Saagu

In the heartwarming film "Saagu," we witness the extraordinary journey of Hari Babu and Subba Laxmi as they defy societal norms and embark on a courageous love story.

Hari, belonging to a lower caste, and Subba Laxmi find themselves entangled in a forbidden romance that challenges the deeply ingrained traditions of their community. Against the opposition of Subba Laxmi's father, they bravely marry and begin a life together, determined to forge their own path.

With their only remaining possession, a half-acre of land bequeathed by Hari's mother, they aspire to cultivate it and secure a future for their family. However, their dreams encounter numerous obstacles. The lack of water for irrigation and the reluctance of fellow farm owners, who fear Subba Laxmi's father, pose significant challenges.

Undeterred, Hari decides to take matters into his own hands and attempts agriculture, despite his lack of experience in the field. He faces rejection from his village community and neighboring farmers, who refuse to provide him with water. Desperate, he seeks the help of Ramesh, a person from a neighboring village, who agrees to set up a water motor on his land for a sum of 18,000 rupees., he seeks the help of Koteswararao, the cunning local general store owner, Koteswararao takes advantage of Hari's vulnerability. He slyly asks for Hari's farm papers as collateral,Subba Laxmi selflessly gives her cherished earrings to Hari, urging him to sell them and pay Ramesh to start the work. Tragically, Ramesh deceives Hari, absconding with the money and succumbing to alcoholism.

Devastated by this betrayal, Hari's spirit is shattered. Seeking solace, he turns to his friend Ramu, only to face rejection and casteist insults. Heartbroken, Hari returns home, unable to find solace in sleep and resorting to a sleeping pill.

Subba Laxmi, witnessing the anguish of her beloved husband, prepares his favorite fish curry in an attempt to console him. When the long-awaited rains finally arrive, she awakens with joy to share the good news with Hari. However, she finds him unresponsive, fearing the worst. To her relief, Hari had only taken a sleeping pill, and they embrace each other, finding solace in their love.

Renewed by their unwavering bond, Hari ventures once again to his agricultural land. Their story becomes a testament to the indomitable power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing societal barriers and personal tribulations, Hari and Subba Laxmi's unwavering support for each other and their unwavering determination lead them to conquer every obstacle in their path.

  • Vinay Ratnam
    Director
  • Vinay Ratnam
    Writer
  • Yasaswi Vanga
    Producer
  • Vamsi Tummala
    Key Cast
    "Hari Babu"
  • Harika Balla
    Key Cast
    "Subbalaxmi"
  • Dhani Kurian
    Music
  • Suhith Bangera
    Music
  • Akshay ram podishetti
    Director of photography
  • Rajesh Bonam
    Editor
  • Sync cinema
    Sound design
  • Aravind Menon
    Sound mixing
  • Tejaswini
    Costume Deigner
  • Ramcharan Sattiraju
    Publicity Designer
  • Shaik Razzaq
    Executive producer
  • Akhilesh Relangi
    Line producer
  • Sravan Kumar
    Production Manager
  • Swapnik Rao
    Sync sound
  • Niharika Konidela
    Presented By
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Short
  • Runtime:
    51 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 14, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    12,023 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Telugu
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Vinay Ratnam

My name is Vinay Ratnam, and I am a 25-year-old filmmaker who lives in Rajahmundry. I was born and brought up here and completed both my 10th and Intermediate in this city. I went to Lovely Professional University in Punjab to study Engineering, but I discontinued my B.Tech to pursue my passion in filmmaking and returned to Rajahmundry.

I have been a film buff since childhood, and I used to watch every movie that was released. I would often taunt my parents and cousins to take me to the movies. From the 6th standard, I started going to the movies on my own. Although I always loved films, I never thought I would become a filmmaker.

It was during my 10th standard in 2014 when I managed to convince my friends to make a sci-fi short film with a 1300D camera. This experience gave me so much happiness at that time, and it was my first short film.

After coming back to Rajahmundry from Punjab in 2017, I formed a small team to make short films. I have made 15 short films till now, some good ones and many bad ones, but I learned so much with every short film. In 2020, I made a 40-minute demo film, and later, I made a short film called Raktambudhi, which brought a lot of attention to me. A magazine named VOID even wrote an article about me.

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Director Statement

"Saagu" is a labor of love that has been a deeply personal and profoundly transformative journey for me as a filmmaker, Vinay Ratnam. This film is not just a story; it's an exploration of the human spirit and the unbreakable power of love, set against the backdrop of societal norms and traditions that seek to limit our potential and define our destinies.

The inspiration for "Saagu" came from a desire to shine a light on the challenges and triumphs of individuals who dare to defy conventions, transcending the boundaries of caste, and societal expectations. The characters of Hari Babu and Subba Laxmi represent the countless people whose love stories remain uncelebrated but are no less extraordinary.

This film is a testament to the importance of breaking free from the shackles of discrimination and injustice. It highlights the need for inclusivity and love as driving forces in the face of adversity. Through the characters of Hari and Subba Laxmi, we have endeavored to showcase their unwavering determination, their willingness to face rejection and betrayal, and their indomitable spirit. Their story is a reminder that love transcends all barriers.

As the director of "Saagu," my vision was to create a cinematic experience that resonates with viewers on an emotional level. I aimed to bring out the authenticity and rawness of the characters' experiences, allowing the audience to connect with them and feel their joys and sorrows. The film explores themes of love, determination, and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

I believe that cinema has the power to evoke empathy, inspire change, and unite people from all walks of life. "Saagu" is my humble attempt to contribute to this medium by telling a story that not only entertains but also encourages reflection and discussion. It's a reminder that love knows no bounds, and the human spirit is capable of conquering even the most challenging obstacles.

I am immensely proud of the entire team that brought "Saagu" to life, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication, creativity, and unwavering support throughout the filmmaking process. I am excited to share this film with audiences and hope that it resonates with viewers in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, "Saagu" is more than just a film; it's a celebration of love, determination, and the unyielding spirit of humanity. I hope that it touches the hearts and minds of those who experience it, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring conversations about the power of love and the importance of breaking free from societal norms.

Sincerely,

Vinay Ratnam
Director, "Saagu"