In “Sabhaapathy,” Santhanam continues his long journey to establish himself as a leading hero, but it seems the audience’s patience is wearing thin. For nearly a decade, he has been trying to transition into a hero role, yet his films often leave viewers disappointed. In this latest outing, he takes on a familiar character—a man of innocence who avoids violence and, unfortunately, humor.
The film follows Sabhaapathy, a simple man who struggles to find a job and often faces the dramatic threat of his father’s suicide. His character is portrayed as a man-child who smiles sweetly, especially at his neighbor, Saavi, played by Preeti Verma. While the title hints at a connection to the classic Tamil film “Sabapathy” from 1941, which featured a similar theme of a dullard finding his place in the world, this modern version fails to deliver the same charm or laughs.
Director R. Srinivasa Rao seems to rely heavily on slapstick humor, but it often falls flat. Sabhaapathy’s stutter, possibly intended to enhance his innocence, limits Santhanam’s usual comedic style. While there are a few funny moments in the second half, they are not enough to redeem the film from its overall lack of humor and engaging content.
In conclusion, “Sabhaapathy” feels like a missed opportunity for Santhanam to shine as a hero. Instead of providing the laughs and warmth expected from a film of this nature, it leaves viewers longing for the humor and charm that the original classic offered.
