Sarkaru Vaari Paata is the type of film that succeeds when Mahesh Babu is allowed to have a lot of fun with his role. It maintains a consistent tone throughout the film, but falters occasionally when it wants to be taken seriously. Parasuram isn’t the kind of filmmaker you’d expect to be sensitive, and it shows in the way he portrays Keerthy Suresh’s character. Here’s a filmmaker who understands his target audience and gives them exactly what they want.

Mahesh Babu plays Mahesh, a young boy who loses his parents when they commit suicide after failing to repay a Rs. 15,000 loan. Many years later, Mahesh has established a loan agency in the United States, and if his debtors do not pay interest on time, he will turn the world upside down. Kalaavathi, played by Keerthy Suresh, is a gambling addict who has borrowed beyond her means. She connives Mahesh into lending her $10,000, but she is eventually discovered. When Mahesh refuses to repay the loan, she threatens him, her father’s role is played by Rajendranath (Samuthirakani), a corrupt and ruthless businessman. Mahesh travels to India to reclaim his money from Rajendranath at any cost, earning Rajendranath’s wrath. When the matter reaches the attention of the media, Mahesh reveals to everyone’s surprise that Rajendranath owes Rs. 10,000 crore to banks. The rest of the film focuses on the truth about the Rs. 10,000 crore loan from banks.

Mahesh Babu’s refreshingly different character is one thing that really helps the film. It was exactly what his fans needed to see him shed his sophisticated image and play a character with an impeccable sense of humour without any inhibitions and nail it. Parasuram does not disappoint with his portrayal of Mahesh’s character. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Keerthy’s character, who is badly written and serves no purpose. One of Telugu cinema’s biggest stars appears in this film, and he says something about stalking a woman being a “boy thing.” If you ignore the heroine’s character, we’re left with a film that ticks all the boxes for a commercial entertainer. Mahesh Babu carries the film on his shoulders alone, and he does an excellent job of anchoring it even during its dullest moments.

Sarkaru Vaari Paata attempts to bring attention to bank loan scams and how the government fails its own citizens by turning a blind eye to those who have borrowed millions of rupees and failed to repay them. The messaging works as long as the story doesn’t get too serious, but it becomes a little tedious to sit through when it starts lecturing the audience. Even during the film’s slightly sluggish second half, Parasuram manages to keep the film largely entertaining.

Sarkaru Vaari Paata is a film.

Parasuram, director

Mahesh Babu, Keerthy Suresh, Samuthirakani, and Vennela Kishore star in the film.

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