SR Kalyanamandapam Review - Story

Dharma (Sai Kumar) inherits SR Kalyanamandapam, a marriage hall in Rayachoti, Kadapa. However, he wastes away the financial resources pooled in by his family. This results in a strained relationship with his son (Kiran), an energetic young lad. What is the story behind SR Kalyanamandapam? Can Dharma mend his ways and win back the love of his son, and also those around him?

SR Kalyanamandapam Review - Analysis

SR Kalyanamandapam is set in a rural backdrop. The actors use the Rayalaseema dialect and their mannerisms are authentic. Those residing in rural areas can relate to the lead characters in the film. Sai Kumar as Dharma, an aging alcoholic who ruins the wealth of his family comes up with a compelling portrayal. He carries his role with great finesse. Kiran Abbavarmam, as a carefree youth is good. He does particularly well in youthful scenes. Priyanka Jawalkar is seen in a very typical and cliched role.

The main problem with SR Kalyanamandapam is that it tries a bit too hard to attain the coveted ‘mass’ image. Consequently, the elevation scenes which are intended to bring the film a commercial appeal look forced and they lack purposefulness. The protagonist elevation sequences have no real intent and are just forced into the narrative for the sake of it. The emotional track between the father-son duo is potent, but sadly, it is the only mention-worthy positive aspect of the film. Both Sai Kumar and Kiran deliver fine performances in their respective roles. But what precedes and succeeds this emotional track is rather bland and uneventful. The love track between the lead pair is not engaging enough. The songs are good. Especially, Choosale Kallara is pleasing to the ear. The background score is decent. The visual presentation is very good. The rustic locales of the rural countryside are captured very well. The director Sridhar Gade should have stuck to the entertainment approach as it could have worked in the film’s favor. In his pursuit of mass appeal, the originality goes for a toss.

SR Kalyanamandapam Review - Verdict

SR Kalyanamandapam has an arguably breezy opening half, thanks to slapstick comedy that serves the purpose to an extent. But things don’t go quite smoothly in the penultimate second half. Father-son emotional scenes are good but unnecessary elevation scenes and heroism blocks look fabricated. The film ends up as a subpar action drama that is a tad too inconsistent to make for a compelling watch.