Puri Jagannadh's 'Devudu Chesina Manushulu' disappoints

Film: "Devudu Chesina Manushulu"; Cast: Ravi Teja, Ileana D'Cruz, Prakash Raj, Brahmanandam, Kovai Sarala and Ali; Producer: B.S.V.N. Prasad; Scriptwriter-Director: Puri Jagannadh; Composer: Raghu Kunche; Camera: Shyam K. Naidu; Rating: *1/2

When a director like Puri Jagannadh is associated with a film, one expects full-on entertainer. But his "Devudu Chesina Manushulu", starring Ravi Teja, turns out to be a disappointment.

Jagannadh, known for making commercial entertainers like "Badri", "Idiot", "Itlu Shravani Subramanyam", "Pokiri" and "Deshamuduru", has never failed as a dialogue writer, even though his scripts are flawed. But in "Devudu Chesina Manushulu", he has failed both as writer and director.

The film starts off in Vaikunta Loka where Goddess Lakshmi asks Lord Vishnu to tell her a story. He begins to narrate the tale of two orphans - Ravi Teja and Ileana, who are born in different countries, but are destined to fall in love.

Not only the script is weak, the whole narration is dull and boring. It looks like the director was in a hurry to complete the film, which also disappoints in the technical department.

Ravi Teja tries to add some energy to his badly written role and succeeds to some extent. His dance movements, dialogues and action are funny and comical. Ileana has shed a lot of weight, but looks odd in her new hairstyle.

Prakash Raj plays a different character, while Brahmanandam, Ali and Kovai Sarala have managed to tickle the audience's funny bone with their comic timing.

Shyam K. Naidu is a good cinematographer, but somehow he has failed to meet the expectations.

Raghu Kunche has composed some fine tunes.

Watch "Devudu Chesina Manushulu" if you do not have any alternative.