Saala takes us deep into the heart of Royapuram, where power, loyalty, and a passionate cause collide. Directed by Manipaul, this film centers on the reopening of the infamous Parvathy Bar, but it’s not just about alcohol—it’s about survival, loyalty, and the personal battles that come with them. In classic Kollywood style, Saala offers a mix of action, drama, and a hint of romance, making it an entertaining yet familiar watch.
Saala (2024) A Power Struggle of Loyalties and Liquor
At the core of Saala is a young man named Saala (played by Dheeran), raised by local gangster Guna (Aruldoss), a man he owes his life to. As a child, Saala saved Guna during a violent confrontation, earning a place by his side and, over time, a mission: to reclaim the Parvathy Bar, a once-thriving hub that belonged to Guna. For Saala, this mission is personal—it’s a way to repay the man who gave him a future.
But he’s not the only one eyeing the reopening of the bar. Enter Thangadurai (Charles Vinoth), a ruthless businessman who wants control of the bar for his own gain. The power struggle between Saala and Thangadurai forms the central conflict, but there’s a twist: Punitha (Reshma Venkatesh), a social activist determined to shut down liquor shops near schools, temples, and hospitals. Her opposition adds moral weight to the story, especially as Saala’s relationship with her grows more complex.
At first, Punitha’s anti-alcohol campaign annoys Saala. But her sincerity and dedication, especially towards orphaned children, begin to soften his stance. As the story unfolds, Saala finds himself caught between his loyalty to Guna and the rising social issues Punitha represents.
The stakes escalate when Thangadurai starts selling illicit liquor through Saala’s outlets, putting Saala in a precarious position. What began as a simple mission to reopen a bar becomes a struggle with far-reaching consequences—one that challenges Saala’s sense of loyalty and forces him to rethink his place in Royapuram’s power dynamics.
Dheeran steps into the role of Saala with charisma, embodying the rugged, determined character of a young man torn between loyalty and morality. His physicality adds believability to the role of a street-smart fighter, and while the role doesn’t stretch beyond familiar tropes, Dheeran brings enough charm to keep audiences engaged.
Reshma Venkatesh shines as Punitha, the earnest activist whose presence irritates Saala at first but gradually becomes a catalyst for his change. She brings a genuine sincerity to her role, balancing Punitha’s passion with vulnerability, making her more than just a one-note character.
Aruldoss as Guna adds emotional depth, portraying the gangster with a mix of toughness and tenderness towards Saala. He’s a father figure whose love and loyalty are both a blessing and a burden for Saala. Charles Vinoth plays a menacing antagonist in Thangadurai, while Sampath Ram’s portrayal of a corrupt inspector adds another layer of conflict.
Srinath, as Saala’s sidekick, provides much-needed comic relief, lightening the mood in what could otherwise feel like a heavy narrative.
While Saala doesn’t break new ground in terms of story or filmmaking, Manipaul succeeds in creating an engaging narrative that keeps viewers invested. The film leans heavily on familiar themes—the underworld power struggles, bar fights, and the inevitable moral dilemmas—but Manipaul injects just enough spice to keep things interesting.
The setting of north Chennai, with its vibrant yet gritty atmosphere, adds authenticity to the story. The scenes inside the Parvathy Bar, with drunken brawls and heated confrontations, are classic masala fare, offering plenty of action for fans of the genre.
However, where Saala struggles is in its lack of novelty. The narrative feels predictable, and for audiences well-versed in Kollywood, the power struggle and street politics may feel overly familiar. The backstory, while emotionally charged, lacks the depth to elevate the film beyond its formulaic structure.
At its core, Saala is a decent entertainer. It’s packed with the usual ingredients—action, romance, moral conflict—but doesn’t push boundaries or offer much in the way of surprises. The film succeeds in keeping viewers engaged, thanks to strong performances from the cast and a well-paced storyline.
Dheeran’s portrayal of Saala adds enough grit and charm to carry the film, while Reshma Venkatesh’s earnest activism provides a compelling counterbalance. The supporting cast, especially Aruldoss and Charles Vinoth, keep the tension alive.
But for those looking for something new or groundbreaking in the Kollywood action-drama scene, Saala might feel a little too familiar. It’s a film that entertains, but one that won’t linger long after the credits roll. With a critic’s rating of 2.5/5, Saala is a decent masala flick that, while not offering much novelty, still provides enough spice for an enjoyable watch.
