Sathyam Sundaram Review

Magical realism is far more difficult to achieve than commercial success. And the few films that achieve that may be temporarily overshadowed by big box-office hits like Devara, by getting almost one-twentieth of the screens. But magical realism transcends time - audiences will eventually discover the gems and elevate them to the hall of fame. That was the case with Anand, Sholay, Agneepath and Iruvar, and perhaps the same fate awaits Sathyam Sundaram.

Sathyam (Arvind Swamy) returns to his hometown after two decades to attend a wedding, where he meets a relative (Karthi) who embodies pure happiness and innocence. This relative holds Sathyam in high regard and goes out of his way to ensure Sathyam's comfort, though Sathyam struggles to recall who he (Karthi) really is.

In essence, that's the premise of the three-hour-long film Sathyam Sundaram. But as a viewer, you will wish it had lasted even longer. There are no conflicts or twists, forget about action sequences, item numbers and visual spectacle. However, you will be so invested in the movie that you would never want it to end in the first place. There lies the magic of the screenplay and direction of C Prem Kumar.

You can order your favourite dish from Zomato or Swiggy - a 15-minute task. Or you can pack your cooking gear, head to a distant organic farm, immerse yourself in nature, pick fresh produce, cook your meal and savour it - a 10-hour experience. If the former feeds your body, the latter nourishes your soul. This movie is the latter. It is a slow burner, delves into minute details, and glows with simplicity, honesty and innocence until the very end, where a surprising twist awaits to stun you. The creators have executed it beautifully. Not much happens, yet you relish every moment.

In an era where filmmakers chase superlatives - over-the-top action, special effects, extravagant sets and exotic locations - Prem Kumar chooses to ignore all of that. Instead, he focuses on authentic expressions, genuine conversations, and real, relatable characters. He captures the subtle emotions that we often overlook in everyday life, and does a meticulous job of finding meaning in the mundane - things we usually ignore. A conversation between a passenger and a conductor, random events at a wedding, small talk at the dinner table, or even a simple stroll down the street, might look mundane. But the movie makes them so palatable that you'll relish. Prem Kumar did exactly the same in his movie 96, though not with this much attention to detail.

Just two actors, Karthi and Arvind Swamy, dominate 90% of the screen time, yet they never bore you. They portray contrasting characters, and you'll love them both equally. Karthi exudes innocence throughout, playing an extroverted, carefree character, while Swamy navigates a range of emotions. Swamy must constantly "behave" and remains deeply introverted. At times, he pretends to be happy; at others, he has to be assertive, even though he's clueless. Their on-screen presence feels completely effortless.

The background score and music by Govind Vasantha are superbly executed, perfectly complementing the emotional roller coaster of the film. For much of the movie, there's no traditional background score; instead, it captures the natural sounds from the real shooting locations. The music kicks in during moments of emotional intensity. Among the songs, Evaru stands out, not just for its lyrics but for its poetry. You'll enjoy listening to it as much as you'll enjoy reading it.

One of the film's technical achievements is its seamless adaptation from Tamil (Meiyazhagan) to Telugu. The attention to detail - from language, locations, signboards and banners, to even the rolling credits - is impeccable. Only true movie buffs will recognize that it's an adaptation from Tamil; it feels like an authentic Telugu film.

Another technical achievement, or lack thereof - depending on how you see it - is that the movie neither used studio lighting during the shoot nor underwent colour correction in post-production. I'm unsure if this was intentional or an oversight, but surprisingly, it works in favour of the film. Again, only discerning viewers will notice this technical choice. As for the makeup, it appears the cast wore as much makeup as a typical office worker might for a 9-to-5 job. Whether this was intentional or not, I can't say for sure.

Overall, Sathyam Sundaram is a heartfelt drama about self-realization and human relationships. It's a must-watch for those seeking something laid-back, reflective and genuine.