Though the producers of Kannada film Mast Maja Maadi claimed that the story is loosely based on the Hollywood comedy It's a Mad Mad World, it becomes apparently clear that the film is a carbon copy of Indra Kumar's 2007 film, Dhamaal. The tragedy of Mast Maja Maadi is that the debutant director Anantha Raju has failed to make even a borrowed script work.

Mast Maja Maadi boasts of a powerful star cast consisting of talented artists like Sudeep, Vijaya Raghavendra and Komal, as well as a great story. The producer has not spared any efforts to give the film a good look -- about Rs 60 lakh was spent in one song featuring guest artist Upendra and 12 heroines of the Kannada film industry. Yet, all this cannot salvage the film.

The success of a comedy depends on good timing, dialogues and comedy sequences. But Mast Maja Maadi fails on all three counts.

Shaama and his friends Rama, Mylaari and Nagi have a lot of time and money on their hands to waste. One day, these wayward youngsters witness a car accident. The driver reveals some secrets about a booty hidden in Ooty's Botanical Garden. The treasure hunt starts, and soon, they find the booty. But to their disappointment, they learn that it is to be donated to an organisation for handicapped children.

Vijaya Raghavendra and Komal shine in this otherwise average fare. Sudeep looks disinterested. Jennifer adds glamour. Rangayana Raghu overacts as usual, and Sathyajith is okay. The other artists like Umashri, Sihi Kahi Chandru and Sudarshan have their moments.

Newcomer Balaji's music has two good songs in Chori Chori and the title song. Nothing exceptional can be said of the cinematography.

Mast Maja Maadi is a timepass film if you like comedy.

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