Sapta Sagaradaache Ello (Somewhere Beyond the Seven Seas), a two-part Kannada romantic drama directed by Hemanth M. Rao, is a cinematic gem that redefines the contours of love stories. Released in 2023, with Side A premiering on September 1 and Side B on November 17, this film has captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling, stellar performances, and technical brilliance. Starring Rakshit Shetty as Manu and Rukmini Vasanth as Priya, with Chaithra J. Achar joining as Surabhi in Side B, the film weaves a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and immersive, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
A Tale of Love Tested by Fate
Set in 2010, Side A introduces Manu and Priya, a middle-class couple deeply in love, dreaming of a simple life together. Manu, a car driver, and Priya, an aspiring singer mesmerized by the sea, share a bond marked by ease and authenticity. Their chemistry, portrayed with nuance by Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth, feels lived-in, devoid of the usual cinematic clichés. However, their dreams are shattered when Manu’s desperate attempt to fulfill Priya’s wishes lands him in jail, setting the stage for a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and separation.
The narrative doesn’t romanticize their struggles but delves into the raw emotions of longing and guilt. In jail, Manu communicates with Priya through cassette tapes, a poignant device that underscores their emotional distance yet unbreakable bond. Priya, meanwhile, battles depression, her passion for singing fading as she grapples with their separation. A heart-wrenching moment occurs when Priya’s mother (Pavitra Lokesh) urges Manu to let Priya move on, leading him to write a letter asking her to marry someone else and continue singing. Priya’s refusal to accept this, followed by her eventual acquiescence, forms the emotional crux of Side A, leaving viewers yearning for resolution.
Side B, set in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, picks up a decade later. Manu, now released from prison, is haunted by memories of Priya. He learns she’s trapped in an unhappy marriage, her husband’s restaurant business crippled by the pandemic. Enter Surabhi, a kind-hearted call girl played by Chaithra J. Achar, who adds a fresh dynamic to the story. Manu’s quest to mend Priya’s life while confronting his past, including a prison feud with a gangster named Soma, forms the narrative backbone. The shift from the blue-toned melancholy of Side A to the red-hued intensity of Side B mirrors the evolution of Manu’s emotions—anger, passion, and vulnerability.
Stellar Performances and Technical Mastery
Rakshit Shetty delivers a career-defining performance as Manu, embodying a character who is both flawed and deeply human. His portrayal in Side B is particularly riveting, as he navigates Manu’s complex psyche with raw intensity. Rukmini Vasanth shines as Priya, her subtle expressions conveying a spectrum of emotions from hope to despair. Chaithra J. Achar’s Surabhi is a revelation, bringing warmth and depth to a role that could have been stereotypical. Supporting performances by Gopalakrishna Deshpande, Achyuth Kumar, and Pavitra Lokesh add layers to the narrative.
Hemanth M. Rao’s direction, co-written with Gundu Shetty, is a masterclass in storytelling. The film’s poetic narrative avoids forced songs, letting the dialogue and silences speak volumes. Charan Raj’s haunting background score and evocative songs, with lyrics by Dhananjay Ranjan and others, elevate the film to a sensory experience. Advaitha Gurumurthy’s cinematography captures the emotional landscape—blue for Side A’s delicate love, red for Side B’s fiery resolve. The editing by Sunil S. Bharadwaj and Rao ensures a deliberate pace, allowing viewers to feel every emotion deeply.
Critical Reception and Impact
Side A garnered universal praise, with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews, averaging 7.3/10. Critics lauded its “poignant, immersive, and heart-wrenching” qualities, with Priyanka Sundar of Firstpost giving it 4/5 stars and Sridevi S. of The Times of India calling it a “must-watch.” Side B received slightly mixed reviews, with Shashiprasad of The South First awarding 4/5 stars for its soulful storytelling, while Deccan Herald noted its “sluggish” pacing. Despite minor critiques, the duology’s emotional depth and technical finesse have cemented its status as a modern classic in Kannada cinema.
A Universal Love Story
Sapta Sagaradaache Ello transcends regional boundaries, resonating with anyone who has experienced love’s highs and lows. Its exploration of unconditional love, sacrifice, and redemption, coupled with its refusal to glorify struggle, makes it a refreshing departure from conventional romance dramas. The film’s metaphor of the sea—vast, beautiful, yet terrifying—mirrors the tumultuous journey of Manu and Priya. For cinephiles, it’s a testament to the power of regional cinema to tell universal stories with authenticity and heart.
