A Progressive Tale of Acceptance in Indian Cinema with Slight Uneven Execution
Sarkar Rating: 2.75/5 Release Date: July 12, 2024
Cast:
Raja Raveender, Ramachandravarapu, Mohit Pedada, Neela Priya Devulapalli, Kadambari Kiran, Madhu Latha, LV Prasad CH, Shivakumar Yashaswini Srinivas, Shrikanth Krishnaswamy, Mohi Shm and Moin Mohammad.
Crew:
Producer : Umadevi & Sarat Chandra Challapalli
Executive Producer: Arunachala Mahesh
DOP: Sidharth Swayamboo
Director : Padmarao Abbisetti (Pandu)
Music Director : M. Ebenezer Paul
Audio On Aditya Music.
Heartwarming Story of Familial Love and Acceptance
Sarangadariya is a groundbreaking film in Indian cinema that explores the progressive and peaceful outcomes of accepting everyone in the family equally.
Sarangadariya tackles a sensitive and often-ignored topic – a family coming to terms with a transgender child. Director Padmarao Abbisetti deserves credit for choosing this impactful subject and portraying the emotional turmoil of both the transgender individual and their family with genuine sensitivity. The film’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of familial love and the struggle for acceptance. The complex emotions of the family, particularly the parents’ initial confusion and eventual support, are captured effectively, allowing viewers to connect with their characters’ journeys.
The film tells the story of a family with three children, each dealing with significant social issues. The father, played by Raja Raveendar, a liberal and mature teacher, is the heart of the family. He teaches that failure or being considered a black sheep is not the end of the world. His journey from initial shock to understanding and supporting his children is both touching and inspiring. The way he explains and expresses himself alters everyone’s life into a happy path is just admirable. One could only wish a father like him to lead a happy life. Raja Raveendar, often typecast as negative roles, surprised Telugu audiences with the role he chose in Sarangadariya.
Characters Facing Real-World Issues
The children, played by Moin Mohammad, Mohit Pedada, and Yashaswini Srinivas, deliver powerful performances. Each character faces challenges such as intercaste marriage, love failure, inter-religious relationships, and the often-taboo subject of being transgender. Yashaswini Srinivas, stands out in her role as Anupama. Yashaswini Srinivas played this role with utmost dedication. It’s clear how the director chose her as Anupama. No movie has portrayed the beauty of femininity that Sarangadariya did. It feels like the director wants to convey to us it’s about how one feels about themselves rather than what they are identified with after birth. He brought to the screen that it’s all about what the heart wants and does that gives you the identity and not the society or social norms attributed to you. The same message from Moin’s character, he identifies himself with the same notion of what he does and not where he is born into.
Moin Mohammad and Mohit Pedada played characters which are almost never seen in the real world. They bring depth to their characters. Moin’s character stands out with a mix of self-assured confidence and darker, more complex moments. The nuances and maturity he brings to his role showcases his potential. There are scenes which directly resonates with audience who dealt with those and he absolutely brought those live on screen. Both brothers’ performances, grounded in their background in YouTube and short films, add authenticity to the film, the passion they have for cinema is clearly visible on screen. Director used these two characters Arjun and Sai to hold a mirror to the everlasting inter-caste and inter-religion love stories. Every dialogue resonates with every sufferer of these issues in real life. And to add as a pleasure, the director took the creative liberty to question each societal barrier that divides everyone. Every character in this movie is a hero with resounding strong principles.
Most amazing, the standout aspect and the teaching point of the movie is how effortlessly every immediate family member accept their transgender sister as an equal member.The way the father, the brothers and mother support when everyone else suggests they discard her somewhere, father declares, “She is my blood; if there is any fault, it lies with me. She is not at fault. She will stay with us,” and the brother’s support, “There is no rule that only human beings should live on this earth,” emphasize the film’s progressive vision. This depiction contrasts sharply with the real-world experiences of many in the transgender community, as noted by a transgender attendee at the premiere who said, “This never happens outside. We are always disowned by our families.”
The film also features compelling performances from Neela Priya as the mother and Shivakumar Ramachandravarapu as Raj. Although it is often said that a mother’s love knows no bounds, there are times when she may struggle with changes or challenges faced by one of her children. Some mothers may encourage their children to conform to societal norms in order to lead what they believe is a normal and happy life. However, Lakshmi played by Neela Priya, an ideal mother embraces each child’s individuality, accepting their differences and dark spaces equally, and offers unwavering support. Shivakumar Ramachandravarapu as Raj who loves Anupama unconditionally.
These characters add layers to the narrative, showcasing different aspects of love and acceptance. One transgender attendee, Sweety, remarked, “Yes, we do get such honest proposals from men, but parents will never support the relationship. Many have taken their own lives in this turmoil,” highlighting the film’s critical commentary on societal attitudes. Even in Raj’s character, the director took the liberty to extend how he turned from unconditional lover to a threat to a reformed person. It is commendable how the director addresses a wide range of societal issues within one family, from catcalling and love-obsession to accepting differences.
However, Sarangadariya falters in its execution. The overall narrative is uneven at times. While Siddharth Swayambhu’s cinematography is decent and aims for realism, it doesn’t elevate the film significantly.They should have hired a real-life transgender to play the role which empowers the community.
Sarangadariya is more than just a movie; it’s a call for a more inclusive and accepting society. It challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions and embrace a broader understanding of identity and love. The film’s portrayal of a supportive and accepting family offers a hopeful vision of what could be possible with more compassion and open-mindedness.
Read Also: Naveen Chandra Graces Pre-Release Event of Sarangadariya, Calls it a Film for Every Household