Feb. 19, 2021|India|160 Min.|PG
Genre: Action;South;Indian
Description: “Pogaru,” released in 2021, tells the story of Shiva, a local troublemaker with a heart of gold. Despite his rough exterior, his deepest desire is for his mother to love him unconditionally, just as he loves her. The film, eagerly anticipated as the first major release following the pandemic, marks Dhruva Sarja’s return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus. While it delivers the kind of entertainment expected from a Dhruva Sarja film, it doesn’t necessarily rise above its peers.
The narrative begins with a simple yet emotional premise. Shiva, a young boy who loses his father, struggles with miscommunication with his mother, leading him to grow into a defiant and rebellious man. The story weaves together elements of romance, brotherhood, sibling sentiment, and action, with Dhruva Sarja dominating the screen for nearly the entire runtime.
Dhruva Sarja’s performance is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Whether he’s dancing, showcasing his comedic timing, engaging in intense fight sequences, or displaying emotional depth, he captivates the audience. A standout moment is a childhood flashback scene, where Dhruva’s physical transformation as a teenager is commendable. The climactic fight sequence, where he takes on four international bodybuilders, is equally thrilling.
However, the plot of “Pogaru” feels stretched, with a thin storyline extended into a nearly three-hour runtime. While the dialogues and visuals are engaging, the film’s portrayal of certain relationships and emotions may not resonate well in today’s more progressive times.
Overall, “Pogaru” is a treat for Dhruva Sarja’s fans and those who enjoy old-school mass entertainers.
Cast director: Nanda Kishore
Cast actor: Dhruva Sarja, Rashmika Mandanna, Deepti Sati, Mirnalini Ravi, Kai Greene, Mayuri Kyatari, P. Ravi Shankar, Pavitra Lokesh, Sadhu Kokila, Raghavendra Rajkumar
Original name: ಪೊಗರು