Dasara (film)

Dasara (transl. Vijayadasami) is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language period action drama film written and directed by debutant Srikanth Odela. It stars an ensemble cast of Nani, Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani, Sai Kumar and Poorna. The film is set in the backdrop of Singareni coal mines near Godavarikhani of Telangana.

Dasara
Promotional poster
Directed bySrikanth Odela
Written by
  • Srikanth Odela
  • Jella Srinath
  • Arjuna Paturi
  • Vamsi Krishna P.
Produced bySudhakar Cherukuri
Starring
CinematographySathyan Sooryan
Edited byNaveen Nooli
Music bySanthosh Narayanan
Production
company
Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas
Release date
  • 30 March 2023 (2023-03-30)[1]
Running time
156 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹65 crore[2]
Box officeest. ₹135 crore[3]

The film was announced in October 2021. Principal photography commenced in March 2022 and ended in January 2023. Santhosh Narayanan composed the soundtrack and background score.

Dasara was released on 30 March 2023, whence it received mixed- positive reviews and ended up being commercially successful, grossing 135 crores on a budget of 65 crores.

Plot

In 2009, Dharani is a young ruffian, who steals coal for a living and lives with his grandmother in Veerlapally. Alcohol is a way of life for the village of Veerlapally, and for Dharani. He spends most of his time with his best friends Siddham "Suri" Suryam and Vennela. Dharani loves Vennela since their childhood, but in childhood itself, when he learns that Suri also loves Vennela, sacrifices his love and decide to unite Suri and Vennela. later learns that Vennela loves Suri. However, their relationship is objected by Vennela's mother, Ramanamma, due to Suri's involvement in stealing coal. Dharani speaks with her for Suri and arranges the marriage.

Dharani makes Suri win a local cricket match in order to receive a cashier job at the famous "Silk" bar, as announced by the village's candidate for the sarpanch, Thurpugutta Shivanna's son, Thurpugutta Chinna Nambi. Dharani and Suri get into a fight with Chinna Nambi's supporters at the bar and damage it. As a result, Chinna Nambi gets Dharani and his friends arrested. Rajanna, Shivanna's kinder step-brother, bails them out and asks them to not worry about the village politics. However, Suri asks him to contest in the sarpanch elections, to which Rajanna eventually agrees. Rajanna wins the election after encouraging the womenfolk to vote for the first time and Dharani is made the Deputy Sarpanch under Rajanna. Suri's marriage with Vennela is subsequently fixed as a result.

On the day of his marriage with Vennela, Suri comes to know of Dharani's love for Vennela and his sacrifice for him and is heartbroken. As he is on his way to talk to Dharani and their friends at the bar, a mysterious gang attacks and chases all of them. Three of Dharani and Suri's friends are brutally killed, while another collapses from a heart attack. Dharani is injured in the ensuing chase, and Suri tries to escape with him on a bicycle. However, while escaping, Suri is beheaded. Dharani, in a state of shock and fear, hides from the gang. The entire village comes to know of the attack and is devastated. Baying for vengeance, Dharani begins to investigate into the matter. He learns that Chinna Nambi was the perpetrator and ordered Suri's death.

Chinna Nambi's wife tells him that Chinna Nambi lusts after Vennela and had Suri killed when he learnt about his relationship with her, not because he contested against him. He also killed Vennela's friend, Radha's husband, for the same reason. After learning about Chinna Nambi's true face, Dharani begins to protect Vennela from Chinna Nambi by marrying her during the 11th day funeral rituals of Suri. At first, Vennela sees Dharani with hatred due to him forcefully marrying her, but after he tells her he couldn't bear to see his feisty childhood friend with bangles broken and bindi wiped away and given a widow's colourless dress to wear, and after a friend of Vennela tells her how Dharani was making Vennela's life easier for her by not allowing her to live a widow's life, over time she grows fond of him. On the day of Dasara, Chinna Nambi reveals to Vennela about his involvement in Suri's death and Dharani's devotion to her, shocking Vennela, as she was not aware of Dharani's love for her since their childhood. During the Ravana dahanam, the same gang that chased and killed Suri and Dharani's friends are waiting to kill Dharani and his remaining friends. However, Dharani and his remaining group of friends manage to kill all of them, just as the police arrive to arrest them. Dharani reveals to the entire village of Chinna Nambi's doings.

