'Johny Mera Naam...' lacks punch (Kannada Movie Review)

Film: 'Johny Mera Naam....Preethi Mera Kaam'; Cast: Vijay, Ramya, Rangayana Raghu, Daththanna, Sharan and Achyutha; Producer: Jayanna and Bhogeendra; Story-Screenplay-Direction: Preetham Gubbi; Music Director: Hari Krishna; Camera: S. Krishna; Rating: * 1/2 star

'Johny Mera Naam...' was touted as a fun-filled film, but unfortunately it fails in providing non-stop entertainment.

The film starts off as a spoof on the current crop of Hindi entertainers and you have sequences where you can laugh. But stretching such things too far surely can bore viewers and that is the main problem with the movie.

The film's first half is tolerable, but the second half is sure to make you restless. The major attraction of the film is the four songs and the way they have been picturised. Ramya looks stunning in the song 'Oorigellaa Padmavathy'.

Preetham Gubbi seems be little confused between making a full length satirical film or a full-fledged commercial movie. Though 'Johny Mera Naam...' starts off as a fun film, it has serious overtones in some sequences in the second half. This inconsistency is witnessed throughout the film.

Preetham also fails as a dialogue writer.

The inconsistencies in the film could have been overlooked if at all it had provided some entertainment to the audience. The characterisation of actors including Vijay is another drawback.

The story revolves around Johny, who lives in Gandhi Colony and helps people a la Robin Hood. However, he is not so lucky when it comes to love - he always dreams about falling in love love, but his attempts to woo girls never work in his favour.

Things change when an NRI girl called Preethi comes to live in his colony with her grandfather. In his bid to help his friend, Johny accidentally kidnaps Preethi, which triggers a series of comical events.

Preethi takes a liking for Johny after hearing his story. She also likes Johny for his fun loving nature. But the big question is will a rich NRI girl accept Johny who is uneducated?

Meanwhile, Preethi meets a boy on chat and Johny feels he has lost his love. But a twist in the tale forces Preethi to accept Johny.

Vijay proves that he is a good performer and his on screen chemistry with Ramya works very well. Ramya looks good in songs, but as a performer she lacks the support of a good script.

Rangayana Raghu is good in some parts and a spoiler in other sequences.

Ragayana's and Dathtanna's comedy sequences work well for the film. Sharan and Achyutha are just passable.

Hari Krishna's music and S. Krishna's camera work are highlights of the film, which is marred completely by Preetham's poor script.