" Meravanige " …Entertains but without substance !!!

Definitely a better film was expected from director ” Mahesh babu ” who had given us to two meaning full films like ” Aakaash ” and ” Arrasu “ under Vajreshawary banner.

This is Mahesh babu 's first directorial attempt out side Dr.Raj banner and it was expected from him to give a film which has his stamp and class. But its obvious that he has played it safe by choosing a story which is beaten to death in all languages but neverthless has all ingradients to entertain you (but without substance ) especially todays young generation.

The story writer ” Janardhan maharshi “ has churned out a story which is reminiscence of his earlier film ” Bindass ” with same plot of terrorists, terrorist attack, helpless police, kidnap and plenty of action and dances thown in.

Ajay (Prajwal ) and Nandini ( Andrita rai ) study in same college and are up against each other fighting and trying to out wit each other. There pranks shows that they hate to see each other face to face.

Both Prajwal's and Andrita's fathers are sencere and brave cops who are also good friends.

There enters a terrorist gang which kidnap this young pair when they are in a coffee shop and shift them to a remote place in a dense jungle. Reason, they wanted the release of one of there gang members captured by there fathers.

How Prajwal and Andrita managed to escape from the clutches of terrorist gang forms the rest of the story.

The film starts well with several bomb blasts and terrorist activities and shift its gear to comedy after first 10 minutes.

The gags in the college are really hillarious played by Prajwal, komal and sadhu Kokila which succeed in tickling your funny bones.

In fact with Komal and Sadhu kokila trying to out wit each other, the first half is a laugh riot ( off course if you for get logic). Even Prajwal shows good comedy timing.

But the problem starts in second half when film become serious with the kidnaping of lead pair and shifting the location to a dense jungle.

The second half which has been shot completely in a jungle where the lead pair trying to escape from the clutches of terrorist gang looks dragged and bit a dull at moments. Yes there are some light movements with witty dialogues between Prajwal and Andrita , but are few.

Prajwal has improved a lot in his dailogue delivery and also in comic timeing though has to go a long way in emoting.

Andrtita is wasted in a role which required to play only pranks.

Another talented actor “Ravi kale “ of ” Cynide ” fame is also wasted in a role of bafoonish terrorist.

Two songs are worth listening ( one penned by jayant kaykini) under the music direction of ” Hari Krishna “ . But his lifting of a famous tune from bollywood film ” DDLJ ” for a similer situation in this film doesnt show him in a good light.

The choreography of dances and action are routine which lacks creativity.

Prajwal though shows lots of energy dissappoints his fans in fights and dances with no creative inputs from choreographers.

In all ” Meravanige ” is a routine stuff with a beatento death narration which does no good to eaither leading man ” Prajwal “or director ” Mahesh Baboo “

Why they chose a title like ” Meravanige” is still a bilion doller question.

Neverthless it entertains ..though without logic….