Dasara (film)

2023 Telugu film by Srikanth Odela

Dasara

Promotional poster

Directed by| Srikanth Odela
Written by|

* Srikanth Odela
* Jella Srinath
* Arjuna Paturi
* Vamsi Krishna P.

Produced by| Sudhakar Cherukuri, Ramana Rao Rudrapati
Starring|

* Nani
* Keerthy Suresh
* Dheekshith Shetty
* Shine Tom Chacko

Cinematography| Sathyan Sooryan
Edited by| Naveen Nooli
Music by| Santhosh Narayanan

Production
company

Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas

Distributed by| Sri Venkateswara Film Distributors (Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
KRG Studios (Karnataka)
AA Films (North India)
Phars Film Co. (Overseas)

Release date

* 30 March 2023 (2023-03-30)[1]

Running time

| 159 minutes[2]
Country| India
Language| Telugu
Budget| ₹65 crore[3]
Box office| est. ₹121 crore[4]

Dasara (transl. Vijayadasami) is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language period action drama film directed by Srikanth Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri. It stars an ensemble cast of Nani, Dheekshith Shetty, Keerthi Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani, P. Sai Kumar and Shamna Kasim. The film marks the directorial debut of Odela and Chacko's acting debut in Telugu cinema. Santhosh Narayanan composed the soundtrack and background score, while the cinematography and editing were composed by Sathyan Sooryan and Naveen Nooli.

The film was announced in October 2021. Principal photography commenced in March 2022 and ended in January 2023. The film is set in the backdrop of Singareni Coal Mines at Veerlapalli village near by Godavarikhani and Ramagundam cities of Telangana.

Dasara was released on 30 March 2023 to positive reviews from critics and emerged as a commercial success at the box office, grossing over ₹121 crore worldwide.[4]

## Plot

[edit]

In 2009, Dharani is a young ruffian who steals coal for a living and lives with his grandmother in Veerlapally, where the womanfolk of the village are suffering as a result of influence of alcohol. He spends most of his time with his best friends Siddham "Suri" Suryam and Vennela. Dharani loves Vennela since their childhood, but later learns that Suri and Vennela love each other, where he sacrifices his love and decide to unite Suri and Vennela, but Vennela's mother Ramanamma rejects their relationship due to Suri's involvement in stealing coal.

Dharani speaks with her for Suri and arranges the marriage by winning a local cricket match in order to make Suri as a cashier at the famous "Silk" bar, as announced by the village's candidate for the sarpanch Thurpugutta Shivanna's son Chinna Nambi. Dharani and Suri get into a fight with Chinna Nambi's supporters at the bar, where the bar gets heavily damaged. As a result, Chinna Nambi gets Dharani and his friends arrested. Shivanna's step-brother Rajanna 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. Dharani is made as the Deputy sarpanch under Rajanna and Suri's marriage with Vennela is fixed. On the day of his marriage with Vennela, Suri learns about Dharani's love for Vennela and his sacrifice for him, where he gets heartbroken. As Suri is on his way to talk with Dharani and their friends at the bar, a mysterious gang attacks and chases all of them, where some of Dharani and Suri's friends are killed, while another collapses from a stroke. Dharani is injured in the ensuing chase and Suri escapes with him on a bicycle. While escaping, Suri is beheaded, thus devastating Dharani and Vennela.

Baying for vengeance, Dharani begins to investigate the matter and learns that Chinna Nambi was the perpetrator behind Suri's death. Chinna Nambi's wife Vadhinamma tells him that Chinna Nambi lusts after Vennela and had Suri killed when he learnt about his relationship with Vennela, not because he contested against him. After learning about this, 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 later 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 unaware of Dharani's love for her.

During the Ravana Dahanam, Chinna Nambi's hired gang (which had 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 involvement in Suri's death. Before being taken away, Dharani manages to decapitate Chinna Nambi in front of the entire village, thus avenging Suri's death. He and his friends are imprisoned as a result.

7 years later, Dharani and his friends arrive back to the village after finishing their sentence. Dharani learns that the womenfolk are still suffering due to the influence of alcohol and that the men have not changed even after what he did. He finally realizes that alcohol will ultimately ruin and decimate everyone's lives in the village and sets the bar on fire in front of the whole village. Vennela comes running to the bar and the duo have a heartfelt reunion.

## Cast

[edit]

* Nani as Dharani
* Keerthy Suresh as Vennela
* Dheekshith Shetty as Siddham Suryam "Suri"
* Dasara Siddhu as Chakali Venu, Dharani's friend
* Shine Tom Chacko as Thurpugutta Chinna Nambi
* Samuthirakani as Thurpugutta Shivanna, Chinna Nambi's father[5]
* Raghu Babu as Babu Reddy
* Sai Kumar as Thurpugutta Rajanna, Shivanna's step-brother
* Jhansi as Ramanamma, Vennela's mother
* Shamna Kasim as Chinna Nambi's wife
* Sai Dheena as Bangaram
* Rajsekhar Aningi as Inspector Nagaraju
* Raviteja Nannimala as Dharani's friend[6]
* Surabhi Prabhavathi as Suri's mother
* Silk Smitha as herself (in graffiti)

## Production

[edit]

### Development

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

Main article: Dasara (soundtrack)

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 24 March 2023. The fifth single titled "Cricket Rap" was released on 10 April 2023.

