that relies more on visual style and grand making than the plot. It is watchable because of its ambition and Nani’s performance.
Bottom line: DasaRAW