Before being taken away, he manages to escape from the police and decapitate Chinna Nambi in front of the entire village; Dharani and his friends are arrested as a result. Seven years later, they come back to the village after finishing their sentence. Dharani comes to know that the womenfolk of the village are still suffering as a result of the influence of alcohol on their husbands, and sets the bar on fire in front of the whole village, finally realizing that alcohol will ruin everyone in the village. No one dares to oppose Dharani and prevent the fire since he did so much for the village and had earned respect of the villagefolk over the years. Vennela and Dharani have an emotional reunion after seven years.

Cast

Production

Development

In October 2021, Nani's next project was announced with the title Dasara under the direction of debutant Srikanth Odela, who assisted Sukumar in Nannaku Prematho and Rangasthalam. It is produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under his banner, Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas.[5][7] The film was formally launched in February 2022.[8]

Nani described Dasara as "pure raw, rustic, and adrenaline-rush of a film."[9] The film is set in the backdrop of Singareni coal mines near Godavarikhani in Telangana.[10]

Casting

Keerthy Suresh was cast as the female lead opposite Nani, which marks her second collaboration with him after Nenu Local, while Samuthirakani, Prakash Raj, Rajendra Prasad, Roshan Mathew, Sai Kumar, Zarina Wahab were signed on to play pivotal roles.[11][12][5]

Filming

Principal photography commenced in March 2022.[13][14] In April 2022, the makers shifted to Hyderabad to shoot a song.[15] In July 2022, the third schedule commenced.[16][17] The movie wrapped up shooting on 13 January 2023 and entered post production ahead of its 30 March release.[18]

Music
Dasara
Soundtrack album by
Santhosh Narayanan
Released19 April 2023
Recorded2021-22
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length28:08
LabelSaregama
Official audio
Dasara - Full Album on YouTube
Singles from Dasara
  1. "Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan"
    Released: 3 October 2022
  2. "Ori Vaari"
    Released: 13 February 2023
  3. "Chamkeela Angeelesi"
    Released: 8 March 2023
  4. "Oh Ammalaalo Ammalaalo"
    Released: 28 March 2023
  5. "Cricket Rap"
    Released: 13 April 2023

The film score and soundtrack album of the film is composed by Santhosh Narayanan. The music rights were acquired by Saregama. The first single titled "Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan" was released on 3 October 2022.[19] The single "Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan" opened to positive reviews from many critics mainly praising the makeover of Nani and Santhosh Narayanan's unique composition.[20][21][22] The second single titled "Ori Vaari" was released on 13 February 2023. The third single titled "Chamkeela Angeelesi" was released on 8 March 2023. The fourth single titled "Oh Ammalaalo Ammalaalo" was released on 28 March 2023. The fifth single titled "Cricket Rap" was released on 13 April 2023.

Telugu
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan"Kasarla ShyamRahul Sipligunj, Gotte Kanakavva, Gannora Dasa Laxmi, Palamuru Jangireddy, Narsanna (Nalgonda Gaddar), Kasarla Shyam4:02
2."Ori Vaari"Sri ManiSanthosh Narayanan3:34
3."Chamkeela Angeelesi"Kasarla ShyamRam Miriyala, Dhee3:23
4."Oh Ammalaalo Ammalaalo"RehmanAnurag Kulkarni2:48
5."Cricket Rap"Kasarla Shyam, Shan Vincent de PaulShan Vincent de Paul, Santhosh Narayanan2:44
6."Silk Bar"Gaddam SureshNarsanna, Kanakavva3:06
7."Chithu"Gaddam SureshKanakavva1:56
8."Ee Dharani"RehmanAnurag Kulkarni0:54
9."Monna Badilo"Gaddam SureshPavithra Chari4:40
10."Celebration of Vennela"Instrumental–0:47
Total length:28:08

