The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : All about brother sentiment

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Sunday, Aug 01, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

All about brother sentiment

Rajasekhar and Kamalini Mukherjee in a scene from the film.

Film: Maa Annayya Bangaram

Cast: Rajasekhar, Kamalini Mukherjee

Direction: Jonnalagadda Srinivasa Rao

Music: S.A. Rajkumar

It is surprising that Rajasekhar picked up the big brother role so soon after Gorintaku, in which Meera Jasmine played his little sister. In Maa Annayya Bangaram, it is not the sister but the brother sentiment which takes the centre-stage. Generally films with such themes are quite safe at the box-office and Rajasekhar, who did similar roles in the past, is perhaps sure of its success.

Taking the beaten track, director Srinivas Rao harps on deteriorating relationships and traditional values that are purported to be left behind by the present generation and about the advantages of living in a joint family. He also tries injecting some socially relevant messages into the narration and what could otherwise be preachy sounds fine mainly due to the crisp dialogue and the way Rajasekhar emotes while delivering them.

Shivaji (Rajasekhar) is a mechanic and owns a garage. He dreams big for his six brothers and leaves no stone unturned to ensure that his dream is fulfilled. He falls for Manju (Kamalini Mukherjee) but her sister puts a precondition for the marriage. She dislikes joint families and wants her sister to be married into a small family. However, Shivaji's uncle lies about the brothers and says that he has only one brother paving way for the marriage but trouble starts from day one for Shivaji and his brothers. Despite being overtly sentimental at times, the director manages to ensure movement of the narrative. The script is liberal with socially relevant messages but they are packaged neatly and the credit should go to Paruchuri brothers.

However, the onscreen chemistry between Kamalini and Rajasekhar appears to be forced while Jhansi does a fine job and so does Jayaprakash Reddy as the lovable uncle of the brothers.

Sayaji Shinde's role is a waste and it appears as if it is incorporated to extend the length of the film. The film is good for one time viewing.

G. MANJULA KUMAR

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