'Sreekaram' is out in theatres today (March 11). So much has been said about the film's alleged similarities with 'Maharshi'. A debutant director has wielded the megaphone. Does the film live up to the pre-release hype? What is 'Sreekaram' about? Is it worth a watch? We will tell you all in this section.
Story
Karthik (Sharwanand) doesn't find satisfaction as a software engineer. He gives up an opportunity to immigrate to the US and shocks everyone, including his father (Rao Ramesh), by deciding to turn a farmer. The rest of the film is about what all Karthik does to bail out his native village from poverty and landlessness.
Performances
Sharwanand, after acing a similarly measured role in 'Shatamanam Bhavati', does a superb job in the film. He is endearing in the role of a son and an agriculture crusader. Sai Kumar, Rao Ramesh and VK Naresh ace their respective roles with so much ease. After a soft role like in 'Gang Leader', Priyanka Arul Mohan plays a relatively outspoken role. She could have been better.
From the likes of Murli Sharma and Shishir Sharma to Aamani, 'Sreekaram' casts the right kind of actors for the character roles.
Technical aspects
Mickey J Meyer, who is known for melodies, is in his comfort zone here. His background music is better and evokes the emotions of the scenes the right way. J Yuvaraj's cinematography passes muster. The farming scenes are made to look real, thanks to Kolla Avinash's production design. Marthand K Venkatesh's editing is another plus.
Analysis
The trailer of 'Sreekaram' suggested that it is a pro-farming film with a set of old-fashioned tropes. The film turns out to be exactly that. If you have watched films like 'Maharshi', 'Srimanthudu' and 'Shatamanam Bhavati', you will relate to the emotions, which are too superficial in the film.
Sharwanand's character doesn't put an effort to discover solutions. They are offered to him on a platter by some mysterious force. He uses every damn obstacle as an opportunity and creates miracles.
Sai Kumar's character is boring, but it is only the actor who makes it watchable. The same can be said about Rao Ramesh's character. Satya and Prabhas Sreenu don't evoke laughs much as they try to make us laugh.
The romantic track is vulnerable to cliches. Director B Kishor's attempt to showcase the male lead as the best/smartest guy in the village shows in every scene and it's all artificial.
The climax is way too simplistic.
Closing Remarks
'Sreekaram' falls flat with no strong scenes in its fold. The second half should have been way better. At 130 minutes, the film looks a tad lengthy.
