Rakshit Shetty's latest flick, 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello: Side A' is a simple love story that is enhanced by fine performances and visual appeal. The film, which is directed by Andhadhun's co-writer, Hemanth M Rao, had a theatrical release in Karnataka and Telangana.
'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello', which means somewhere beyond the seven seas, explores the relationship between Manu and Priya, who are deeply in love and dream of moving together to start a family.
Things take an adverse turn after Manu makes the wrong decision to fulfil their dream and lands up in jail. The couple becomes vulnerable but finds solace in each other despite the chaos around them. Their fight against all odds to be together again forms the rest of the film.
Even though watching 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello' might be emotionally draining, viewers will continue to find it compelling. The movie provides people just the perfect amount of catharsis, similar to what one could have felt after watching Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha's '96' or Kannada box office hit 'Dia'.
Most of the dialogues in the film, particularly the recording that Priya sends to Manu while he is in jail, strikes the right chord and illuminates the depth of the couple's bond.
The makers have done a remarkable job by weaving the story with minimal number of characters, commercial elements, or subplots. The movie also shows how middle-class society can be exploited in the name of optimism and dreams.
Although there is a slight lag in the movie, audience will be immersed in their empathy for the protogonists.
While Rakshit Shetty is a delight to watch as Manu with his flawless performance, Rukmini Vasanth, who plays Priya, impresses the audience with her simple yet charming act. The chemistry that they share on-screen is intriguing, keeping the viewers wanting for more.
Hemanth M Rao and Gundu Shetty's writing gives the film a poetic touch that elevates it above being just another romance drama. Charan Raj's music and Advaitha Gurumurthy's cinematography add life to the film.
'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello—Side B', which will unveil Manu and Priya's lives a decade after the events in Side A, is all set to release on October 27. Even though a second part in a love story is quite unusual, the audience hasn't had enough of Manu and Priya whose love knows no bounds.