Upendra seems to be lucky with his birthday releases.
A few years ago, Raktha Kanneeru, which was released on his birthday, became a blockbuster. Last year, Budhdhivantha became a hit. This year, Rajani directed by well known action director Thriller Manju also released on his birthday. It has all the ingredients to make it a huge hit at the box office.
The first question that comes to mind after you watch Rajani is whether an action director like Manju has really directed the film! The film has more comedy than action. This remake of the Telgu hit Krishna directed by V V Vinayak starring Ravi Teja-Thrisha is certainly more than a paisa vasool film.
Actors like Upendra, Rangayana Raghu and Sadhu Kokila keep you in splits most of the time. Another attraction is Arati Chabria who is mostly seen in bikinis! Unlike Upendra's previous film Dubai Babu, Rajani has a much better second half which makes the audience laugh and dance in the theatre.
Another surprise is music director Hamsalekha -- who has been inconsistent recently -- has delivered a sure hit in Tiruboki which has also been choreographed very well. Thriller Manju has also ensured that the action sequences are a treat to Uppi's ardent fans.
The story is about a young unemployed software engineer Rajani falling for a beautiful girl Sandhya. A group of baddies headed by Yekka and his gang members trail Sandhya to take revenge on her rich brother. Rajani realises that Sandhya's life is in danger and assures that he will save her from the designs of Yekka's gang. How he goes about fighting them makes up the rest of the movie.
Upendra's comedy and action sequences are sure to entertain the audience. The way he fools Rangayana Raghu, Mandya Ramesh and even Sadhu Kokila is enjoyable. But Upendra who is so brilliant in dialogue delivery trying to speak like Ravi Teja is unwanted
Another brilliant performance comes from Rangayana Raghu whose confusion laced dialogues are a treat. Arati Chabria's glamour is pleasing to the eyes. Bollywood actor Mukul Dev suits the villain's role perfectly while Sharat Lohithashwa is impressive in the role of the heroine's bother. Doddanna, Sadhu Kokila, Ramesh Bhat, Bullet Prakash and almost all the artists make you laugh.
The film is technically superior However the merits of the film has to be judged against the fact that it is a remake. Rajani is certainly a good entertainer
Rediff Rating: 
