After making a coming-of-age rom-com like Prema Ishq Kadhal, Pavan Sadineni here tells a run-of-the-mill story.
The film begins with Savitri (Nandita Raj) being born during a wedding. She grows up to become marriage-obsessed. She is so eccentric that, to her, marriage alone matters. To hell with the groom. On a trip to Shirdi with her servant (played by comedian Sathya) and grandma (Rama Prabha), Savitri happens to meet Rishi (Nara Rohit). Unbeknownst that he is the groom that his father (played by Murali Sharma) is considering to give her in marriage, Savitri maintains a distance from him. Meanwhile, the good doc Rishi takes it upon himself to help Madhu Nandhan and Sri Mukhi elope. Chasings and mild action follow. When Rishi confesses his love to Savtri, she is not in a position to commit herself as her father has already fixed her marriage.
Back in the village, the story becomes complex with the principled father and a funny astrology-obsessed villain (played by Ravi Babu) becoming stakeholders in Savitri's future.
The film's USP is the characterization of Savitri. Nandita Raj is apt in the role of an innocent-looking girl who follows her father's diktats. The turnaround of the character in the climax is expressed through effective lines (Krishna Chaitanya's dialogues are an asset at least in substantial scenes). The number 'Chitramainadi..' in the climax is another impressive takeaway.
Nandita and Sathya, Nara Rohit and Prabhas Seenu, Nandita and Dhanya, Jeeva and Fish Venkat - the combinations are interesting.
After a good start, the film falters. The whole stretch starting with the elopement of Madhu and Sri Mukhi till the interval is listless. Posani Krishna Murali is a let down. The comic timing of none works here.
We realize soon that the conflict point is rather lame. Thankfully, Ravi Babu turns out to be a clown. Pavan Sadineni was apparently looking at making a family entertainer revolving around the relationship between a strict father who is in the mistaken belief that he always gives the best to his daughters and Savitri, who, as the hero says, lies somewhere between the intelligent and the 'tingari'. Dhanya Balakrishnan's character is used to convey the message.
Nara Rohith does his cool man's act with confidence. However, he is becoming more and more routine in his expression. His chemistry with Nandita is good. Credit goes to Nandita for emoting with maturity. Murali Sharma and Ajay fit the bill.
As for the comedy acts, Sathya is a talent who needs to be explored more. Prabhas Seenu gets a good role. Posani fails. Sathyam Rajesh is passable. Fish Venkat, Jeeva, and The whole gana bhajana episode is worthless.
Shravan's music and BGM are an asset. The cinematography is another big plus. Editing is good.
Verdict: Despite a routine story, Savitri may be watched for some lighter moments.
