Sarkaru Vaari Paata, directed by Parasuram Petla, is a mass entertainer that struggles to find its footing between being a commercial film and attempting to elicit sympathy for some of its side characters. The protagonist, Mahi (Mahesh Babu), is a debt collector and money lender with a troubled past who stalks people that owe him money, regardless of the amount. He falls in love with Kalaavathi (Keerthy Suresh), a gambling addict who deceives him by posing as someone she’s not. As Mahi tries to collect the debt she owes him from her father, a politician and tycoon named Rajendranath (Samuthirakani), he discovers that he has another agenda.
The film suffers from a lack of focus in terms of tone, with none of its plot threads reaching their full potential. The love story between Mahi and Kalaavathi has some funny moments in the first half, but it quickly turns into harassment. Mahi’s tendency to slap people, including Kalaavathi and Brahmaji, and infantilize his girlfriend is problematic. Additionally, Parasuram plays up a physically challenged character for unnecessary sympathy. The film’s VFX and green screen work could have been better.
Sarkaru Vaari Paata does have a social message, which starts as a love story but becomes an ego war between two men and a mini revolution against the banking system’s exploitation. Although the messaging is valid, Parasuram chooses to tell instead of show, with Mahesh delivering long dialogues. These plot points require more screen time than they are given. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to see the protagonist want the antagonist to learn a lesson and be a part of the solution instead of just dying.
The performances of Mahesh and Keerthy are highlights of the film. Mahesh appears more relaxed and in the skin of his character, making even the silliest dialogues seem legible. Keerthy does a good job of playing her kooky role, although her character appears and disappears as the story requires. Thaman’s OST for the film is not for everyone, but the songs do not stand out as sore thumbs. His BGM, in particular, aids the story well. Samuthirakani can play his role in his sleep, and other actors such as Nadhiya and Tanikella Bharani’s characters remain one note. Some portions of the film keep the audience hooked, while others do not.
Overall, Sarkaru Vaari Paata is a half-baked commercial drama that is watchable primarily because of Mahesh and Keerthy’s performances. If you missed seeing Mahesh in a massier version on-screen, you can watch it, but do not expect too much.
