Cast: Karthi, Aravind Swamy, Srividya, Rajkiran, among others.
Written and Directed by: C. Prem Kumar
Music by: Govind Vasantha
Cinematography: Mahendran Jayaraju
Editing by: R. Govind Raju
Produced by: Jyothika, Suriya
Release Date: 28-09-2024
In the C. Prem Kumar directorial, starring Tamil star hero Karthi who previously delighted audiences with feel-good movies like ’96’, the film titled ‘Meiyazhagan’ in Tamil, has been brought to the Telugu audience as ‘Satyam Sundaram‘. Aravind Swamy plays a pivotal role in this film, which is notably produced under the banner of 2D Entertainment by Suriya and Jyothika. Released today (September 28), how does this film fare? Did it manage to impress the audience? Let’s delve into the review.
What’s the Story
Satyam (Aravind Swamy), hailing from Guntur, leaves his home and village due to property disputes and relocates to Visakhapatnam. After 30 years, a situation arises requiring him to return to his village for his niece’s wedding. Upon his return, Satyam reconnects with a relative (Karthi) at the wedding. Calling each other ‘Bava’ (brother-in-law), they bond over numerous conversations. Initially irritated by Karthi’s intrusive manners, Satyam eventually warms up to his affection and admiration. What turns does their journey take? How does Satyam rediscover himself through this journey? What is the nature of his relationship with the person he calls ‘Bava’? Does he finally remember his name, or not? That forms the rest of the story.
How Did They Perform
Aravind Swamy perfectly embodies Satyam, taking us along on his journey through his remarkable performance. We feel every emotion that Satyam experiences, from his pain to his discomfort. Karthi charms once again with his innocence, captivating as a typical young man from a village showing boundless love. This role will be remembered as a highlight in Karthi’s career. Devadarshini, playing the wife of Aravind Swamy, delivers a commendable performance. Having previously only played comedic and supporting roles, she proves her ability to handle a role with depth with ease. Srividya, Rajkiran, and Jayaprakash, although in minor roles, significantly impact the story. The rest of the cast performed well within their roles.
Direction
The director, C. Prem Kumar, attempts to convey that for a person to live happily, the presence of a loving individual is as necessary as money and fame. The film starts intriguingly, showing why Satyam left his village. His return for a wedding, the introduction of Karthi’s character, his mischief, and the troubles Satyam faces with Karthi unknowingly, are all portrayed entertainingly. The director shifts the setting to Karthi’s home, where Satyam’s experiences are heartfelt and take the audience back in time. The mental turmoil Satyam goes through upon not recognizing Karthi adds weight to the narrative. The climax is also well-executed. The film, like a beautiful novel, successfully comes to life on screen, directed flawlessly by Kumar. The slow pace of the story and lack of commercial elements could be seen as drawbacks.
Technically
On the technical front, the background music adds an additional layer of allure to the story, with a continual melody that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. The visuals are captivating, and the production values are high.
Plus Points
– Story and emotions
– Performances by Karthi and Aravind Swamy
– Music
Minus Points
– Slow-paced narrative
– Lack of commercial elements