Review: UKUP - No shrills or shivers

Multi-starrers are a rarity in Tollywood and when a big star is cast alongside an upcoming star in a decisive role, the duty of the director is cut-out to create enough scope for both the characters to stand out.

'Uu Kodathara Ulikkipadathara' is an example for what happens if it isn't the case. Rayudu (Prabhu), the owner of Gandharva Mahal is keen on getting his daughter Vishali (Swapna Madhuri) married to Rushi.

The groom's side demands the mahal as dowry. Although Rayudu hesitates initially, Jagadha (Deeksha Seth), his younger daughter convinces him to give it away. Manoj, a well-wisher of Prabhu family lands up in the mahal as a tenant to protect it from going into others hands.

In the process, he is given the mantle of looking after marriage arrangements of Vishali. Bujjigadu (Sai Kumar), the groom's uncle, intends to sell the mahal for Rs 40 crore.

But there's a history to the mahal which goes like this; Narasimha Rayudu (Balakrishna), father of Rayudu and a wealthy zamindar, gives his beloved sister Jagadamba to Bhupathi in marriage.

Post marriage, Naidu comes to know the true colours of Bhupathi and to keep his sister's marriage intact, he parts his wealth and mahal. Bhupathi, who is in love with Amruthavalli (Lakshmi Manchu) intends to marry her.

However, she refuses to marry him as she will be considered his illegitimate wife. An annoyed Bhupathi kills Jagadamba and sets the stage to marry Valli.

Narasimha Rayudu comes to know about this and in a combat both of them lose their lives. Cut to present, Bujjigadu comes to know the presence of a ghost in the mahal. Will he be able to get the mahal?

'Uu Kodathara...' as a film never kicks off from the very beginning. Director Shekar Raja takes more than ample time to get into the core story. He tries too hard to weave comedy into the story but with no positive results.

Poor chap, can't blame him since these days every other film is trying too hard to cater comedy elements in the script provided there is no scope for it to be in the first place.

The film gathers momentum only after the entry of Balakrishna by which time poor writing mars the film to a great degree.

When the tempo is set with Balayya's introduction, Shekar Raja with his narration hardly amazes, letting the film go out of his hands completely.

The heart of the film was here, but sadly he fails to deliver. Balayya's character was enough to light up the screens, but the director falters in giving it a neat sketch.

With a proven entity like him, Bhupathi's (Sonu Sood) character is well-etched and leaves more impact irrespective of the fact that it is similar to his earlier stint in 'Arundhati'.

Other undoings of the film include songs and camerawork. Songs neither provide relief nor take the story forward. With a huge set like Gandharva Mahal, cameraman Rajashekar has his hands full, but to his standards the set is never established in a majestic manner.

Performance wise, Manoj couldn't leave a mark with his character. At the same time it's high time he stops his so-called 'cute expressions' when they are not the need of the hour.

Balakrishna is the only saving grace of this film. The actor looks every inch of royalty and his presence is what makes the film.

Deeksha Seth shows off her well-toned figure and navel for a major part without much to do. Lakshmi Manchu gives it her due just like Ajay. Veterans Gollapudi Maruthi Rao, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Prabhu, Sai Kumar are wasted in their roles.

Summing up, 'Uu Kodathara'' revolves around Balayya's role, but since the very role is not moulded to perfection, it turns out to be a substance that neither makes you sync in tandem nor gives you the shivers.