The Times of India, Feb 2, 2026, 08.50 AM ISTCritic's Rating: 3.0By Susmita Sameera
Sri Jagannatha Dasaru – Part 2 continues the spiritual journey of one of the most revered saint-poets of Karnataka’s Haridasa movement. Following the success and affection received by Part 1 in 2021, this second chapter arrives after five years and clearly sets the stage for the concluding third part, as the filmmakers envision the life of Sri Jagannatha Dasaru as a trilogy.
While the first instalment focused on introduction and foundation, Part 2 delves deeper into transformation. After Srinivasacharya seeks guidance from Vijaya Dasaru and Gopala Dasaru, the narrative begins at the Chandrabhaga River, where he receives his ankita nama Jagannatha Vittala and is spiritually initiated by Purandara Vittala and Rukumadevi themselves, marking his rebirth as Jagannatha Dasaru and his entry into the path of the Haridasa tradition. These moments form the emotional and philosophical core of the film.
The film then traces his spiritual travels, including his visit to Mantralaya to receive blessings from Sri Raghavendra Swami, before returning home to fulfil his responsibilities as a devoted son, husband, and disciple. Alongside these duties, his poetic brilliance comes alive through the many compositions woven into the narrative, portraying him as a divine yet deeply human figure. The film concludes by hinting at Part 3, which will focus on Harikathamrutasara, one of his most significant contributions and a cornerstone of Dvaita literature.
Music stands out as the film’s greatest strength. The soundtrack is rich with devotion, serenity, and meaning, with songs flowing one after another and immersing the viewer in a near-meditative state. These compositions elevate the spiritual atmosphere and remain the most memorable aspect of the experience. Sharath Joshi, portraying Jagannatha Dasaru, brings a quiet dignity and spiritual aura to the role, capturing the essence of a saint whose divinity lies in humility and grace.
However, the film falters in its technical execution. The cinematography, editing patterns, and overall visual language feel dated, leaning toward an old-school aesthetic. Certain costumes, makeup, and props appear artificial, occasionally breaking immersion. Some sequences are written and staged in a highly theatrical manner, resembling devotional stage performances rather than cinematic storytelling.
Structurally, the first half maintains a steady devotional rhythm through music and divine interventions, while the second half feels prolonged. Subplots involving characters such as Dasappa receive considerable screen time, which affects the pacing and makes portions of the film feel stretched.
Despite these shortcomings, Sri Jagannatha Dasaru – Part 2 succeeds in conveying deep devotion and spiritual reverence. For younger audiences unfamiliar with the early years of the Haridasaparampara, the film serves as a meaningful introduction to this rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Viewers who appreciated Part 1, as well as those inclined toward devotional cinema, will find this continuation sincere and spiritually fulfilling, making it a worthy watch.