Produced under the RV Cinemas banner and distributed by Asian Suresh, ‘Ari’ hit the screens on October 10. Director Jayashankar, known for ‘Paper Boy’, this time dives deep into the human psyche, exploring the six inner enemies of man — the Arishadvargas (Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, Pride, and Envy). With a stellar cast featuring Vinod Varma, Anasuya Bharadwaj, and Sai Kumar, this film attempts to blend philosophy, emotion, and human complexity into one thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Story:
The core of Ari lies in the six inner evils that govern human nature — the Arishadvargas. Each emotion is represented by a character with a unique and strange desire. Amul (Viva Harsha) dreams of spending a night with Sunny Leone, while Lakshmi (Surabhi Prabhavathi) longs to bring her deceased husband back to life. Along with these two, other characters too carry peculiar desires that mirror the hidden facets of human craving.
A mysterious advertisement — “All desires will be fulfilled here” — brings these six individuals together. Who is behind this strange promise? What price must they pay to achieve their desires? And how far will a person go to satisfy their inner urges? These questions drive the film forward, leading to a compelling exploration of self-realization and redemption.
Performances & Direction:
The first half introduces the characters, their desires, and motivations with a touch of humor through Chathura and Vithura’s witty dialogues. The interval twist serves as a game-changer, setting up a more intense and emotionally engaging second half.
Director Jayashankar’s seven-year-long research reflects in the depth of the narrative. The transformation of each character, their realization of selflessness, and the eventual moral awakening are depicted with sensitivity. The director delivers a social message in a subtle, emotional manner rather than preaching it.
The pre-climax and climax sequences are the film’s emotional high points, sure to give viewers goosebumps. By the end, one walks out with a sense of satisfaction — “We’ve just watched something meaningful.”
Cast:
Vinod Varma stands out with a powerful and layered performance.
Sai Kumar, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Shubhalekha Sudhakar, Viva Harsha, and Srikanth Iyengar deliver convincing portrayals that add strength to the film’s emotional core.
Technical Aspects:
Anup Rubens’ music and background score elevate the film’s emotional depth.
The cinematography is visually rich and expressive, while the VFX work, though done on a limited budget, is praiseworthy.
The producers deserve appreciation for backing such a bold and unconventional concept.
Verdict:
Ari is an introspective and thought-provoking film that mirrors the inner conflict within every human being.
By tackling a complex theme like the Arishadvargas, Jayashankar delivers a film that connects emotionally and intellectually.
For audiences who appreciate unique, message-driven cinema — Ari is a must-watch.
- 🎬 Final Punch: A unique concept – strong emotions – and a thought-provoking message.
⭐ Rating: 3/5
