SINDHOORAM HD Released

 

Krishna Vamsi’s award-winning film Sindhooram which came out in 1997 with the same title, deals with the intricacies of Naxalism and how the struggle for justice ends up in chaos. Shyam Tummalapalli’s Sindhooram also deals with a similar topic but from a different lens. Set in the early ’00s, the film begins with farmers and workers seeking higher wages for their work which they believe they genuinely deserve. Singanna (Siva Balaji), the Naxal leader in the region, seems to offer the villagers his support in fighting for their cause. Local leaders and police team up against them. A typical conflict is experienced in many agency areas of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The makers did an excellent job of showcasing a realistic representation of rural village life with some attention to detail. The aerial shots of the region, framing of scenes and occasional moody lighting make for a good viewing experience. Cinematographer Kesav and music director Gowra Hari did a commendable job. Despite solid story content, the storytelling could have been better. The younger audience might find connecting with this particular subject from earlier decades hard.

Ravi, who was denied justice, works for Singanna as an informer. Sirisha Reddy, sister of Ishwar Reddy, a local leader, returns to the village as an MRO. Ravi and Sirisha are college mates and have feelings for each other. The film relies on this love angle to narrate the story. Brigida Saga as Sirisha was a revelation, and she portrayed her role with grace and ease. Dharma Mahesh as Ravi was impressive for the most part. The camaraderie between these two was subtle and beautiful. Siva Balaji, as Singanna, did a fine job as a focused and nonchalant leader and dished out some motivational dialogues. Some of the action sequences could have been shot better, and people needn’t die the next second Singanna chokes them with a sickle.

Director Shyam Tummalapalli, with Sindhooram, takes a bold stance in showing the mirror to communism while telling this story inspired by true events. Impressive performances by the cast combined with strong content might make the audience look past the lacuna.