Fights, healthy comedy and family sentiment -- all packaged well. That's Datta for you.

It looks quite different from the usual Darshan masala films that have a lot of gore. Directed by actor turned director Gurudatt, this one has a lot less violence and blood. It is also an attempt to present Darshan in a different way. To his credit, the director succeeds to a large extent.

Darshan did comedy in his previous film Suntaragaali, but his timing has improved here and he is ably supported by the talented Komal. Screen chemistry between Darshan and Komal work well to create a laugh riot.

Coming to the negative bit, the director has concentrated only on the characterisation of the hero, completely neglecting the other important characters. The ambience and background remind you of many Telugu films that have Rayalaseema as the background. Even the songs are shot in the same Telugu fashion. Storywriter Janardhana Maharshi has also incorporated
sequences from films like the recently released Mayaavi, Rajnikanth's [Images] films Arunachalam and Aduththa Varisu.

Now, the plot. Datta is an uneducated orphan -- a Robin Hood-like character who robs the rich to help the poor. While on a robbery mission, he meets Ramya and falls in love with her. To impress her, he pretends to be an educated police inspector and they promptly fall in love. When Ramya finds out the truth, she walks out. Many twists and turns follow.

It is Darshan all the way here. His fans will also be thrilled to see a very good-looking Darshan. His comedy with Komal and his acrobatic fights are other major attractions. Ramya oozes glamour, but her role gives her little scope to perform. Vinaya Prakash scores in the role of sick mother, while Keerthi Chawla is wasted.  Srinath and Avinash have also done well in their
respective roles. And, as for the photography, Ramesh Babu comes out with flying colours.

All in all, an above average effort.

Rediff Rating: