The Telugu movie industry's most successful director K. Raghavendra Rao has returned to direction with 'Jummandi Naada'.
After three devotional films 'Annamaiah', 'Ramadasu' and then 'Panduranga', this time he has wielded the megaphone for a social film.
Rao's 'Jummandi Nadam', a musical social fantasy, has the usual mix of fantasy, great visuals, lilting music and a little bit of comedy. Rao's formulaic narration of a very clichéd story had a large appeal years ago, but not anymore. The story has been seen in many films that have hit the screen in the past three decades. Rao has just focused on songs picturisation and the actress.
The film can be labelled old wine in an old bottle and nothing else. Even the comedy sequences look like rehashed from old films of Rao.
Balu aspires to become a good singer and moves to Hyderabad to fulfil his dreams. He meets Shravya, a NRI who is doing a documentary on folk music. She stays with a disciplinarian, Captain Rao. Balu always gets into an argument with his neighbour Rao who detests undisciplined youngsters.
Though Balu is in love with Shravya, his attempts to impress her are crushed by Rao. He even gives an option to Balu to either choose music or his love for Shravya. Balu opts for music, but finally true love triumphs over all odds.
Manchu Manoj, who gave good performance in the recently released 'Vedam', has worked hard in the film. He not only looks convincing as a musician, but is also good in comedy and emotional sequences. He is certainly improving with every film.
Tapsi looks good in songs. Comedians Brahmanandam, Ali and M.S. Narayana are just okay. Veteran actor Ahuthi Prasad scores well in the villain's role.
