In Hemanth M Rao’s film, the protagonist takes a morally ambiguous journey, and while the screenplay may have its conveniences, the remarkable performances by Rakshit, Chaithra J Achar, and Rukmini Vasanth manage to steal the spotlight.
In Hemanth M Rao’s ‘Sapta Sagaradaache Ello (Side A),’ Manu (portrayed by Rakshit Shetty) and Priya (Rukmini Vasanth) shared an inseparable bond. The second installment of this two-part relationship drama, ‘Sapta Sagaradaache Ello (Side B),’ continues to center around them, albeit with the narrative unfolding through Manu’s perspective. Despite Priya’s presence invoking sympathy, her reaction to fate differs from what we witnessed in SSE (Side A).
Unveiling Darkness: ‘Sapta Sagaradaache Ello(Side B) Justified Tone
Establishing the Atmosphere: Embracing the Dark Narrative
The deliberate choice of a dark tone in ‘Sapta Sagaradaache Ello’ sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the shadows of human emotions. As viewers navigate through a plot offering minimal surprises, the film’s evocative tone prepares them for the impending doom that looms over the characters.
A Decade of Captivity: Manu’s Liberation and Enslavement
Post-Prison Struggles: Manu’s Journey Beyond Bars
Ten years after Manu’s impulsive decision incarcerated him and terminated his bond with Priya, his release brings no respite. Instead, Manu finds himself confined to a home that mirrors a prison, both in its cramped quarters and the absence of light. His soul remains enslaved by relentless thoughts of Priya.
Surabhi’s Mirage: The Complexities of Desire
Drawn to Illusions: Manu’s Fascination with Surabhi
In the labyrinth of emotions, Manu discovers a peculiar connection with Surabhi, a sex worker whose appearance echoes that of Priya. Despite the outward disparities between Surabhi and Priya, Manu is drawn to the illusion, exploring a complex realm where reality and desire intertwine.
Narrative Intricacies: Hemanth’s Artistic Tightrope Walk
Juggling Realities: Manu’s Choices and Hemanth’s Direction
Hemanth, in a daring move, shifts away from conventional storytelling, adopting a back-and-forth narration style that plays with viewers’ emotions. The plot intensifies as Manu, through conversations with Priya’s brother and meetings with her husband Deepak, learns about Priya’s life. Hemanth invites the audience to question whether the story can progress without portraying Priya’s husband as incompetent and contemplates the natural evolution of Manu’s life with Surabhi, offering a nuanced response.
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Depth Amidst Plainness: The Vulnerable Side of Tragedy
Subverting Tropes: Vulnerability in Characters
While the overarching story remains somewhat plain, Hemanth injects depth by subverting traditional tropes of a tragic love story. The dialogues, characterized by delightful abruptness and a touch of sarcasm, elevate the narrative, providing a cinematic experience reminiscent of watching a Mani Ratnam film.
The execution, a trademark of Hemanth’s films, transcends any limitations in the writing. Advaitha’s cinematography immerses itself in Bengaluru’s underbelly, reflecting the consequences of Manu’s hasty decision. The harsh color tones and dingy locations underscore the irreversible journey of Manu’s life.
If Charan Raj evoked sadness in ‘SSE (Side A),’ his score in ‘SSE Side B’ maintains tension, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. This sequel becomes Hemanth’s deep dive into Manu’s character, showcasing the lengths Manu goes to fulfill his desires.
Manu, flawed and morally questionable, becomes a canvas for Hemanth’s exploration of complex human traits. The film avoids glorifying Manu’s actions, portraying his flaws without romanticizing them. The cinematic lens focuses on Manu’s eyes, emphasizing his despair rather than indulging in the self-destructive nature of his choices.
One yearns for a deeper exploration of Priya’s psyche beyond her mundane life. The film misses an opportunity to unravel whether she clings to memories of Manu. The Surabhi-Manu relationship, portrayed with depth by Chaithra in a brilliantly playful green, deserves more room to blossom.
In a supporting role, Ramesh Indira’s villainous act and Gopalakrishna Deshpande’s performance shine despite the lack of inventiveness in their characters. However, it’s Rakshit Shetty who steals the spotlight with a career-best performance, embodying Manu’s decade-old pain with a beefed-up persona, scarred face, and gloomy eyes.
‘SSE (Side B),’ much like its predecessor, transcends the outcome, focusing on the emotional journey. While the result holds a strong inevitability, the lasting impact lies in the connection forged with the characters throughout their poignant journey, making it a love story that resonates long after the credits roll.