In Rajkumar Periasamy’s recent Tamil-language theatrical release Amaran, Sai Pallavi doesn’t have much screen time as the leading lady and yet she is successful in making her presence felt. She plays Indhu Verghese, the wife of Major Mukund Varadarajan, in the biographical war film which has already become the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year. Here are six Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films that show the powerhouse performer that Sai Pallavi is.
Premam (2015)
Language: Malayalam
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
After some supporting characters early in her career, Sai Pallavi got her first big break in Alphonse Puthren’s Premam. Sai Pallavi plays Malar, a charming college lecturer who becomes the object of her student George’s (Nivin Pauly) affection. Malar is a free-spirited, confident woman who impresses George with her talent and warmth. A freak accident causes her to lose her memory; she later marries someone else. Years later, Malar attends George’s wedding with Celine, and when it is apparent that she has moved on, George finds closure and peace.
Kali (2016)
Language: Malayalam
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
In Sameer Thahir-directed Kali, Sai Pallavi shines as Anjali, who oscillates between love and fear for her hot-headed husband Siddharth (Dulquer Salmaan). Anjali supports Siddharth’s efforts to manage his anger even as it strains their relationship and she tries to draw boundaries. Sai Pallavi captures Anjali’s vulnerability as well as her quiet strength and heart of forgiveness in this intense romantic thriller.
Fidaa (2017)
Language: Telugu
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Sai Pallavi plays Bhanumathi, a village girl who starts to like Varun (Varun Tej), an NRI medical student, in Sekhar Kammula’s comedy drama Fidaa. Fiercely devoted to her father and unwilling to leave her roots, Bhanu tries to push away her feelings for Varun. Following a misunderstanding, she prepares herself to marry a boy chosen by her father but during a visit to the US, Bhanu realises the depth of Varun’s love for her, leading her to reassess her feelings.
Love Story (2021)
Language: Telugu
Where to watch: Sony LIV
In Sekhar Kammula’s musical drama Love Story, Sai Pallavi plays Mounika, a strong-willed woman from an influential family who moves to Hyderabad to get a job and make a life of her own. In Hyderabad, she meets Revanth (Naga Chaitanya), a lower-caste Christian. As they team up to run a Zumba centre, Mounika is pressured by her family, particularly from her uncle Narasimham (Rajeev Kanakala), to leave Revanth. Apart from the issue of caste-based discrimination, Love Story also touches upon the theme of child sexual abuse as Mounika turns protector for her sister, who is the victim of Narasimhan’s predatory behaviour.
Gargi (2022)
Language: Tamil
Where to watch: Sony LIV
Directed by Gautham Ramachandran, Gargi is a gripping legal drama that stars Sai Pallavi in the titular role. Gargi is a school teacher who is determined to defend her father in court after he is accused of assaulting a child. Having grown up believing in her father’s impeccable values, Gargi goes all guns blazing to get him justice under mounting public scrutiny. With the help of an inexperienced lawyer, she challenges flawed evidence and systemic failures but her unwavering resolve is shattered when she is faced with the reality of her father’s actions and consequent guilt.
Virata Parvam (2022)
Language: Telugu
Where to watch: Netflix
Set in the 1990s, Venu Udugula’s Virata Parvam follows the story of Vennela, an idealistic young woman, played by Sai Pallavi. Born during Naxalite turmoil, Vennela grows up inspired by comrade Ravi Shankar’s (Rana Daggubati) revolutionary writings. Her admiration turns into love, prompting her to leave her family in search of Ravi. Vennela joins Ravi’s Naxalite group but betrayal within the movement leads to Ravi’s devastating decision to execute her. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, resilience and the complex intersection of love and revolution.
