Siandhav is one of the most awaited films this Sankranthi 2024. Venkatesh has teamed up with director Sailesh Kolanu for the first time and Nawazuddin Siddique plays the main villain. The film has been released today and let’s see how it is.
Story: Saindhav Koneru(Venkatesh) is a family man who lives a happy life with his family. His life changes upside down when his daughter falls sick and she needs an injection worth 17 crores. Saindhav starts his quest but in this process, he gets dragged into a crazy mafia setup that deals with guns. In all this, his tragic past also makes a comeback and makes things even worse. How Saindhav handles this situation is the basic story of the film.
Performances: Venkatesh aka “SaiKO,” delivers a mature portrayal that resonates with dignity and authenticity on the screen. His enduring screen charisma remains as endearing as ever, effortlessly navigating through emotional nuances and showcasing his mastery of the genre. The film’s styling is tastefully executed, featuring simple yet visually appealing costumes that complement his overall appearance, particularly accentuated by a well-groomed beard.
Shraddha Srinath takes on the female lead, presenting a fitting presence for her role, yet the way her character is written fails to make a positive impact on the overall narrative despite her consistent presence. Tamil actor Arya appears in a brief and somewhat disjointed role, adding a patchy element to the storyline. While Nawazuddin Siddiqui injects initial excitement into the narrative, his impact wanes as the film progresses.
Technical Aspects: Santosh Narayan’s musical composition falls short in terms of standalone audio quality, lacking the compensation of an impactful background score, crucial for an action thriller. While some episodes boast a decent BGM, the overall execution is underwhelming. On a positive note, Manikandan’s cinematography stands out, presenting a visually appealing film that aligns seamlessly with contemporary trends.
Garry Bh’s editing, however, presents a mixed bag; the film lacks the crispness essential for a modern action thriller. Niharika Entertainment’s production quality is commendable, particularly evident in the action sequences, demonstrating a commitment to quality that doesn’t appear compromised for cost-saving measures.
Analysis: Siandhav is Sailesh Kolanu’s big project and it is the first time he has handled a hero like Venkatesh. While he solidly showcases Venkatesh, the execution part is not that great. Sailesh introduces a compelling central concept: a father striving to save his daughter with a 17-crore injection. The film commences with intrigue, as a gun cartel plots a significant event, highlighting potential dangers if left unchecked.
However, the subsequent narrative, including the interval, unfolds rather simplistically. Despite investing time in establishing the family dynamics, and issues, and introducing a hint of mystery with the protagonists, the film fails to elevate its momentum. Moments that should inject excitement, such as the challenges in procuring the exorbitant drug or the cartel’s thwarted gun shipment, lack vibrancy.
The allure lies in the enigmatic backstory of ‘SaiKO’ and the overall setup, coupled with conflicts within the cartel, notably scenes featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Although the first half maintains a moderate interest without delivering thrills or standout moments, it sets the stage for the second half to potentially infuse some genuine excitement.
But it is Venkatesh who holds your attention with his solid portrayal of Siandhav. He is the sole reason for us to give the film a shot. He has done his best and is showcased in a new avatar altogether. Saindhav makes for a decent watch thanks to Venkatesh. In all this, one needs to go with the flow and ignore the small issues in the project.
Verdict: Overall, Siandhav is Venkatesh’s stardom written all over it. The film showcases him in a never-before avatar. Despite the issues in narration, Venkatesh holds your attention with his starry act.
Bottom Line – Venkatesh in a never before avatar
Rating: 2.5/5
