Sarangapani Jathakam Review: A Horoscope of Hilarity with Some Hiccups
Sarkar Rating: 2.25/5 Release Date : April 25, 2025
Cast
Priyadarshi Pulikonda, Roopa Koduvayur, Vennela Kishore, Srinivas Avasarala, Viva Harsha, Naresh and others
Crew
Director : Mohanakrishna Indraganti
Producers : Sivalenka Krishna Prasad
Music Director : Vivek Sagar
Cinematographer : P.G. Vinda
Editor : Marthand K Venkatesh
After the success of Balagam and Cinema Bandi, actor Priyadarshi returns as a lead in Sarangapani Jathakam, directed by Indraganti Mohanakrishna. Promoted as a clean Telugu comedy rooted in humor and tradition, the film finally hit the screens on April 25.
Story:
Sarangapani (Priyadarshi) is a quirky modern-day guy who starts his mornings by checking his daily horoscope—often without even leaving bed. His manager Maithili (Roopa Kodavayur), who has long harbored feelings for him, finally confesses her love, and the two get engaged. But just before the wedding, a dark prediction in Sarangapani’s jathakam (horoscope) reveals a looming misfortune—unless a certain dosha or “ganda” is resolved. In a desperate bid to fix things, Sarangapani ropes in his friend Chandu (Vennela Kishore), leading to a series of comic misadventures. What is this mysterious complication? How far will Sarangapani go to clear his stars? The rest of the film reveals the chaos that ensues.
Performances:
Priyadarshi delivers a grounded performance, excelling in the role of a man torn between superstition and logic. His signature subtle humor and expressive face shine, although his physical comedy feels slightly less polished in comparison.
Roopa Kodavayur brings charm and sincerity to the role of Maithili, embodying the qualities of a traditional Telugu girl with grace. Her presence adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Vennela Kishore, as always, steals the show with his effortless comic timing and clever wordplay. His rhyming punches are particularly memorable. Harsha Chemudu, despite a limited screen time in the second half, delivers a solid dose of laughter.
Srinivas Avasarala’s role was intended as a surprise element, but its impact is underwhelming due to the way it’s structured. A few of his lines do land well, but the twist feels flat. Supporting actors like Naresh, Vadlamani Srinivas, Kalpalatha, and Rupalakshmi deliver decent performances, especially the latter two who add emotional warmth as the mature, understanding women in the story.
Technical Aspects:
Vivek Sagar’s music doesn’t quite create the impact one might expect from his work, though the background score is serviceable. PG Vinda’s cinematography is a visual strength, effectively supporting the tone of the film. The 20-minute green-mat sequence on a terrace in the climax is a standout. Minimalistic art direction, due to extensive shooting in real locations, helps the film stay grounded and budget-friendly.
Analysis:
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s 1887 short story Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, Indraganti adapts the plot to a Telugu milieu with his own stylistic spin. His admiration for the Telugu language is evident throughout, and he continues his tradition of writing witty, double-entendre dialogue that steers clear of vulgarity.
However, his direction leans heavily on a conventional narrative style. While the comedy, especially in the climax, works well, the overall execution occasionally feels a bit dated. A fresher treatment could have enhanced the story’s impact. Still, his writing remains sharp, and his command over situational humor is intact.
Verdict:
Sarangapani Jathakam is a lighthearted entertainer that thrives on clean, situational comedy—a refreshing contrast to the current wave of dark humor and edgy dialogues. While its narrative pacing drags at times and the central conflict overstays its welcome, strong performances (especially by Vennela Kishore and Harsha Chemudu) and a hilarious climax make it a worthwhile watch.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for some feel-good Telugu humor with an old-school touch. Skip it if you’re looking for a fast-paced or innovative narrative.
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