Shivamani too succeeds in weaving an entertaining script which engages the audience from the first reel till the climax.

But the storyline -- based on a story written by writer-director S S David -- is nothing special.

Margaret, a strict city corporation commissioner, orders demolition of the buildings of underworld don Michael Raj, who is politically connected.

Margaret is molested and killed by Michael Raj's henchman. The police commissioner of the city hands over the investigation to assistant commissioner of police Tirupati, a no-nonsense officer. Tirupati finds out that Michael Raj is behind Margaret's murder. He also comes to know that Michael Raj is none other than his own father Dhanpal, who abandoned him and his mother a long time ago.

The rest is predictable.

The director elevates the hero's character by giving equal importance to the villain's character. The two murder sequences have been well shot, as have the fight sequences.

But it is Sudeep's film all the way. He oozes talent in every frame and it is really his spirited performance as Tirupati that saves the film. Charan Raj shines as Michael Raj too. Sudharani proves that she is an actor to reckon with. Director P N Sathya demonstrates his acting talents in his cameo role. Rangayana Raghu and Ashok Rao fill in adequately.

If you love action films, then you will like Tirupati. Even otherwise, you will like it for Sudeep's performance as much as for Shivamani's handling of an ordinary story.

The music could have been better and the dosage of fights in the second half is a little high. Still, Tirupati is an exciting film.

Rediff Rating: