Noted Telugu actor Jagapathi Babu, star of family dramas like Subalagnam and Peddababu, occasionally attempts an action film. But in Jagapathi, he has chosen an insipid plot to scuttle his dream to get closer to the masses.
He impresses as a rogue cop but a contrived love story blended to the anger-driven film mars the show. By offering no justification to the protagonist's unruly behavior, director J Srinivas looses out at the beginning itself with his disjointed screenplay. Even the time-tested fusion of love and action goes awry due to his stale twist (the hero's lover is a widow).
Kannada actress Rakshita's performance lacks conviction while Kanchi Kaur reveals everything other than histrionics. Suniel Shetty's lewd comedy and Kanchi Kaur's vamp act is irritating.
The director who made the moderate hit Eduruleni Manishi, rehashes the Hindi hit Narasimha, but fails to retain the soul.
Jagapati Babu plays the close-confidante of a dreaded feudal lord (Rawat). Villagers are disgusted with him, since he is also a police officer. He runs a bar in his police station and indulges in crimes. He falls in love with Rakshita but is shocked to learn she is married.
Jagapathi expresses anger convincingly but cannot convince with his image of a 'sacrificing' husband.
Rakshita, who featured in hits like Idiot and Shivamani, lost her place in the number race after putting on weight. Here, she looks better, but cannot convey the anguish of a young widow.
Pradeep Rawat, who has acted in films like Sarfarosh and Lagaan, simply yells and shows off his muscles.
National Award winning composer Keeravani belts out a loud album, barring the Saradakikadu number.
Veteran producer Arjun Raju, who made the evergreen hit Vetagadu, is unable to find a hit in recent times due to his poor choice of scripts.
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