"Sapta Sagaradaache Ello - Side B" Movie Review: Hemanth Rao and Rakshit Shetty Deliver a Gratifying Sequel to Side A

Returning to the world after a decade in prison amid the COVID era, Manu (Rakshit Shetty) yearns for his lost love, Priya (Rukmini Vasanth). His cherished memento from the past is a worn-out cassette tape. Assisted by his former inmate friend, Prakasha (Gopal Krishna Deshpande), Manu embarks on a new life. Along the way, he encounters Surabhi (Chaitra J Achar), a sex worker, whom he hopes embodies the essence of Priya. However, Surabhi proves to be distinct from Priya, drawing Manu closer to her. Despite his growing connection with Surabhi, Manu remains determined to ensure Priya's well-being, leading him to stalk her to learn about her life.

Much like Side A, Side B thrives on outstanding performances from its lead actors—Rakshit Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, and Chaitra J Achar. Side B's Manu, though still a romantic fool, is a shadow of his former self—half-dead inside and half-alive outside. Rakshit skillfully portrays both facets of Manu, conveying a spectrum of emotions through his eyes. Rukmini Vasanth's portrayal of a wife and mother trapped in monotony is captivating, and Chaitra J Achar impressively navigates her role with confidence.

Gopal Krishna Deshpande injects subtle humor into serious scenes as Manu's caring friend, and Ramesh Indira delivers a compelling performance as a character with a love-hate relationship with Manu. Director Hemanth M Rao deserves praise for extracting stellar performances while crafting a satisfying sequel with meticulous attention to detail.

The film unfolds gradually, reintroducing the audience to the evolved Manu and characters from his past and present. Side B, while not fast-paced, keeps viewers engaged, providing closure to each character's journey. Cinematographer Advaitha Gurumurthy and composer Charan Raj contribute fresh dimensions to the story, with Charan Raj's music, particularly songs like "Olave Olave" and "Kadalanu" from Side A, leaving a lasting impact. Advaitha's cinematography captures the unseen aspects of Bengaluru, enhancing the film's visual appeal.

While the pre-climax scene caters to mass appeal, it may seem slightly exaggerated for a poetic love story. The stalking scenes in the first half, despite Manu's good intentions, raise concerns in this politically-correct era, reminiscent of the web series YOU. Overall, the film maintains engagement but may feel slightly dragged towards the climax.

Whether Side-A is viewed as a one-sided love letter or Side-B as a fitting response, the film explores how life comes full circle for Manu and Priya. Whether familiar with Side A or not, Side B serves as a poignant story depicting the lengths one can go for love. Watching it in theaters adds another layer to the experience of witnessing this heartfelt narrative.