Exploring the Magical Realm of "Saptasagaradaache Ello" - A Glimpse into Director Hemanth Rao's Vision

Seven months ago, I immersed myself in the world of "Saptasagaradaache Ello," and a month later, I explored its prequel, Side B. This is not a review; instead, it's my critical personal opinion.

I have admired director Hemanth Rao for many years. In his first movie "Godi Banna Saadarana Maikattu" (GBSM), he introduced a unique storytelling style that brought a fresh and classic feel to Sandalwood. Rao excels in presenting stories in an aesthetically pleasing way that truly captivates the viewers.

His storytelling approach is simple yet his execution is exceptional, evolving and improving with each film throughout the years. Upon closer inspection, his style bears some resemblance to Persian or Italian filmmaking techniques. While not identical, there are certain parallels in their treatment. The film maintains a good momentum, delivers an engaging plot, and features visually stunning scenes. Metaphors are a common feature of his narratives.

Most notably, his talent shines through in character development. When discussing Hemanth Rao, his work transcends the Kannada film industry, offering a depth and breadth that could resonate with the international independent cinema scene.

In his four movies, director Hemanth Rao has introduced a distinctive filmmaking style, marking a positive advancement for the Kannada and Indian cinema industries.

Each of his films garners its own following and critical acclaim, initiating diverse conversations and interpretations.

Recently, I delved into SSE Side A and Side B, carefully studying their sequences and enjoying the music. The more I explore, the greater my appreciation grows for their filmmaking techniques, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring directors and cinematographers.

In my opinion, SSE has the potential to evolve into a future cult favorite. It stands as a compelling case study for movie enthusiasts and individuals aspiring to excel in writing, music composition, cinematography, and acting.

The Universe of SSE

Delve into the universe crafted by Hemanth Rao and his team, where the plot centers on two lovers and their innocence, interwoven with delicate bourgeois conflicts. The story also sheds light on the challenges middle-class individuals face and the pitfalls they might encounter without financial security.

In the quest for a more equitable society to foster peaceful coexistence, acknowledging socio-economic gaps is essential, reflecting the reality of our current system.

The storyline unfolds smoothly until Manu (portrayed by Rakshith Shetty) makes a seemingly irrational decision, sparking a significant shift in both his life and the movie's plot.

Priya (played by Rukmini Vasanth) undeniably leads the way in the initial and subsequent scenes, representing those who have made profound sacrifices due to unforeseen circumstances. Her facial expressions vividly depict a narrative of emotions, struggles, and moments of joy.

Characters in films by Girish Kasaravalli and Baragur Ramachandrappa exhibit similarities, showcasing profound depth and delivering strong social messages. Hemanth Rao has a talent for shaping these characters, especially highlighting Priya's impactful role and performance in something the greatest takeaway in recent times.

Within Hemanth Rao's cinematic world, you will encounter themes of pure love, existentialism, the layer of crony capitalist society, a loyal friend like Prakash (Gopal Deshpande), and pure-hearted individuals like Priya and Surabhi (Chaitra Achar), along with a formidable antagonist, Soma (Ramesh Indira).

In the current film landscape dominated by toxic masculinity and misrepresented feminist portrayals, SSE introduces a fresh perspective on depicting male and female characters, sparking controversy and stimulating engaging discussions that are worth exploring.

Manu's conflicting decisions, from accepting imprisonment in Side A to stalking Priya in Side B, create a complex character portrayal. The unresolved 10-year gap raises curiosity among viewers, prompting questions about the events that unfolded during that period.

To comprehend Manu's actions, a detailed backstory is essential, although currently absent. Nonetheless, Rakshith Shetty's exceptional performance aids in engaging the audience with the narrative. Despite his inherent kindness, Manu's character has been tainted by a decade of lost time. Is he now cold and aloof, or does he retain his former warmth from SIDE A? Initially, his characterization may be perplexing, but as the film progresses, his psyche becomes clearer, offering a satisfying resolution.

The subtle conflict between Manu and Soma is intriguing, with their intentions toward each other shrouded in ambiguity. Soma's world is a blend of personal emotions and desires, yet his demeanor exudes openness and confidence. Exploring Soma's character further would provide valuable insight into his psyche. As a cinema enthusiast, I always appreciate well-developed characters and their intricate interactions. A movie truly shines when it presents finely crafted characters entangled in compelling conflicts.

In the movie, Priya's character shines as the most well-written, followed by Surabhi and then Manu. Although the storyline mainly focuses on these three characters, it's reasonable to overlook the flaws in others.

Priya's husband, portrayed by JP Tuminad as Deepak, embodies a clean and dignified character on screen. His portrayal effectively conveys emotions of pain, happiness, and resilience in the face of life's challenges. His growth, especially after discovering Priya's past, makes his character one of the most well-developed in the movie SSE.

Surabi delivers an outstanding performance, fully immersing herself in the role with flawless expressions that hit the mark effortlessly.

Surabhi's attachment to Manu begins when she stops asking him for money after several encounters. Finding comfort in a supportive companion and a sense of belonging during middle-class challenges leads to her transformation. Initially bringing happiness to Manu as he grapples with remaining single and suppressing his desires, their relationship evolves over time, becoming susceptible to potential tensions and distances.

The initial 30-40 minutes of SSE - 2 stand out as a remarkable portrayal of Sandalwood cinema. Charan Raj's music, Advaitha Gurumurthy's cinematographic skills, and Hemanth Rao's exceptional direction elevate it to the realm of top-tier cinematic experiences. The lodge scene between Manu and Surabhi is a visually stunning masterpiece. Manu's distress evident on his face and the dreamlike sequences involving Priya and Surabi illustrate the inner turmoil Manu experiences.

One of the most remarkable recent love stories includes a high-class stunt in the climax that stands out. The well-staged action choreography witnessed is exceptional, whether it's the climax itself or the clever reference to the last call of the Kauai 'O'o song. Overall, it is a masterfully crafted production by Hemanth Rao and the team that deserves our admiration.

There is an abundance of emotions to convey, just like the artistry of the movie! Let's raise a toast to Hemanth Rao for consistently impressing movie enthusiasts and establishing a fresh benchmark in cinema. Kudos to the entire team!

• - B H A R A T H