Release

Theatrical

Dasara was theatrically released on 30 March 2023.[1] It was released in Telugu and dubbed versions in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages.[11] The teaser of the film was released on 30 January 2023.[23]

Home media

The digital rights of the film have been acquired by Netflix.[24] The film was premiered on Netflix on 27 April 2023 in Telugu and dubbed versions of Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada languages.[25]

Reception

Critical response

Dasara received positive reviews from critics.

Chirag Sehgal of News18 gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote "Nani's swag is unbeatable, but the never-seen-before climax sequence will give you goosebumps and is a complete package. Besides Nani's killer expressions and top-notch action sequences, it is a visual treat too. The makers create magic on screen with this never-seen-before climax and it is worth all the wait."[26] 123Telugu gave 3.25 out of 5 stars and wrote "Dasara is a gritty action drama that has Nani's outstanding performance. He shouldered the film all the way. Keerthy Suresh, Dheekshith Shetty and Shine Tom Chacko also performed well. The film is quite good technically. Barring a few laggy portions in the second half, the film is a perfect choice to enjoy the weekend."[27]

Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Dasara is not the film that leaves you with a smile at the end of it all, it also doesn't reinvent the wheel. Could it have been better? Sure. But Srikanth Odela and Nani make this slow burn work. So, credit where credit is due."[28] Raghu Bandi of The Indian Express gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Nani's Dasara is a heartfelt attempt from the makers, but falters due to poor narration. Can be watched for the authentic dialect, and raw and gritty performances from the lead".[29] Avad Mohammed of OTTplay gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Dasara is Srikanth Odela's debut film and for a first time director, he has done an impressive job. Though his storyline is simple and does not have standout moments, the manner in which he sets the film in a unique world and creates rustic characters is the best part."[30] Janani K from India Today gave the film 3 out of 5 stars & wrote "director Srikanth Odela's Dasara, starring Nani, Keerthy Suresh and Deekshit Shetty, is a visually stunning revenge drama. With some clichés, Dasara has its heart in the right place", further praising Nani.[31]

Sushmita Dey from Times Now gave the movie 3 stars out of 5, writing that, "the film's writing might seem to be smeared by conventional writing choices, which will remind us of some previous movies, but the performances by every single character, technical finesse, the strong drama, a beautiful bond like friendship, slick action sequences in the second half make it a 'paisa vasool' experience as a whole".[32] Haricharan Pudipeddi from Hindustan Times reviewed the film positively, writing that, "while the Nani-starrer uses every trick in the book, it succeeds in sucking you into a world you haven't experienced before", further praising Nani & Suresh's performances & Odela's direction.[33]

Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote "Srikanth Odela makes an assured directorial debut with the Telugu film 'Dasara', exploring caste politics in a mainstream format, backed by good performances from the cast led by Nani and Keerthy Suresh".[34] Mukesh Manjunath from Film Companion appreciated Odela's direction and world-building but criticized the writing; moreover he praised Nani's performance and Narayanan's music. Telangana Today heaped praise on the film and wrote, "Dasara is another celebration of Telugu commercial cinema, with raw emotions from Srikanth Odela and an incredible performance by Nani".[35]

