Dhairyam is uninspiring

Hotshot filmmaker Teja, after a disaster like Jai, returns to his pet theme -- the college campus love story. But his uninspiring narration could scuttle his grand plans. He rehashes his old hit Nuvvu Nenu for the entertaining first half (principal-lecturer duo, students' pranks and poor and rich conflict) but his 'dramatic' second part drags on and on, testing the audience's patience.

Teja seems to be also inspired by The Father's Bride, as the father of the heroine sends the hero to jail without creating any doubts in the mind of his daughter.

Teja's discovery Nitin fits into the role of a loverboy who dares to take on a business tycoon. Bengali actress Raima is pretty but has nothing much to do, except dance and keep crying.

Teja, who introduced composer Anoop, extracts a few foot-tapping numbers. But it seems the Teja-Nitin duo may not be able recreate the box-office magic of Jayam.

Teja became a posterboy of the youth with love stories like Nuvvu Nenu and Jayam, but lost his winning style with duds like Nizzam and Jai. Eventually, he was forced to return to his favourite theme, but the soul that Nuvvu Nenu had is missing in his latest presentation, despite lot of similarities in characters and backdrop. Instead of pushing Nitin behind bars, he should have worked out a twist to make it engrossing. Despite a comedic jail episode, it feels very heavy for this routine teenage romance.

Teen sensation Nitin has become a sought-after loverboy after hits like Jayam and Sye. Teja does exploit his action image, but the youngster tries to salvage a moronic plot in vain. He is good for dancing and action scenes, but should pick some good roles rather than denting his newfound stardom. 

Raima, who impressed in the Bengali film Chokher Bali, opts for a routine glam role which demands more exposure and less talent. She impresses in a few scenes, but has to improve her dancing to continue in Telugu cinema.

Villainous couple Rahman and Ishwarya look menacing but their ill-conceived roles fail to fully exploit their histrionic skills. Principal M S Narayana and lecturer Subramanyam repeat their Nuvvu Nenu act and manage to tickle the funny bone. The student gang of the old film also impresses but they disappear in the second half. Bharani, as Nitin's father -- a corporation truck driver -- gives a good account of himself when he confronts his rich rivals.

Anoop establishes himself as a composer for commercial films with fast-paced and folk numbers. Both the songs Neetho chepana and Emito are already hits. His background score lacks punch, but he looks promising.

Nitin and his friends are poor in studies, and Nitin's father is worried about his son's future.  Nitin falls in love with a new student, Raima. As usual, she initially keeps him at a distance but then reciprocates. Meanwhile, her mother comes to know of their love and warns Nitin and his family of dire consequences.

Nitin is falsely booked on charges of theft and jailed. Raima's father bribes jail officials to torture him, and warns Nitin to keep away from his daughter. He arranges the marriage of Raima with a businessman's son. However, Nitin's inmates in jail decide to help him. You have to watch the movie to know the rest.