The protagonist, with a past, has to cross paths with the underworld if he has to save his daughter from a health crisis and time is running out.
Saindhav is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by Sailesh Kolanu and produced by Venkat Boyanapalli, under Niharika Entertainment.[4] It stars Venkatesh Daggubati in the lead role alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Arya, Shraddha Srinath, Ruhani Sharma, Andrea Jeremiah and Baby Sara in pivotal roles.
Saindhav was released in theatres worldwide on 13 January 2024, coinciding with Makar Sankranti to mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with most critics criticizing Sailesh’s direction, writing, action sequences, soundtrack, and emotions. As a result, the film was a major disappointment at the box office.
Premise:
In the gritty and dystopian port city of Chandraprastha, a man named Saindhav Koneru, known by the alias “SaiKo,” is living a seemingly ordinary life with his daughter Gayathri and caretaker Manogna. However, their tranquil existence is shattered when Gayathri is diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a debilitating condition that requires a life-saving injection of Zolgensma, priced at an exorbitant ₹17 crores.
Facing a desperate situation and unable to afford the treatment through legal means, SaiKo is compelled to revisit his dark and criminal past. In a bid to secure the necessary funds for Gayathri’s operation, he plunges back into the dangerous underworld of Chandraprastha, a place he thought he had left behind.
As SaiKo delves deeper into the criminal underbelly, he encounters old rivals, including the ruthless gangster Vikas Malik. The quest for money becomes an intense battle against not only external adversaries but also the shadows of his own past. Each step brings him closer to the brink of darkness, forcing him to confront the demons he thought he had buried.
The narrative unfolds with tension, as SaiKo navigates a treacherous path, facing moral dilemmas and betrayals from unexpected quarters. Amidst the chaos and danger, the emotional connection between SaiKo, Gayathri, and Manogna becomes the anchor that keeps him grounded.
As the story reaches its climax, the question looms: Will SaiKo succeed in saving his daughter? The odds are stacked against him, and the battle against powerful enemies seems insurmountable. The journey is fraught with sacrifices, unexpected alliances, and heart-wrenching decisions.
In the final confrontation with Vikas Malik and other adversaries, the stakes are at their highest. Lives are on the line, and the choices SaiKo makes will determine not only Gayathri’s fate but also the legacy he leaves behind. The resolution of this gripping tale is marked by a twist that leaves readers on the edge of their seats.
Ultimately, the story raises profound questions about the lengths a parent is willing to go to save their child, the consequences of one’s past actions, and the price of redemption in a world where survival often requires compromise. In the end, sacrifices are made, and not everyone emerges unscathed. The tale of Saindhav Koneru alias SaiKo is a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
Cast:
The cast you’ve selected for the characters in the dystopian tale adds depth and versatility to the narrative. Here’s how these talented actors might bring the characters to life:
- Venkatesh Daggubati as Saindhav Koneru “SaiKO”:
- Venkatesh brings a perfect blend of intensity and emotional depth to portray SaiKo. His powerful screen presence will capture the complexities of a character torn between his past and the desperate need to save his daughter.
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Vikas Malik:
- Nawazuddin’s ability to portray menacing characters with nuance makes him an ideal fit for the ruthless gangster Vikas Malik. His performance will add layers to the antagonist, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.
- Arya as Manas:
- Arya’s charisma and versatility make him well-suited for the role of Manas, a character who could be a pivotal ally or a potential obstacle in SaiKo’s journey. His on-screen chemistry with Venkatesh would contribute to the dynamics of the storyline.
- Shraddha Srinath as Manogya:
- Shraddha’s emotive acting style and grace make her a great fit for the role of Manogya, SaiKo’s caretaker. She would bring a mix of strength and vulnerability to a character navigating the challenges of a tumultuous world.
- Ruhani Sharma as Dr. Renu:
- Ruhani’s on-screen presence would lend authenticity to the character of Dr. Renu, the medical professional involved in Gayathri’s treatment. Her performance would add a touch of compassion and professionalism to the narrative.
- Andrea Jeremiah as Jasmine:
- Andrea’s versatility and screen presence make her a suitable choice for the character of Jasmine. Her portrayal could add depth to the relationships and conflicts within the story.
- Jisshu Sengupta as Michael:
- Jisshu’s acting prowess can bring depth to the character of Michael, potentially portraying him as a mysterious figure with his own agenda. His presence would add intrigue to the unfolding drama.
- Mukesh Rishi as Mithra:
- Mukesh Rishi’s commanding presence makes him an excellent choice for the role of Mithra, possibly a formidable adversary or ally in SaiKo’s journey. His portrayal would contribute to the intensity of the confrontations.
- Jayaprakash as Murthy:
- Jayaprakash’s seasoned acting would bring authenticity to the character of Murthy, potentially a mentor or guide to SaiKo. His performance would provide depth to the relationships in the narrative.
With this talented ensemble cast, the characters in the dystopian tale would come to life, enhancing the emotional resonance and suspense of the storyline.
Production:
On 23 January 2023, Venkatesh and Sailesh Kolanu announced that they would be collaborating for a new film tentatively titled #Venky75. The makers then on 25 January announced the film titled Saindhav by unveiling the title poster and also a glimpse of it.[4] The team then on Ugadi confirmed the release date which is 22 December 2023. The film then immediately began production with the first schedule taking place in Hyderabad which was soon wrapped up. Then in April, the team shifted to Visakhapatnam for the second schedule of the film.
Release:
The film was released on 13 January 2024, coinciding with the Sankranti festival along with dubbed versions in Hindi and Tamil languages.
| Title | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Sailesh Kolanu |
| Written by | Sailesh Kolanu |
| Produced by | Venkat Boyanapalli |
| Starring | Venkatesh Daggubati |
| Nawazuddin Siddiqui | |
| Arya | |
| Shraddha Srinath | |
| Ruhani Sharma | |
| Andrea Jeremiah | |
| Cinematography | S. Manikandan |
| Edited by | Garry BH |
| Music by | Santhosh Narayanan |
| Production company | Niharika Entertainment |
| Release date | 13 January 2024 |
| Running time | 138 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Budget | ₹75 crore[2] |
| Box office | ₹19.48 crore[3] |
This table provides a concise overview of key details about the movie, including the director, cast, crew, release date, running time, country of origin, language, budget, and box office earnings.