Notes

    References
    1. K., Janani (26 August 2022). "Nani and Keerthy Suresh's Dasara to hit the theatres on March 30, 2023". India Today. Archived from the original on 26 August 2022.
    2. "Nani's Dasara pre-release profits reach ₹12 crore". Hindustan Times. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
    3. "Dasara Total Collections: Nani's career highest.. What is the total collection worldwide?". FilmiBeat. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
    4. "Nani's rustic and raw first-look as Dharani from Dasara revealed: Spark of Dasara – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    5. "Nani's Next Telugu Film With Director Srikanth Odela Titled 'Dasara'". www.outlookindia.com/. 1 January 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    6. "Dasara Cast List | Dasara Movie Star Cast | Release Date | Movie Trailer | Review". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
    7. "Natural Star Nani's 'Dasara' motion poster out, his rustic look grabs eyeballs – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    8. "Natural star Nani and Keerthy Suresh starrer 'Dasara' to kickstart shoot from March – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    9. "Nani-Keerthy Suresh's Dasara goes on floors. See photos". The Indian Express. 16 February 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    10. "Dasara Movie: ఊర మాస్ లుక్ లో అదరగొట్టిన నాని". Sakshi (in Telugu). 20 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    11. "Nani's 'Dasara' for Dusshera". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
    12. "Roshan Mathew to make his Telugu debut in Nani's 'Dasara'? – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
    13. "Nani shares his first look from upcoming film Dasara, fans see shades of Allu Arjun's Pushpa in it". Hindustan Times. 20 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    14. "Dasara First Look: Nani Gives off Allu Arjun's Pushpa Vibes in New Poster of Telugu Film". News18. 20 March 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
    15. "Dasara shoot underway; Nani and Keerthy Suresh film a song in Telangana". Pinkvilla. 11 April 2022. Archived from the original on 4 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
    16. "Dasara: Nani treats fans with a rustic new poster as he joins the sets for a lengthy schedule in Hyderabad". Pinkvilla. 1 July 2022. Archived from the original on 4 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
    17. Mukherjee, Anindita (1 July 2022). "Nani shares poster from Dasara as he starts next schedule. Says it's a 'long one'". India Today. Archived from the original on 4 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
    18. "Nani and Keerty Suresh-starrer 'Dasara' wraps up its shoot". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
    19. "Nani Dasara First Single Release Date: ద‌స‌రా ఫ‌స్ట్ సింగిల్ ధూమ్ ధామ్ దోస్తాన్ హంగామా మొద‌ల‌య్యేది ఆ రోజే". Hindustan Times (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
    20. "'Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan' street song from Nani's 'Dasara' is out now – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
    21. "Dasara song Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan: A rugged Nani rocks the dance floor". The Indian Express. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
    22. "Dasara song Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan: Nani is at his rugged best in the peppy street number". PINKVILLA. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
    23. "Dasara Teaser Release: Nani aka Dharani is Unstoppable in This Gripping Action Drama". V Cinema. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
    24. "Dasara, Bhola Shankar, SSMB28: Netflix Grabs OTT Rights For 16 Telugu Films". Binged. 14 January 2023. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
    25. "Dasara OTT Release: Nani-starrer action drama to be released on April 27, check details". Economic Times. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
    26. Sehgal, Chirag (30 March 2023). "Dasara Review: Nani's Swag Is Unbeatable But The Never-Seen-Before Climax Sequence Will Give You Goosebumps". News18. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    27. "Nani's Dasara Telugu Movie Review". 123Telugu. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    28. Nyayapat, Neeshita (30 March 2023). "Dasara Movie Review: Nani delivers an engaging performance in this slow burn". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    29. Bandi, Raghu. "Dasara movie review: Nani-starrer raw and gritty tale derailed by poor narration". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    30. Mohammed, Avad. "Dasara Review : Has routine story but Nani's solid transformation makes it worth a watch". OTTplay. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    31. "Dasara Movie Review: Fiery Nani is brilliant in this predictable revenge drama". India Today. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
    32. "Dasara Movie Review: Nani, Keerthy Suresh Shine In Raw, Rustic Revenge Drama". Times Now. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
    33. "Dasara movie review: Nani film is a familiar but riveting tale of friendship and revenge". Hindustan Times. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    34. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (30 March 2023). "'Dasara' movie review: Nani, Keerthy Suresh lead this gritty, emotional ride". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
    35. "Dasara Movie Review: Nani is incredible as Dharani in this story of raw emotions". Telangana Today. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
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