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Movie Review: SAHASAM

By:  Tupaki Desk   |   12 July 2013 8:45 AM GMT
Movie Review: SAHASAM
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Rating: 3 /5

Cast: Gopichand, Taapsee, Ali, Shakti Kapoor and others
Music: Sri
Cinematography: Syam Dutt
Story-Screenplay -Direction: Chandrasekhar Yeleti
Producer: BVSN Prasad & Reliance Entertainment
Release date: 12th July 2013

After a long wait, finally hero GopichandÂ’s Sahasam made it to theatres amidst some expectations. Director Chandrasekhar Yeleti is also facing some crucial challenge to prove that his films are commercially viable too. Let us see how this film is.


The CONTENT

Gowtham (Gopichand) works as a Security Guard in an agency and he will be kept posted at various spots, regularly at ATM centres. Cursing his poverty and blasting his parents for not giving him any assets, Gowtham keeps life going and believes a lot in lotteries and astrology. However, one day he saves few thieves looting the ATM cash, chases them and becomes hero. But the security agency says that only due to GowthamÂ’s negligence the heist took place and posts him as security guard for a garbage dumping yard. On the other hand Srinidhi (Taapsee) is an young woman who believes that the world is going to end within next two years and wants to see Hindu pilgrimage centres across the world.

On one rainy day Gautham finds an old diary that was hidden in his house ceiling that actual falls upon him. In that diary, his grandfather (Suman), a diamond merchant, explains how he escaped from Peshawar (Pakistan) to India during partition time, and how he saved some of his diamonds that unfortunately got locked in a secret treasure. He reveals the word ‘Hinglaj Devi’ and Gautham finds it through Srinidhi that it is an old temple located in Pakistan. So, he travels to Pakistan to find that temple and finds out that archaeologists are excavating from years to find some hidden treasure, for which the ‘key lock’ is with Gautham, that is actually found in his Grandfather’s bag. From there, how Gautham chases the treasure and encounters few local rulers and their leader Sultan (Sakthi Kapoor) who eyes the Kanishka empire treasure that will be unlocked through this ‘key lock’, forms the rest of story.

The EFFORT :

On-Screen:

This is a film of substance, but that doesnÂ’t mean one has to excel all kinds of emotions. Gopichand delivers right ammunition for this adventure laced role that requires more of his body language.

Veteran actor Shakti Kapoor, in the role of terrorist Sultan, amuses you. The way he carries his love for religion, greed for wealth and cruelness is simply superb. Taapsee too excelled in this simple yet cute role. As a devoted Hindu religion follower, she showcases her acting this time without any skin-show. Rest of the actors including Ali as ‘Qayamat Raju’ and others have done good job. Nothing much to describe about them.

Off-Screen:

Chandrasekhar Yeleti is the man who introduced some Hollywoodness to Telugu movies with his wonderful ideas. But this time, nothing of his ideas look new however his direction keeps you engaging throughout the flick. He makes sure that the curious element carries forward, though lack of intensity hits you sometimes.

Music Director Sri has come back to prime after long time it seems. Apart from those unnecessary songs, the way he scored for Background Music is awesome. But still, people who watch Hollywood flicks especially treasure hunt genre stuff will get disappointed.

Two major technicians that stand pillars for this treasure hunt are Cinematographer Syam Dutt and Art Director Ramakrishna. Syam never slips any principle of photography and cinematography to give our eyes a seamless drama of sensible treasure hunting. Also art director Ramakrishna makes sure that whatever we are looking on screen is Paksitani land. Though actually shot in Ladakh, Hyderabad Old City and Studio, we always feel the ambience of Pakistan only. His efforts made the whole movie look realistic.

The PLUSES:

· Overall content, the treasure hunt
· Visual Effects showcasing Hollywood style puzzles
· Some action sequences like ‘Game of Horses’ (Buzkashi sport), ATM fight in first half.
· Climax


The MINUSES:

· Missing logics
· Ali’s unnecessary comedy


BREAKDOWN:

Director Chandrasekhar Yeleti always picks something that inspires even Hollywood filmmakers. Once again he has come up with an interesting script and stunning minute details. Making a story travel all the way to Partition of India time and a treasure earthed deep during Kanishka Empire requires huge research. Chandu does all of that with ease, but he failed at inducing commercial elements again. While this is novel flick with spine chilling elements, only urban audiences will connect to it. B and C centre audiences, of course, will watch it once to taste it but never raves a lot about the movie. Still, we need directors like Yeleti to tell the world that India and especially Telugu cinemas are not even single ‘gram’ down than Hollywood counterparts.

With no big budget movies around, Sahasam may do well in all A centres and cities, while it will be a little shaky walk in other areas. If you are lover of those adventurous new generation flicks, then this flick will be a big treat.

The FINISHING Line: Desi Made Hollywood Movie, Sahasam!