Mohanakrishna Indraganti returns to the big screen with Sarangapani Jathakam, a comedy drama that brings together an ensemble cast led by Priyadarshi Pulikonda and Roopa Koduvayur. Produced by Sivalenka Krishna Prasad, this film marks another entry in Indraganti’s lineup of films that fuse everyday settings with eccentric situations. Known for his flair in blending clever writing with classic comic timing, Indraganti sets the stage here for a premise that’s as absurd as it is intriguing.
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The story revolves around Sarangapani (Priyadarshi), a good-natured car salesman who seems to have his life in perfect order. He’s in love with his boss, Mythili (Roopa Koduvayur), and to their delight, both families have given their wholehearted approval for the wedding. Just when everything seems to be going smoothly, a renowned astrologer makes a chilling prediction—Sarangapani is destined to commit murder in his lifetime.
Deeply superstitious and an unwavering believer in astrology, Sarangapani is shaken. His solution? To kill a random person and “get it over with,” hoping to outsmart destiny. What unfolds next is a series of increasingly chaotic and morally bewildering events, as Sarangapani struggles with the absurdity of his own plan.
Much like Indraganti’s earlier crowd-pleasers Ashta Chamma and Ami Thumi, Sarangapani Jathakam wears its screwball comedy badge proudly from start to finish. It’s packed with clean, laugh-out-loud moments that never veer into vulgarity or cheap humour. The comedic tone is sustained with remarkable consistency, owing largely to the way the characters are written—they’re quirky, yet grounded, each one adding a unique layer to the mayhem.
Furthermore, the film thrives on ensemble energy, with classic Indraganti-style family chaos playing out in multiple frames—actors panicking, talking over each other, reacting with exaggerated urgency. It’s that brand of controlled chaos and zany interactions that makes the comedy tick, and the veteran filmmaker proves once again that he knows how to orchestrate it all with a deft hand.
Beyond its comedic strengths, Sarangapani Jathakam also delivers a storyline (inspired by Oscar Wilde’s ‘Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories’) that is both engaging and entertaining. While the premise itself is delightfully absurd, it’s handled with enough conviction to keep the audience invested. The script takes its time building out the central conflict and the bizarre ways Sarangapani tries to navigate his supposed fate. It’s this blend of silliness, sincerity and social satire that keeps things ticking, even when the story takes wild turns.
Performance-wise, the film lives up to its promise of showcasing an all-Telugu star cast, and the actors deliver in full force. Priyadarshi leads the charge with a performance that’s equal parts earnest and hilarious—his comic timing and ability to carry an entire film on his shoulders is commendable. Roopa Koduvayur brings both charm and presence to her role as Mythili, while ‘Vennela’ Kishore and Harsha Chemudu are scene-stealers, injecting bursts of energy every time they appear and the ensemble works beautifully together.
On the technical front, the music and background score serve their purpose, with the peppy opening number “Sarango Sarango” being a definite earworm. The standout, however, is the film’s vibrant production design. Raveendar’s sets are a visual treat—bursting with colour and character, they create an atmosphere that feels cheerful and slightly heightened, perfectly matching the film’s quirky tone. From costumes to interiors, every frame feels meticulously styled to reflect the film’s upbeat, feel-good nature.
That said, the movie does stumble a bit in the second half. While the first half races along with crackling energy, the central conceit—Sarangapani’s attempt to escape fate—starts to feel stretched as the film progresses. The pacing falters, and there are moments where you might find yourself mentally urging the film to “get to the point.” Thankfully, the climax reorients the narrative and brings the chaos to a satisfying close.
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In conclusion, Sarangapani Jathakam is a joyful, well-crafted comedy that plays to Mohanakrishna Indraganti’s strengths. With a bizarrely fun plot, multiple pop-culture references, strong performances, and a commitment to clean, chaotic humour, it’s a film that celebrates the absurdity of belief without mocking it. While the second half could have been tighter, the film still leaves you with a smile—and sometimes, that’s more than enough.
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