Bandi Saroj Kumar made an impression with films like Nirbandham,Suryasthamayam, Mangalyam after his entry in Tamil with Porrkalam and Asthamanam. He is getting ready to surprise all with his film Parakramam. Let us see what he offered to movie lovers with Parakramam as the film releases on 23 Aug 2024.
Parakramam story revolves around the happenings in the life of a youngster and how he deals with them using his intelligence. Lovaraju (Bandi Saroj Kumar), a man driven by an unwavering purpose, arrives in Hyderabad, his heart set on staging his play "Parakramam" at the hallowed halls of Rabindrabharati. But why this venue? What compels him to fight tooth and nail for this particular stage? The answer lies buried in the dusty secrets of his village, Lampalakova, in Kakinada.
A web of intrigue surrounds Lovaraju's journey, intertwined with the lives of several individuals: Bhavani (Sruthi Samanvi), a woman known as Bujjamma in the village, carrying her own burdens; Lakshmi (Naga Lakshmi), grappling with her own truths; the village Munsib (Mohan Senpathi), a figure of authority with secrets of his own; and CI Singh (Anil Lingampalli), representing the law, yet entangled in the village's tangled web.
At the heart of it all lies Satti Babu (also played by Bandi Saroj Kumar), a man shrouded in mystery, a figure who seems to hold the key to unraveling the enigma of Lovaraju's past and the dark secrets of Lampalakova.
Is Lovaraju seeking redemption through his play? Is he fighting to expose the truth that haunts his village? Or is he attempting to rewrite his own narrative, one act at a time? The story unfolds with each step Lovaraju takes, drawing us deeper into the tangled threads of love, loss, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Bandi Saroj Kumar shines in a dual role, showcasing his versatility with captivating performances. As the timid embodiment of Yama, the God of Death, he embodies a chilling yet poignant presence, while effortlessly transitioning into a bold and daring youth who challenges societal norms, igniting the screen with his energy. His impeccable body language, nuanced expressions, and powerful dialogue delivery create a lasting impact, leaving a strong impression on the audience.
Mohan Senapathi delivers a convincing portrayal of the antagonist, effortlessly embodying his wicked nature with menacing precision. Sruthi Samanvi portrays the innocence of her character with grace, while Naga Lakshmi adds depth to her role with a compelling performance.
The supporting cast, including Nikhil Gopu, Anamika, Kireeti, Shashank Vennelakanti, and Vamsiraj Nekkanti, further elevate the film with their valuable contributions, adding layers of complexity and engaging the viewers with their commendable performances.
"Parakramam," penned and directed by Bandi Saroj Kumar, boasts a compelling narrative with elements designed to surprise and engage viewers. The story, rich with powerful themes, explores the enduring influence of feudalistic mentalities within contemporary society, sparking thought-provoking reflections.
Saroj Kumar's music and songs are skillfully integrated, adding emotional depth and highlighting the intensity of key moments. While the initial narration captivates the audience, the pace dips slightly in the first half, leaving a sense of abruptness as it concludes. However, the second half picks up momentum, delving deeper into the core conflict and delivering a more impactful experience.
The dialogues, penned by Saroj Kumar himself, are powerful and impactful, effectively conveying the societal pressures and the struggle against outdated beliefs. The film's pre-climax falters momentarily before culminating in a satisfying and powerful climax.
Saroj Kumar's multifaceted talents are evident in his direction, screenplay, and acting. While the story possesses strong foundations, the addition of a few more twists and turns could have heightened the emotional impact and further captivated viewers.
Venkat.R Prasad's cinematography enhances the film with striking visuals, employing dark shades to create an evocative atmosphere. The production values are commendable, showcasing a decent standard of filmmaking.
Overall, "Parakramam" offers a compelling narrative with thought-provoking themes. While the pacing could be refined, the film's strengths lie in its impactful dialogues, strong performances, and Saroj Kumar's impressive multi-faceted talent.
Altogether, Parakramam has an interesting story but misses the target. Bandi Saroj Kumar, showcasing his talent as a writer, director, and actor in "Parakramam," demonstrates a promising potential. His multifaceted abilities are evident, but the film's impact could have been amplified with a more refined script and a bolder, racier screenplay. This would have provided the necessary push for "Parakramam" to reach its full potential.
While the film offers a compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes, these elements could have been further explored and heightened with a more refined approach.
Considering these factors, Cinejosh awards "Parakramam" a rating of 1.5. This score reflects the film's potential and the strong performance of Bandi Saroj Kumar, while acknowledging the areas where the film could have been elevated with more focused execution.