Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya

Story:

Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya is a 2019 Telugu comedy-mystery film directed by Swaroop R. S. J., who co-wrote the screenplay with Naveen Polishetty. Starring Naveen Polishetty in the titular role and marking Shruti Sharma’s Telugu debut, the story revolves around a detective from Nellore. His life takes a perilous turn as he delves into the investigation of a deceased body found near a railway track.

Released on June 21, 2019, the film garnered critical acclaim and proved to be a commercial success at the box office. It received three awards at Zee Cine Awards Telugu and was later adapted into Tamil as Agent Kannayiram.

Plot

Athreya is jolted awake in the middle of the night by the news of his mother Mahalakshmi’s demise. Rushing from his college in Bhopal to his hometown in Nellore, he discovers that Mahalakshmi has already been cremated by his uncle. Three years later, Athreya, now operating as the detective Agent Sai Srinivas Athreya in Nellore, establishes the FBI (Fatima Bureau of Investigation) agency. Assisted by Sneha, his former junior in college, Athreya typically deals with minor cases. His life takes a turn when his writer friend Sirish informs him about an unidentified body in Venkatachalam.

Upon investigating, Athreya is arrested by the arrogant CI Gautham Krishna on suspicion of murder. In prison, he encounters a man claiming to be Maruthi Rao, who recounts the story of his missing daughter, Divya. Maruthi provides three phone numbers related to the case. Athreya and Sneha investigate, discovering that Ajay and Harsha were in Ongole when Divya was murdered, while Vasudha’s whereabouts remain unknown. Following them, they uncover suspicious activities at a car rental agency, mortuary, and railway station. Athreya recognizes Divya but fails to communicate with her.

Upon checking police records, they find no evidence of Maruthi Rao being transferred, leading to the realization that the person claiming to be Maruthi Rao is actually Gopalam. Further inquiries reveal that the body found was male, not female. Meanwhile, Athreya is framed for the murders of Ajay and Harsha. Understanding that Maruthi Rao’s information was a setup, Athreya is released on bail. With limited time to prove his innocence, he investigates clues at Harsha’s house, narrowly escaping an attempt on his life.

Meeting with Sub-Inspector Vamsi, Athreya unveils his theory, suggesting a conspiracy against him. A missing person’s case is reported, and Vasudha is identified as the deceased. Frustrated, Athreya blames Gautham for his carelessness, leading to the cancellation of his bail. Athreya encounters “Bobby,” who claims to be an agent like him and reveals a fabricated story implicating Athreya as a murderer.

Athreya discovers a sinister conspiracy involving the illegal disposal of dead bodies and theft of fingerprints. With the help of Vamsi, Bobby, and Sneha, Athreya fakes his death and unravels the plot. Gopalam confesses to the scheme of collecting bodies, and Athreya finds his mother’s corpse among the victims. The investigation reveals a plot to frame them for the murders to hide talismans belonging to Bethaballi Amman NGO.

Vasudha and her father are exposed as the masterminds behind the operation. Ajay and Harsha, criminology graduates, had been investigating unidentified dead bodies and found the talisman. Vasudha’s plan to frame Athreya fails, leading to her arrest. Athreya bids farewell to Bobby, apprehends Vasudha and her father in Rajasthan, and concludes his cases while hinting at future adventures.