Singer Sunitha's son Akash Goparaju is set to test his luck on the big screen making his debut with Sakaaru Noukari. The film directed by Ganganamoni Shekar is releasing on 1 Jan 2024. The film is bankrolled by star filmmaker K. Raghavevndra Rao.

Story:

In the serene village of Kollapur, Telangana, back in 1996, the innocent and cheerful Satya, portrayed by Bhavana Vazhapandal, embarks on a journey into matrimony with Gopal, a government employee played by Akash Goparaju. Little did Satya anticipate that the blissful life she envisioned would be overshadowed by the complexities of her husband's profession.

Gopal's government job becomes the catalyst for a series of challenges that disrupt not only the harmony within their marital bond but also strain their relationships with the villagers and society at large. The unfolding narrative unravels the intricate web of difficulties woven around them and explores how the threads of their lives become entangled with the expectations and judgments of those around them.

The key figures in this unfolding drama include the authoritative Sarpanch, brought to life by the seasoned Tanikella Bharani, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the couple. Shiva, portrayed by the compelling Mahadev, and Ganga, depicted by the fearless Madhulatha, emerge as crucial players, influencing the course of events with their individual perspectives.

The film delves into the crux of these developments, unraveling the profound impact of Gopal's government job on Satya's aspirations, their relationships with the villagers, and the broader societal dynamics. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey through the intricate connections and conflicts that arise, adding layers to the narrative.

In essence, the tale intricately explores how the interplay of Gopal's profession, societal expectations, and the roles played by significant characters like the Sarpanch, Shiva, and Ganga, shape the destiny of Satya and Gopal. The film promises a compelling narrative that navigates the delicate balance between personal dreams, societal norms, and the unforeseen challenges that life presents in a village steeped in tradition.

Analysis:

Shekar Ganganamoni, donning the dual hat of director and cinematographer, skillfully captured the essence of the film by realistically portraying scenes that immersed viewers in the rustic village atmosphere of the 90s. His depiction of the events of the 90s, focusing on the apprehensions of villagers and the challenges faced by government employees during an HIV awareness program, showcased his commitment to authenticity.

While Shekar approached the narrative with good intentions, the storyline, unfortunately, felt somewhat stale, given the subsequent emergence of more menacing viruses post-HIV, particularly the recent COVID pandemic. This factor hindered a deeper emotional connection with the core plot, despite Shekar's earnest efforts.

In the first half, Shekar delicately conveyed the emotions of the newlywed couple, setting the stage for the core issue. However, the intensity seemed lacking until the interval block, which succeeded in generating interest through poignant and emotional scenes. The second half, however, faced pacing issues as it delved into the problems of various villagers, highlighting the antagonist's helplessness. The protagonist's subdued role and a predictable climax left viewers wanting more. The story's age-old nature, coupled with an average screenplay and direction, contributed to a less-than-engaging experience.

Debutant Akash Goparaju showcased promise with a compelling performance. His expressive eyes, body language, and precise delivery of dialogues perfectly embodied the character of an innocent and honest government employee, torn between professional duties and personal relationships. Bhavana Vazhapandal portrayed the role of a village belle with grace, effectively conveying her dreams, fears, and concerns as the wife of a government employee.

Tanikella Bharani made a mark as the sarpanch, infusing depth into his character. Mahadev and Madhulatha delivered commendable performances in their respective roles as relatives of Bhavana and Akash. The supporting cast performed well, each fitting seamlessly into their designated roles.

Sandilya Pisapati's situational music, enriched with touching and emotional tunes, complemented the film's narrative. Suresh Bobbili's background score added depth to the cinematic experience. While Raghavendra Varma's editing was acceptable, there was room for improvement, especially in the second half. The dialogues harmoniously complemented the story, and the production values were commendable.

In essence, while Sakaru Naukari had its strengths, such as standout performances and authentic portrayal of the 90s village life, it faced challenges in maintaining narrative engagement, primarily in the second half

Verdict:

Despite the sincere efforts of Shekhar Ganganamoni and the commendable performances by Akash Goparaju and Bhavana Vazhapandal, Sakaru Naukari falls short of delivering the freshness needed to captivate the audience fully. Shekhar, while skillfully shedding light on the challenges faced by government employees, opted for a realistic approach that, unfortunately, became somewhat diluted due to the documentary-style narration, impacting the overall intensity of the film.

The film, although marked by earnest attempts and noteworthy performances, struggles to infuse a new and engaging perspective that could have elevated the viewing experience. Akash Goparaju and Bhavana Vazhapandal's impressive portrayals, while noteworthy, find themselves entangled in a narrative style that lacks the innovative spark to keep the audience enthralled.

While Shekhar Ganganamoni's realistic portrayal of the problems faced by government employees is commendable, the documentary-like narration unintentionally tampers with the emotional depth that could have otherwise resonated more strongly with the viewers. The film, despite its strengths, seems to tread on familiar grounds without injecting the needed freshness to distinguish itself from similar narratives.

In conclusion, Sakaru Naukari showcases the dedication of its director and the talent of its cast, but the lack of a novel narrative approach prevents it from standing out in the crowd. The film, although solid in its portrayal of government job challenges, falls short of delivering the impactful and fresh perspective that could have truly engaged and captivated the audience.