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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
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TELUGU SHIRDI SAI BABA
EDITOR'S PICK
`Shirdi
Sai` breath of fresh air
Rating: ***
The incarnation of Nagarjuna into Shirdi Sai Baba comes as a breath of fresh air
for his fans and Sai devotees alike. Far different from regular cinema with
cliched performance, run-of-the-mill storyline, director K. Raghavendra Rao`s
"Shirdi Sai" takes you on a spiritual journey of self-actualization,
purity and sanctity.
Unlike "Annamayya" and "Sri Ramadasu", Nag`s "Shirdi
Sai" is interestingly narrated basic Sai`s philosophies. Without deviating
much from the known life of Sai Baba, the makers recreate moments to show
exactly what happened in his life and how he attained enlightenment.
The story revolves around an effervescent nameless boy with no kith and kin, who
transforms into loved, worshipped Sai Baba with millions of devotees.
Some portion of the film is imaginatively narrated since there`s no proof to
Sai`s life between age 14 and the day he returned to Shirdi.
The director with his touch of brilliance breathes life into this mysterious
part of Baba`s life and shows how he could`ve possibly been enlightened.
This part was masterly executed and there`s no doubt about it.
Dialogues by Paruchuri Brothers further add a touch of intellect and
spirituality in every word uttered through the film. The lines were not written
to be cheesy or mass-appealing, but strictly with the intention to leave an
impact in the viewers.
The film doesn`t have a storyline per se but the series of anecdotes weaved out
of meaningful ideologies are definitely something to look forward to.
Nag`s performance is not extraordinary but simple and satisfying. He crawls into
the skin of the character and subtly brings forth mannerisms of Sai Baba and
imitates him with perfection.
Sarath Babu, Srikanth, Sai Kumar and Kamalinee Mukherjee play their respective
parts with utmost sincerity. However, Sayaji Shinde-Ali-Ananth trio turn
annoying after a point of time with their slapstick style comedy.
Music by M.M. Keeravani elevates the film to insurmountable heights as each and
every song aptly suits the context of the film.
Needless to say, voices of Keeravani, S.P. Balasubramanyam and Sunitha take you
on a delightful musical journey.
At the end of the film you need to ask yourself one question - Will you go home
and worship different gods by different names or will you stand by the line
"Sabka Malik Ek Hai"?
Shirdi Sai Press Meet Stills