Sudheer is the only reasonably good performer on the screen in the film who navigates us through an unconventional storyline.
A poster of the film 'Calling Sahasra'. (X)
Calling Sahasra (Telugu)
“Sudigali” Sudheer is a name that resonates with small-screen audiences. His self-deprecating satires and punchlines are often a treat for audiences.
His journey is a tale of hard work and resilience. That is the reason he earned a lot of admiration from fans.
Now, he aspires to transcend his small-screen success to mainstream cinema and establish himself as a hero on the silver screen.
So far, consecutive films that he attempted did not impress audiences.
Calling Sahasra is the latest one released at the Telugu box office on 1 December.
Let’s see how the film fares at the box office.
Sudigali Sudheer in ‘Calling Sahasra’. (X)
Ajay Srivastav (Sudhir), a software coder by profession, develops an app called “Rescue” which protects women in distress.
Ajay endures personal pain stemming from the loss of his elder sister.
Seeking solace, he embarks on a quest to find a girl named Sara. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when Swathi (Dollysha) enters Ajay’s life.
Despite Ajay’s persistent efforts, Sara remains elusive. When he bought a new SIM card, Ajay gets the shock of his life when a mysterious girl named Sahasra comes into contact with him.
The SIM has phone calls and messages related to Sahasra. He keeps receiving phone calls and messages from the mysterious lady. Who is Sahasra?
Are Sara and Sahasra the two distinct individuals or two sides of the same coin? What connection do they share with Ajay, and how does Ajay navigate these intricacies? — is the story in short.
Calling Sahasra has glaring flaws and illogical scenes that keep recurring at regular intervals.
So far, Telugu films have the same old depiction of souls and their supernatural powers. There is nothing fresh when it comes to showing Calling Sahasra. How can a spirit enter into a SIM card?
Bearing the premise, the narrative fails to hold the audience’s interest in the first half. It neither has any wow moment nor evokes any sense of excitement.
Sudheer is reasonably a good performer on the screen, navigating through an unconventional storyline that struggles to sustain the viewer’s interest.
In any narrative, the plot and twists often take precedence over individual performances. But you can’t expect any such moments in Calling Sahasra.
The film attempts to explore the grim realities of the dark web. Words like “Lucifer” and “Red Room” are frequently used without properly establishing them to viewers, eventually failing to translate that intensity onto the screen.
The envisioned setup and impact remain elusive throughout the movie, leaving the audience wanting for a more gripping and engaging experience.
Full Song pic.twitter.com/5E3xRICg9Q
— Sudigali Sudheer (@sudheeranand) November 7, 2023
Sudheer has put in a commendable effort, which seemed convincing. But it lacks the necessary depth to evoke genuine emotions.
In a few areas, the characterisation appears disconnected when it is portrayed on screen.
Yet, for Sudheer to sustain in a serious role for two and a half hours, it looks like a daunting task. It would happen only if the story is robust and engaging.
The performances of female leads Dollysha, Spandana Palli, and Manali are okay.
Calling Sahasra is a reckless attempt at weaving a suspense thriller. It neither has brilliant performances nor does the story give any thrills.
But it does leave you bored due to its lengthy runtime.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 19, 2024
