Bujjigadu offers nothing new

Director Puri Jagannnath spins a routine yarn in the Telugu film, Bujjigadu, Made in Chennai. Filled with Jagan's usual -- loads of violence, a wafer-thin story and the regular masala -- the film, of course, is slick. But the screenplay's premise is flimsy and seems forced where Jagan weaves in the elements of gang rivalry and the hero's super image.

Bujji and Chitti are inseparable childhood friends. But when an unfortunate altercation leads to a fissure between the two, Chitti asks Bujji not to meet her for 12 years. She does, however, promise to marry him at the end of the lengthy hiatus, leaving Bujji but a glimmer of hope. After half-heartedly agreeing to her harsh terms, the forlorn Bujji leaves home, the pain of living in Visakhapatnam without seeing Chitti too much to bear. He winds up in Chennai, hence the tagline, Made in Chennai.

He spends those dozen years in Chennai presumably like a 'goonda', as he is shown beating up people. Also, he spouts Tamil dialogues now and then, and is a great fan of thalaivar Rajnikanth. The film even features a song -- Thalaiva -- that eulogises Rajni. No wonder he released the audio of Bujjigadu in Chennai at the director's request!

When Bujji returns after 12 years, he foolishly beats up cops in mufti, and lands in jail. In jail, he encounters the sons of Machi Reddy (Kota), who give him Rs 10,000,000 to finish off Sivanna (Mohan Babu). But when Bujji tires to kill Sivanna, he is injured and treated in Sivanna's house. Only then does he learn that his long lost love, Chitti, is Sivanna's sister.

The story is rather predictable. The reasons for the rivalry between the gangs of Sivanna and Machi Reddy are not clear. All we see are fight sequences; at least they're well orchestrated.

Thankfully, Bujjigadu does not test the audience's patience. The movie is evenly paced, but the first half makes for better viewing, as Prabhas showcases his acting and dancing skills. 

The lead pair -- Prabhas and Trisha -- manage to pull the movie through though it is excruciating at times. With his tall and lean frame, Prabhas is a natural, particularly in the fight and dance scenes. As Bujji, he combines high energy and casualness, reminiscent of Mahesh in Pokiri. 

Trisha makes a pretty picture. Mohan Babu, as Sivanna, does his job well. However, newcomer Sanjana, who plays Trisha's sister, is merely okay.

Sandeep Chowta's music sounds different, and two of the songs are shot against picturesque backdrops. The film includes the mandatory item number by Mumait Khan. Ali's comedy's track is rather vulgar and unwarranted.

Technically, Pokiri and Bujjigadu are stylish, but are analogous in terms of theme, style and treatment. While Bujjigadu may provide Prabhas a much needed hit, as a film, it offers nothing new.

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