Shakahaari Movie Review: Wholesome tale of mystery and transformation

Sandeep Sunkad’s Shakahaari transports the audience to the heart of a vegetarian eatery owned by Chef Subbana, also known as Mastikatte Subramanya (played by Rangayana Raghu), who is the sole proprietor and the chef of his establishment named Devi Prasad. However, the intriguing aspect of this movie lies in how this hotel came to be known by the dish he serves, and its transformation.

Cast: Rangayana Raghu, Gopal Krishna Deshpande, Nidhi Hege, Vinay UJ, and Sujay Shastry
Director: Sandeep Sunkad

Set in a remote setting of Thirthahalli, the film intertwines two parallel stories. One storyline delves into Subbana’s life and his vegetarian restaurant, where he draws customers from various backgrounds, representing a middle-class life. Subbana, anchored to a nostalgic past, finds comfort in the simplicity of his routine, which involves tuning in to the latest news on Akashvani and indulging in his passions for dance and theatre during his evenings.

In parallel, the director takes us through the life of Police Inspector Mallikarjun (played by Gopal Krishna Deshpande), who is seeking a transfer, contingent upon solving certain cases. Unfortunately, a prisoner escapes, setting off a frantic pursuit.

Beneath this tranquil facade, however, lies a tale of intrigue and mystery. Innocent lives become ensnared in unexpected circumstances, and the idyllic setting of the restaurant transforms into a stage for sinister events to unfold. As suspicion mounts and authorities close in, Subbana finds himself embroiled in a desperate bid to protect a mysterious stranger named Vijay, who seeks refuge within the confines of his eatery.

Director Sandeep’s debut film may seem deceptive to those who have watched it, but he has executed the movie with precision, gradually building momentum as the story unfolds. While the first half takes its time, the second half captivates with its mesmerising pace.

Unlike many debut directors who play it safe, Sandeep has broken norms by refraining from fight sequences, item songs, and sleazy comedy. Instead, he focuses on delivering what the story demands, integrating the essence of the surroundings into the plot.

As tensions escalate, Shakahaari gets into themes of loyalty, morality, and the lengths individuals will go to preserve their secrets. Each twist and turn peels back layers of Subbana’s character, revealing facets of his personality shrouded in mystery until the climax.

Set against picturesque landscapes, the film presents a captivating examination of human nature and the hidden depths concealed beneath seemingly serene exteriors. As the truth slowly unfolds, viewers are held in suspense, drawn into a narrative of mystery and deceit.

In Rangayana Raghu’s career, Shakahaari stands out for presenting a fresh portrayal of his character. Unlike his previous roles, here he portrays a young adult dealing with love, separation, and loneliness, empathising with others’ sorrows while driven by a passion for a good life. Raghu delivers a nuanced performance, perfectly balancing intensity without excess. Equally good performance is delivered by Gopal Krishna Deshpande, doing complete justice to the role. Joining the two are Vinay UJ, Nidhi Hegde, Sujay Shashtry, and Harini Shreekanth effectively supporting the story.  

Watching Shakahaari evoked a lively debate among journalist friends, especially with its climax. Just as the film’s title questions the suitability of non-vegetarian flavours in a vegetarian establishment, our discussions pondered the blend of the film’s themes and execution.