Review - Bhai - Nag makes a comeback

Very often, under the pretext of showcasing a superstar in a novel way, filmmakers overlook their strong points and the plot to dish out a half-baked product.

However, director Veerabhadram, besides knowing his own strengths, also cashes his lead actor Nagarjuna's strength to make `Bhai', which is a package made-to-order for his fans who have been craving for such a a movie for a long time.

Vijay alias Bhai (Nagarjuna) is the right hand man of David (Ashish Vidyarthi), a ruthless Hong Kong-based don. David still looks up to Bhai for important assignments, though his sons (Sonu Sood) and James grown Tony (Ajay) are all grown up.

Meanwhile, an under cover cop is on a mission to clean up Hyderabad mafia manages to bring David's business in the city to a halt. David learns about it and Bhai takes the mantle of assassinating the cop. He lands in Old City and upon enquiries, comes to the know about about the cop's whereabouts.

As he is about to finish him, he discovers that he is his younger brother Arjun (Prasanna). He now has to protect Arjun from David and James, who too land in the city to avenge Tony's death who was shot dead by Arjun.

If regular action blocks, Nag's stylish swagger besides one-liners like `Dosthikosthe Bhai, Dushmani kosthey goodbye (Like a brother for friends and goodbye for others), Vaadi chethulo gunnu vaadu okatelaa vunnadu (He is like the gun in his hand) and Raju poyaka soldiers ki value undadu (Soldiers hold no significance after the death of a king) form the first half, it is the latter half that has everything going for the film.

Be it the entry of Brahmanandam into the proceedings and his subsequent portions with Bhai's followers or the emotional chord that Bhai shares with his sister Geetha (Zara Shah); Veerabhadram strikes a fine balance between the elements - entertainment and drama required for a standard Tollywood film.

However, the film is far from blemishes. If three songs pop up without situations leading to them, the climax plays a spoil sport as it ends on a routine note. Devi Sri Prasad disappoints with his compositions.

Performance wise, this is Nag's show from start to finish. As the Bhai who delivers goods for David, as the brother who meets his sister's wish and as the one who counters the plans of James, he is in his elements.

Looking dapper in branded outfits in the second half, the actor is out to prove a point that he can still give the younger lot a run for their money when it comes to weaving the magic with looks. Sonu Sood as the new age villain is simply attention grabbing.

If not for the caliber of Nagarjuna, Sonu would have walked away with the acting laurels. Richa is limited to songs, but manages to make her presence felt whenever she is asked to emote. Brahmanandam and Ashish Vidyarthi are first rate. Jayaprakash Reddy, Nagineedu, Prasanna and Zara Shah are good.

With a running time of close to two hours 25 minutes, `Bhai' is short, crisp, and entertaining. It is a paisa vasool fare for people who look for entertainment.