## Release

### Theatrical

[edit]

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

[edit]

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] The Hindi version of the film was premiered on 25 May 2023.[26]

## Reception

[edit]

### Critical response

[edit]

Dasara received positive reviews from critics.

Chirag Sehgal of News18 gave 4/5 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."[27] 123Telugu gave 3.25/5 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."[28]

Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India rated the film 3/5 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."[29] Raghu Bandi of The Indian Express gave 3/5 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".[30] Avad Mohammed of OTTplay gave 3/5 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."[31] Janani K from India Today gave the film 3/5 stars and 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."[32]

Sushmita Dey from Times Now gave the movie 3/5 stars 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".[33] Haricharan Pudipeddi from Hindustan Times wrote "Dasara pretty much uses every trick that’s been used before when it comes to such stories. However, it still manages to leave a strong impact because of how it succeeds in sucking you into a world you haven’t experienced before."[34]

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."[35] 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.[36] Telangana Today wrote "Dasara is another celebration of Telugu commercial cinema, with raw emotions from Srikanth Odela and an incredible performance by Nani".[37]

## Accolades

[edit]

Award[a] | Date of ceremony[b] | Category  | Recipient(s)  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

Filmfare Awards South | 3 August 2024 | Best Film – Telugu | Sudhakar Cherukuri  | Nominated  | [38][39][40]
Best Director – Telugu | Srikanth Odela | Nominated
Best Actor – Telugu | Nani | Won
Best Actress – Telugu | Keerthy Suresh | Won
Best Supporting Actor – Telugu | Dheekshith Shetty | Nominated
Best Music Director – Telugu | Santhosh Narayanan | Nominated
Best Lyricist – Telugu | Kasarla Shyam ("Chamkeela Angeelesi")  | Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu | Dhee ("Chamkeela Angeelesi")  | Nominated
Best Cinematographer | Sathyan Sooryan | Won
Best Choreography | Prem Rakshith ("Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan")  | Won
Best Production Design | Kolla Avinash  | Won
Best Debut Director  | Srikanth Odela | Won
South Indian International Movie Awards | 14 September 2024 | Best Film – Telugu | Sudhakar Cherukuri  | Nominated  | [41][42]
Best Director – Telugu | Srikanth Odela | Won
Best Cinematographer – Telugu | Sathyan Sooryan | Nominated
Best Actor | Nani | Won
Best Actress – Telugu | Keerthy Suresh | Won
Best Supporting Actor – Telugu | Dheekshith Shetty | Won
Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu | Shine Tom Chacko | Nominated
Best Debut Director – Telugu | Srikanth Odela | Nominated
Best Music Director – Telugu | Santhosh Narayanan | Nominated
Best Lyricist – Telugu | Sri Mani ("Ori Vaari")  | Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu | Dhee ("Chamkeela Angeelesi")  | Nominated

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
2. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b 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. ^ "Dasara (film)". Central Board of Film Certification.
3. ^ "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.
4. ^ a b "5 Nani's Highest Grossing Movies Worldwide: Dasara Tops". Pinkvilla. 9 August 2024.
5. ^ a b c "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. 30 March 2023. 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. ^ a b "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. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023. Retrieved 20 April 2023.
26. ^ "Nani-starrer 'Dasara' to release in Hindi on OTT; know when and where to watch the blockbuster film". India TV. 19 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
27. ^ 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.
28. ^ "Nani's Dasara Telugu Movie Review". 123Telugu. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
29. ^ 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.
30. ^ 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.
31. ^ 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.
32. ^ "Dasara Movie Review: Fiery Nani is brilliant in this predictable revenge drama". India Today. 30 March 2023. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
33. ^ "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.
34. ^ "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.
35. ^ 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.
36. ^ Manjunath, Mukesh (27 April 2023). "Dasara on Netflix Review: Nani and Santhosh Narayanan Excel In A Distracted Film". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
37. ^ "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.
38. ^ "Nominations for Filmfare Awards Telugu 2024 are out!". Filmfare. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
39. ^ Filmfare (4 August 2024). "Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Telugu) 2024". Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
40. ^ The Times of India (4 August 2024). "69th Sobha Filmfare Awards South 2024: Check out the winners". Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
41. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (17 July 2024). "SIIMA 2024 Nominations Revealed: Nani's Dasara and Rajinikanth Starrer Jailer Lead with 11 Nominations Each". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
42. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2024: Dasara, Hi Nanna, Kaatera and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello win big on Day 1". The Indian Express. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Dasara at IMDb

*[est.]: estimation
*[transl.]: translation
*[Ref.]: Reference