One day on her birthday, she drops Lakshmi in the school, only to later find out that she is missing. Later another call reveals a horrible incident occurring to her. But, she has no evidence to prove anything.

What happens when an honest lawyer Ramanujam (Prakash Raj) takes up Lakshmi's case? The movie's basic story is what horrific truths the lawyer discovers about the case.

Performances

Varalakshmi Sarathkumar takes up the challenge of both acting and directing in the movie. She has done a decent job as far as acting is concerned.

The entire focus is basically on Varalakshmi Sarathkumar. She gets a character designed to showcase her histrionics and it goes well. Many moments focus on her expressions and she gives them with utmost sincerity to the extent of almost overdoing it. We can see it happen in a few places. But, by and large, it's alright.

Analysis

Varalakshmi Sarathkumar provides the screenplay and directs S Saraswati. It's a criminal investigation drama with courtroom proceedings mixed in equal proportions.

The movie begins on an ordinary note, but it shouldn't be missed as these events are later used again.

The real story begins with the disappearance of the daughter. However, one can clearly sense that something is off. Some of it is intentionally done, while others aren't. It's here the movie falters without one realising it.

The hooks that are thrown at us seem too far fetched. Yet the underlying emotional angle makes one stick to the proceedings. It's conveyed neatly via Prakash Raj's character who acts like a messenger to the audience. Every doubt that a viewer gets is presented and clarified through him.

Despite the issues, the narrative reaches the interval point where a twist in the tale is revealed. Its impact is directly proportional to whether the audience could see it coming or not.

Post interval, however, things take a very routine turn. The flashback, although well acted, is still very regular and without any depth. By the time it's over, everything becomes crystal clear. We can see where things are headed.

But, the narrative doesn't end there and the proceedings are back to the court. Again, far-fetched leaps take the tale towards the climax.

One is then given some message about women's rights, their suppression and about a few other contemporary issues. But, its impact is missing as the overall narrative doesn't allow these messages to fit in.

In the end, we get a movie that is marred by the mix of unconvincing commercial setups and their payoffs, and a sensitive emotional core. It's as if two narratives are blended together. The commercial justification of grave injustices doesn't gel well, and look illogical.

Overall, S Saraswati has a touching core story. But, the drama surrounding it is very ordinary and manipulative. The hooks which constitute the thriller parts are unconvincing with lots of loopholes. It leaves us with a passable watch, at the best.

Performances by Others Actors

Prakash Raj playing a lawyer almost gets to play the main lead in the movie. He takes the charge as soon as he enters and guides the audience until the end. Prakash Raj is reliable as always and delivers the required without going overboard anywhere.

Priyamani and Kishore are seen in the flashback and they are fine. There is an entire recreation of an earlier set of events by them and they manage to create

Music and Other Departments?

S Thaman provides the songs and the BGM. The songs don't register much, but the background score is alright. The cinematography is okay, whereas the editing could be sharper. The dialogues are par for course.

Highlights?

Performances

Basic Storyline

Undercurrent Emotion

Drawbacks?

Few Unconvincing Turns

Routine second half

Uneven Narrative

Writing

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes. But, only a few parts.

Will You Recommend It?

Yes. For thriller movie lovers some parts might work.

S Saraswati Movie Reviewed by Kalyan

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