Dear Sathya review: Aryann Santhosh tries his best to infuse some life into a predictable story

2.5/5

Story: Food delivery agent Sathya (Aryann Santhosh) is in love with Anjali (Archana Kottige), a restaurant employee who is also an aspiring air hostess. But then a tragedy befalls the couple and Sathya is arrested as a suspect in the case. Can Sathya find the truth and bring Anjali justice?

Review: Dear Sathya is a film that its lead hero, Aryann Santhosh, has pinned a lot of hopes on. It is his comeback film in Kannada, which he has written and co-produced. In the run-up to the film’s release Santhosh has been talking about how the film will give him an image makeover of sorts, given that he has two distinct shades in it – one as the lover boy and the other as the man seeking to avenge the wrong done to the love of his life. It is also a film in which he explores the navaras in acting. It’s a simple, straight-forward subject, but does Aryann get to showcase what he is capable of as an actor?

As Sathya, Santhosh gives it his all in both versions of the character. Bengaluru folks in the social circuit may even be familiar with one version, with the actor pretty much being his affable self on screen. The revenge sequences have him angry, brooding and in action mode and while the actor can throw a mean punch, the stunts, like most commercial movies, are exaggerated. His sequences with Aruna Balraj, who plays his mother, are among the better moments of the film.

In her second onscreen outing, Archana Kottige is fairly okay as Anjali. Her shortcoming is most notable in the romantic number Sundaravaaytu Mana, where her lack of confidence is apparent in her body language. Someone please give her a lesson on how to pose in a gown!

What was truly disappointing was Sridhar V Sambhram’s music for the film. Barring Jopana Jopana, the other songs don’t strike a chord, while the BGM was just too loud and overbearing.

Thankfully, despite the songs and action sequences, Dear Sathya is all of two hours long. The narrative is crisp and to the point, but it is also fairly predictable. It’s missing the thrill of a thriller even with its double-climax ending.

Verdict: Dear Sathya is based on a story that Santhosh wrote inspired by a real-life incident. Within the limitations of its simple story, he’s tried to do justice to it, but one wishes he’d chosen a better subject for his comeback.