Review: Johnny Mera Naam... falls short

Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana feels Johnny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam could have been much more fun. Post YOUR reviews here!

Preetham Gubbi's directorial venture Johnny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam is the love story of a pretty NRI girl (Ramya) and a local boy (Vijay).

Priya comes to Gandhi Colony where both her grandfather (Dattana) and Johnny reside. Johnny is the Robinhood of the colony and it is while trying to help a troubled lover that he runs into Priya. In fact, he kidnaps Priya assuming her to be his friend's lover.

Priya is initially miffed but after hearing out Johnny's story, is more than impressed with him. Johnny's kind nature and jovial persona endears him to Priya. Our local boy is no less fond of her and prompted by his friends falls deeply in love with her. But will Priya, who has educated and sophisticated suitors pursuing her, opt for Johnny?

The film is a no-brainer and entertains you in the first half. Rangayana Raghu and Dattana give you your money's worth with their Shah Rukh-Kajol act. Thanks to their expressions, costumes, dialogues and dance moves, there is never a dull moment.

By interval you will find the film picking up pace and then comes the disappointment.

Second

half is a drag and is devoted to the heroisms of Johnny. Yes, there are a few funny incidents here and there but that's about it. Neither the done to death story line or the action sequences packed into the plot to cater to the action hero image of Vijay do little to interest you. 

Dialogues are power-packed at places but just like the plot, fail to register. The much talked about set in which the entire film has been shot adds little to the mood of the film. A natural setting would have gone better with the story.

Comedy takes a backseat barring those bits involving Raghu and Dattana. Sadhu Kokhila, Sharan and Achyutha are a let-down. For instance, Sharan and Achyutha play NRIs but their mannerisms speak otherwise.

What works for the film though are the performances of Dattana and Raghu. Vijay also does justice to his role. He seems comfortable with comedy as much as he is with action. His butler English adds strength to his role. With each film, he seems to be becoming as better dancer as well. There is spunk to his character and look. The chalk and cheese pairing of Vijay and Ramya also works.

Ramya does a neat job and looks glamorous.

Songs are the other highpoint of the film. They haunt you even after you've left the theatres.

The film could have packed much more energy and fun given the director and his capable cast.

Rediff Rating: