Ram Gopal Varma's latest film ‘Saaree’ hit theatres today, bringing with it a concept that had potential but faltered in execution.
The storyline follows a very linear and predictable path, with minimal surprises or emotional depth to keep audiences fully engaged.
Rather than evolving the narrative, the film feels like a direct translation of an idea onto the screen — missing the layers and tension that usually make a thriller work.
Varma, known for his bold storytelling, seems to have leaned too heavily on shock value this time, instead of focusing on character development or meaningful engagement.
The idea has merit but, the making, pacing, and narrative structure are tiresome.
Had the film shown more effort in connecting with the engagement quotient of today's audience, it might have landed more effectively.
Debut director Giri Kamal appears to have faithfully delivered on Varma’s vision, though one wishes there had been room for a fresher perspective.
The film’s portrayal of its lead actress and the reliance on sensational visuals may not have resonated with viewers, especially those looking for substance and sensitivity.
Theatres reported negligible footfalls, and even in Tamil Nadu — where the film also released in Tamil — public response reflected mixed reactions.
One viewer summed it up saying, “The title is Saree, but the actress is unnecessarily exposed — totally irrelevant to the story.”
Overall, Saaree had an interesting premise that could have been developed into a gripping social commentary.
While the intention may have been to provoke thought, the execution left many in the audience hoping for more depth and restraint.
