Review: Nothing new about Vasthaadu Naa Raju

Radhika Rajamani reviews the Telugu film, Vasthaadu Naa Raju. Post YOUR reviews here!

Actor Vishnu Manchu teams up with director Hemant Madhukar (who makes his Telugu debut though he has made A Flat, a Hindi film before) for Vasthaadu Naa Raju.

The film churns out a routine formula fare revolving around love and misunderstandings. Vishnu turns producer with this venture by starting his own banner, 24 Frames Factory. Although he has spent a lot on this venture by shooting on Red Camera, the film has nothing much to offer. The only novel thread in the film is the hero and heroine don't meet till almost the interval.

Venky is a boxer whose father (Tanikella Bharani) runs a coffee shop. He wants to participate in a tournament. He runs into Narasimha (Prakash Raj) who aspires to be an MLA. In order to fulfil his ambition of becoming a boxer, he agrees to get his sister Pooja (Taapsee) married to the Home Minister's (Sayaji Shinde) son (Ajay). Venky meets Taapsee under adverse circumstances and they are mistaken to be in love. Thence on it's a tale of misunderstandings, revenge, drama, high emotions etc. And it has 'lectures' on who is a Telugu delivered by Vishnu. The misunderstandings only induce yawns.

There's

nothing new in the plot. Director Hemant has just ensured that there's enough humour to keep the interest sustained in the film courtesy Brahmanandam and Venky's friends. He also sees to it that the hero and heroine don't meet till the interval.

As the film picks up pace and follows the stereotypical path with the usual add-ons -- action sequences, songs and dance -- the interest and pace slackens to a large extent till it meanders to the expected climax. It's so ridiculous to see the heró's bike running out of petrol intermittently. It looks as though the writer and the director were looking for fuel (ideas)!

Vishnu sports a lean-mean look. He is drastically different from his earlier film Saleem. He has modulated his voice too in a distinct way. He has put in an earnest performance. Taapsee looks glamorous and can act too. For Prakash Raj, who is plays the fiercely protective brother, the role is a piece of cake. Brahmanandam does tickle the funny bone (especially with the romantic angle introduced) while Sayaji Shinde and Ajay are convincing as minister and son, respectively.

Gopal Reddy has captured the film well in Red Camera. A few of Mani Sharma's songs are tuneful. Technically the movie has a rich look.

All in all, Vasthaadu Naa Raju offers no crackling excitement.

Rediff Rating: