Victory Venkatesh, in a recent display of versatility, has been actively exploring diverse genres, leaving audiences pleasantly surprised. His remarkable foray into the web series realm with "Rana Naidu" showcased a new facet of his acting prowess, defying the expectations of both his hardcore fans and general movie lovers. Undeterred by convention, Venkatesh is now set to continue this trend by gracing the silver screen in Saindhav, directed by the talented Sailesh Kolanu.

Story:

Saindhav, also known as SaiKo (Venkatesh), is a crane worker at the port in Chandraprastha, South India. He lives a contented life with his daughter. However, one fateful night, his life takes a drastic turn due to developments in both his professional and personal life.

The story unfolds as SaiKo's life becomes entangled with various characters, including Manogya (Shraddha Srinath), a strong-willed journalist; Dr. Renu (Ruhani Sharma), a compassionate doctor; Manas (Arya), a cunning businessman; Vikas Malik (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a ruthless gangster; Andrea Jeremiah (Jasmine), a mysterious woman with a hidden agenda; Viswamithra (Mukesh Rishi), a corrupt politician; and the Customs Department Head (Jayaprakash), an enigmatic figure with ulterior motives.

As SaiKo navigates through these complex relationships and unravels the secrets that bind them together, he finds himself caught in a web of deceit, betrayal, and danger. He must use all his skills and resources to protect his loved ones and uncover the truth behind the events that have turned his life upside down.

The story explores themes of love, family, loyalty, and the sacrifices one must make to protect the people they care about. It is a gripping tale of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of a man who refuses to give up, no matter the odds.

Analysis:

Venkatesh gave an exceptional performance in the film, showcasing his emotions and performing high-octane stunts. He carried the film on his shoulders, delivering a powerful performance that left a lasting impression. Nawazuddin Siddique, making his debut in Telugu cinema, exhibited his versatility as an actor, showcasing different facets of his talent.

Shraddha Srinath delivered a commendable performance in a traditional role, portraying a cute and homely character. Andrea Jeremiah impressed with her action sequences, while Ruhani Sharma fit well in the role of a doctor. Arya played a brief but significant role. Supporting actors Mukesh Rishi, Jisshu Sen Gupta, and Jayaprakash performed capably in their respective roles.

Sailesh Kolanu, known for his HIT franchise, teamed up with Venkatesh for this milestone 75th film. He effectively presented Venkatesh in a new light, elevating his heroism and fulfilling the actor's desire. Kolanu also touched upon the poignant issue of SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) and the exorbitant cost of the associated vial. However, while the film started strong, it unfortunately failed to maintain its momentum, becoming tedious and failing to develop the character arcs of Venkatesh and Nawazuddin Siddique adequately. Venkatesh's flashback sequences also lacked impact, and the film struggled to connect with the audience emotionally. Additionally, despite having a talented cast, the film failed to provide them with key roles, which affected the overall impact.

Santosh Narayanan's background score proved to be below average, failing to make a significant impact on the big screen. It vacillated between dominating the dialogues and completely disappearing, creating an uneven and inconsistent soundscape. Editing by BH.Garry could have been improved, as the film contained repetitive scenes that hindered its flow. However, Manikandan's cinematography added value to the film, with his use of colors enhancing the visual appeal. The production values were adequate, but nothing extraordinary.

Verdict:

Despite Sailesh Kolanu's remarkable transformation of Venkatesh into Saindhav, encompassing distinct mannerisms, screen presence, and body language, the film Saindhav ultimately falters due to Kolanu's shortcomings as a screenwriter and director. This combination of a commendable performance and an ineffective screenplay and direction led to the film's failure to make an impact on audiences.