Nagarjuna Starrer Naa Saami Ranga Receives Decent Response as Sankranti Entertainer

Naa Saami Ranga, the latest Telugu film starring Nagarjuna in the lead, has managed to stand out among the other Sankranthi releases. Directed by choreographer-turned-director Vijay Binni, the film is an adaptation of the 2019 Malayalam movie Porinju Mariam Jose. With a star-studded ensemble cast including Ashika Ranganath, Allari Naresh, Mirnaa Menon, Raj Tarun, and Ruhani Sharma, the film has become a tailor-made treat for the festive season of Sankranthi.

The story is set in the year 1988 and revolves around the deep bond shared by Kishtaiyah and Anji, played by Nagarjuna and Allari Naresh respectively. They are fiercely loyal to Peddayya, the village head played by Nassar, who had helped them in their childhood. Their lives take a drastic turn when they are assigned the task of protecting Bhaskar, portrayed by Raj Tarun, from the goons due to his love affair with Kumari, played by Ruksha. The film captures the essence of the Bhogi and Sankranthi festivals, with magnificent sets that enhance the festive spirit. Dasaradhi Sivendra’s cinematography and Bijibal’s music further add to the immersive experience.

While Naa Saami Ranga may not leave a lasting impression, it undeniably succeeds in entertaining the audience throughout its runtime. The film incorporates the native ritual of prabhala teertham from Konaseema, contributing to the authenticity of the narrative. The talented cast effortlessly embraces their roles, and director Vijay Binni even joins in with the cast to shake a leg in the title song, adding a fun element to the film. In an ensemble cast with multiple plot points, Ashika Ranganath’s character Varalakshmi emerges as the scene-stealer. With her captivating presence, she delivers a remarkable performance, portraying a character driven by tragedy and her affection for Nagarjuna’s character.

Another standout performance comes from Shabeer Kallarakkal, who portrays the psychotic son Das of Peddayya. However, Naa Saami Ranga shares some of the flaws from its source material, Porinju Mariam Jose. The film relies heavily on the audience’s emotional investment in the diverse range of characters. While Bhaskar and Kumari play central roles, they are primarily catalysts for the story’s progression. Anji and his wife Manga, portrayed by Mirnaa Menon, lack sufficient character development to evoke a strong emotional response from the viewers. Nevertheless, director Vijay Binni expertly balances the film’s flaws by delivering some exhilarating moments that fans of Nagarjuna will relish. The old-fashioned, yet endearing romance between Nagarjuna and Ashika Ranganath’s characters will undoubtedly leave a mark on the audience.

Naa Saami Ranga is an uncomplicated rural drama that presents itself as a decent choice for the Sankranthi season. Although it may not be flawless, the film manages to captivate its audience with its commercial elements and heartfelt moments. With its celebration of tradition and strong performances, Naa Saami Ranga is a worthy watch this festive season.