“Would the movie unfold in the same way without Manu aka Rakshit Shetty‘s character?” was the one question that lingered throughout the film. Exploring the depths of one’s commitment to their loved ones is a timeless question and in the current generation, brevity is often expected in responses. However, Hemanth Rao, the director, seems to stretch the boundaries with a superficial interpretation of love and an abundance of ‘I can die for love’ clichés in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side B.
Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, translating to somewhere beyond the seven seas, takes us into the love story of Manu and Priya. Their undying love is marked by dreams of creating a family together and moving beyond the confines of their current lives. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn in Side A, as Manu’s choices land him behind bars, leaving Priya waiting for his return.
Fast forward 10 years, and Manu is finally out of jail, holding onto a worn-out cassette tape as a precious keepsake from his past. As he tries to start over, he meets Surabhi, a sex worker. Hoping to find traces of his lost love Priya in Surabhi, he discovers they’re quite different. Before leaving the city to fulfill a plan he made with Priya near the sea, Manu just wants one last look at Priya to make sure she’s happy.
In the midst of the chaotic search, Manu eventually locates Priya. However, upon observing her life, he discovers that it has taken a turn for the worse. Now committed to bringing joy back into her life, Manu’s sole mission becomes ensuring a trouble-free existence for Priya, her husband, and their son. From offering her husband a fresh start to moving them into the dream house she always longed for, Manu goes above and beyond. But, as the saying goes, everything comes at a cost.
The movie is set in a post-COVID world where numerous business owners, including Priya’s husband Deepak, grapple with huge losses. Considering the broader context of societal challenges, one can’t help but ponder: would Priya and her husband’s lives have taken a positive turn without Manu’s intervention?
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Manu’s incessant stalking of Priya day and night comes across as problematic, especially in a film featuring Rakshit Shetty, where such behaviours are unexpected. After the interval, the plot feels dragged and somewhat predictable, leading to an anticipated gruesome murder. What began as a beautiful love story takes an unexpected turn in the climax, veering into the zone of massy movies where the hero confronts an army of a hundred. It seems a bit overdone, but undoubtedly, the entire sequence is a treat for Rakshit Shetty’s fans.
In a nutshell, Manu emerges as the not-so-shining knight, stepping out of prison to clandestinely safeguard his loved one’s life. The film provides the closure we crave, perhaps with a few tears, but ultimately, it’s a Rakshit Shetty show. Chaitra J Achar’s portrayal of a sex worker brings a bold new dimension to the narrative, and her scenes are a treat to watch. Her character is refreshing, relying on expressions to convey the story. While Rukmini Vasanth as Priya feels a bit subdued this time, her charm still carries the movie.
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B movie director: Hemanth Rao
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B movie cast: Rakshit Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Chaitra Achar
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B movie rating: 3 stars
