Dasara Movie Review: Nani Excels In The 'Rawww & Rustic' Fight For Friendship!

Cast: Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Samuthirakani, Dheekshith Shetty, Sai Kumar, Shine Tom Chacko
Director: Srikanth Odela
Runtime: 156 minutes

Story:

Dharani is a wayward youth who steals coal along with his friends Suri (Dheekshit Shetty) and the gang in the village of Veerlapally. The village's conflict is woven around the infamous 'Silk Bar' which is controlled by the Sarpanch. Vennela is the village's Anganwadi teacher, who is in love with Suri. Elections for the Village's (read bar's) sarpanch change the lives of Dharani, Suri, and Vennela forever, and how!

Performances:

Nani, who has come out of his cushioning zone has experimented by attempting the role of Dharani in Dasara. From the rugged and rustic coloured make-over to his body language, the look, the intensity, and the diction of the Telangana dialect, Nani nailed the A-Z of the character and gave it his all. As expected and assured through the film's trailer, posters, and publicity material, Nani turned on his unprecedented mode for Srikanth Odela's debut film.

Keerthy Suresh aptly complimented Dharani by bringing life into the role of Vennela. However, there is a twist that one doesn't expect not just in terms of the romantic angle but the character arc of Dharani. Keerthy's performance in one particular scene will melt your heart.

Dheekshith Shetty is exceptional and steals the show throughout the first half of the movie. He demands attention on the screen and has an impactful screen presence.

Above all, for the conviction of debut director Srikanth Odela made a mass impact on the viewers, Dasara stands out.

Unlike what was showcased about Dharani, the movie throws a surprise. Dharani is a coward and fears the dark. Dharani, who wants to avenge the death of Suri and his friends, goes on a rampage.

The rest of the actors like Samuthirakani, and Sai Kumar among others have aptly justified their characters. Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko appeared in the key role of China Nambi in Dasara, which he plays quite effortlessly.

Nani transforms himself in the movie from the first half to the second half. He showcases his bluntness as well as his courageous side when he does the unexpected. Nani's portrayal of Dharani during the climax action sequences is great and the movie ends on a positive note, seamlessly.

Technicalities:

Santhosh Narayanan's tunes have already topped the music charts after the tracks like 'Ori Vaari', 'Chamkeela Angeelesi,' and 'Dhoom Dham' were released on YouTube. The music composer, who earlier produced great albums made his debut in Tollywood as a musician with Dasara. His background score for the film complimenting the theme and narration of the story. It is contrasting and impressive.

Sathyan Sooryan's cinematography takes us back in time to the backdrop where Dasara was set. His visuals add the impact that this emotional drama needs to connect to the viewers.

What's Good:

Performances of the lead actors
Music and Background score
Dheekshit Shetty
Cinematography

What's Not-so-good:

Predictable Story
A bit of too much drama
Drag in second-half

Verdict: Dasara springs a surprise for Nani as he succeeds in a full-on action role, which he never played before.

Dasara is a movie to watch on the screen for Nani and his performance. Dheekshith Shetty, Keerthy Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko, and especially Srikanth Odela put out a great weekend watch. Dasara is a compelling emotional drama with an action background.