The movie “Dasara” by debutant Srikanth Odela is a film of mixed quality. On one hand, it offers a visually captivating experience, intriguing characters, and a tense atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge. On the other hand, the film introduces themes that are never fully explored or are concluded too hastily, resulting in some impactful moments and some that fall short.
The story takes place in Veerlapally, a village where drinking at the Silk Bar is a tradition. Despite the locals’ financial contributions to the bar, casteism prevents some from entering. The village is also plagued by coal mining, leaving everyone covered in soot. The power struggle between Rajanna, Shivanna, and Chinna Nambi revolves around control of the liquor.
Dharani, played by Nani, has been afraid of many things since childhood, including speaking up and hearing cats shriek. His grandmother introduces him to drinking as a way to cope with fear, leading Dharani to carry bottles with him at all times. His best friend Suri, played by Deekshith Shetty, is the focus of Vennela’s affection, with Dharani giving up his own love for her.
The underdogs of Veerlapally, including Dharani and Suri, want to indulge in drinking and stealing coal from trains while avoiding trouble. However, they become embroiled in a larger issue with hidden agendas and rising body counts, forcing Dharani to confront his fears alone.
The first half of the film is devoted to establishing the world of Veerlapally and its characters. While some moments are captivating, others fail to hold the viewer’s attention. The second half is emotional but lacks the necessary depth to fully explore some of the film’s themes. However, Srikanth’s direction is assured in the climactic scenes, which are cathartic and violent.
Nani gives a powerful performance as Dharani, while Keerthy Suresh excels in some scenes but falls short in others. The supporting cast, including Shine Tom Chacko, Sai Kumar, Samuthirakani, Poorna, and Deekshith, deliver solid performances. The film’s cinematography and music are also highlights.
In conclusion, “Dasara” is a slow-burning film that doesn’t offer a happy ending or reinvent the wheel but still manages to captivate audiences. While it could have been better, Srikanth Odela and Nani deserve credit for their work.
