Sannidhanam P.O Review: A child who has been raised under an alternate identity, and doesn’t realize his mom is still looking for him decades later, serves as the emotional pulse of Sannidhanam P.O, which’s full form is Sannidhanam Post Office, All the film is after, faith, longing, sacrifice, and the hope of reunion is contained in that one detail. The powerful chemistry between Yashodha and Sabari is the center of the story which is kept away to fuel the drama and the most emotional moments of the film by the director Amutha Sarathy.
The trip is definitely a familiar one, and the script has a few of the elements of a melodramatic plot that make several twists predictable. Despite this, it’s always interesting. Backed by sincere performances and Yogi Babu’s sharp timing and great wit, Sannidhanam P.O successfully produces an emotionally satisfying and warm experience, catering for those it is made for.
The film is about an innocent woman named Yashodha played by Sithara, whose son is separated from her when she is arrested at Sabarimala. The child is no longer cared for, then another family adopts the child, without knowing his real identity. Years later, the child is now Yogi Babu who carves out a life as a caterer, while Yashodha finishes her sentence and goes to work as a domestic helper, but her quest for her lost son remains unabated. For decades, they pursue different lives until Gajaraj’s character who is a police officer, who was searching for that lost child with the help of his daughter played by Varsha, uncovers something that may just bring them together.
One thing that impressed me the most was the emotional base of the film. Mother and son are at the heart of all major developments and the story is repeatedly a reminder of the agony of separation and the spirit of hope that propels people forward. Emotionally, they are sincere and while some scenes are done with much sentiment, the emotion in those scenes is sincere. I was drawn into the story of Yashodha because it is not dramatised, it is presented from her side as a struggle.
Performances are a key part to the story. Yogi Babu is once again showing why he’s a reliable screen presence. His comedic timing adds a refreshing oasis in times of heightened emotional moments and keeps the whole film from becoming too serious. The performances from the main cast are sincere, helping to keep the emotional impact of the story alive. The film’s character of child innocence and warmth is highlighted by the child actor who makes a lasting impression and the supporting cast who enhance the wholesome film. Besides the mother and son story, there is one more story there in the film, which is a love story between the heroine Varsha and Roopesh Shetty, and also some fight scenes by him, their performances were also helping the film.
I also liked the importance of faith, family, brotherhood and religious harmony which was emphasized in the film. The devotional features associated with Lord Ayyappa are naturally incorporated into the story and are not too intrusive. The film makers are definitely aiming to send a positive message and in most cases, this is what they do.
Despite that, some of the plot is predictable at times. The pattern of many developments is more or less melodramatic, so that it is easy to guess where the story is going. There are some emotional scenes more redundant than they need to be and the story often focuses on emotion rather than reality. Some of the ancillary characters and side lines were underdeveloped, and could have been developed more to add substance and complexity.
Despite these flaws, I don’t think this is often a dull film. The songs are fitting for the story, the timing isn’t too rushed or too slow and there is no gratuitous violence, forced romance or commercial intrusion, which makes it a family-friendly film. Finally, the sincerity of the film itself is its greatest strength. While it won’t come with a big shock, it will share its feelings and ethics in a sincere and honest way.
If you are looking for a clean, emotional family entertainer with devotion, reunions and positive messages, Sannidhanam P.O is worth the trip!
Rating: 3.25/5
