No Style in this one

After the smash hit Mass, choreographer-turned-director Lawrence has come up with a 'dance-centric' movie called Style. Unfortunately, barring a few electrifying dance numbers by Lawrence and Prabhu Deva, it ends up being a clichéd melodrama.

What the director intended to convey was that dancing is an in-born, sacred talent that cannot be acquired by the power of money. Sadly, the many sub-plots -- Prabhu Deva's career, Charmee's love story and a sudden sentimentality about mothers – make it a stretched-out affair.

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Instead of harping on the self-piteous angle, the one-hit wonder should have worked hard on the determination of an underdog to achieve his goal. Rather, he makes his struggle simple, barring a few rejections. Lawrence impresses us with some intricate dancing, but falls short in the emoting department.

The plot is a familiar one. A famous dancer (Prabhu Deva) has an accident and is insulted by his archrival. He bides his time waiting for revenge. Meanwhile, a sweeper (Lawrence) at a dance school wants an opportunity to exhibit his gang's talent. Thrown out of his job, he sets up his dance school. There is a romantic angle introduced here somewhere, Prabhu Deva eventually meets Lawrence and decides to coach him. Watch the movie to find out what happens.

Dancing sensation Prabhu Deva is wasted in a guest role. His immense talent has not been explored by Lawrence, who appears to have signed him on merely to generate hype.

Raja and Charmee are wasted, while Kamilinee's character is a shade better than the others. Lawrence's screenplay has few lapses, while guest appearances by Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna could trigger a few whistles. Incidentally, it was Chiranjeevi who introduced Lawrence as a choreographer, and Nagarjuna who introduced him as a director.

The comedy of Dharmavarapu and Kovai Sarala evoke few laughs. As for Manisharma's music, it is little more than just a cacophony. The climax dance featuring Lawrence, with Prabhu on his shoulders, is good. In a nutshell, then, the only reason to watch this film is the intricate dancing that accompanies a few tracks.

Lawrence seems to be inspired by Disco Dancer, as one cannot overlook the glaring similarities even with one's eyes closed. Trying to impress as a protagonist, he fails as a director.

Producer Lagadapati Sridhar, of the flourishing Lanco Group, made a winner of a dud in Evadi Gola Vadithi, thanks to the excessive publicity. He should be lauded for betting on a dance-centric movie, but the overdose of melodrama could scuttle its chances.