Chakram is cliched fare

After disappointing with Sri Anjaneyam, ace director Krishna Vamsi continues to belie expectations by delivering clichéd fare with Chakram.

The tale of a cancer-struck patient who sets out to bring happiness to depressed souls, is marred with uninspiring events, a snail-paced screenplay and an over-dramatic second half, which just happens to be a rehash of the old hit, Premabishekam.

The melodrama between father, son and Charmi runs contrary to the veteran director, a staunch believer of realism. Action star Prabhas tries to attempt a non-action role, but overdoes his prankster act at times. Still, he delivers a subdued performance in comparison to loud ones by Prakash Raj and Charmi.

Heroine Aasin has nothing much to do in an ill-conceived role. Unfortunately, Vamsi's 'idealistic' movie goes awry due to an overdose of preaching by his protagonist.

Krishna carved a niche for himself by making winners out of unique plots with interesting narration, but this time he fails on both counts. The plot of a cancer patient reluctant to marry his lover is inspired by Premabishekam, butBut the director makes a mockery of it with his poor treatment. The original was one of the most touching sagas of love in the annals of Telugu cinema.

Prabhas, who gained instant stardom with the blockbuster Varsham, worked on his looks to fit the boyish role but his 'pranks' to win people over are a big letdown. He displays traces of brilliance in the scene where he discloses his illness to his father, but he's unfortunately chosen the wrong script to experiment.

Glam-girl Aasin is definitely wasted in a poorly-etched role: she loves the hero and keeps crying till the end after he refuses to marry her.

After Mass, young actress Charmi is turning out to be a specialist at playing second-fiddle. She loves the hero, imagines a song, and later helps him succeed in his goal.

Comedians M S Narayana and Venu Madhav impress while the rest go through the motions.

Composer Chakri, who regained the top slot with his score for this movie, should be sulking since the film has remote chances of making it big. Of the songs, Jagamanthakutumbam and Kuncham karam have repeat value.

Producers Venkat Raju and Sivaramaju, known for hits like Pavitra Bandam and Pellichusukundam, made a comeback of sorts with the moderate hit Gharshana. But this time, despite spending lavishly, a wafer-thin plot ensures a loser.