Director R.V. Suresh, who made hits like "Manasichichudu", makes
a comeback after a long hiatus with "Aadhi Lakshmi" but fails
to tap the full potential of a novel plot.
His disjointed and repetitive screenplay dilutes the interesting point,
over which he perhaps wanted to provoke a discussion.
Under law, a split personality is pardoned for his crimes since he
is considered mentally ill. But if the criminal successfully fakes 'multiples
personalities' despite being normal, what would happen?
It seems Suresh, an erstwhile disciple of Ram Gopal Varma, probably
came up with the idea after watching "Aparachitudu", where
the protagonist gets away with murders.
Villain-turned-hero Srikanth has impressed in comedy and sentimental
roles. In this film too he skillfully etches out the role of a psychic
lover obsessed with his childhood friend Sridevi, an actress.
He kills a producer who
misbehaves with Sridevi and won't hesitate in taking her life either
if she dares to marry someone else. Sridevi likes her childhood friend
Srikanth but she doesn't love him. She loves Naveen.
It remains to be seen how the audience receive the actor in an altogether
new avatar.
Naveen has been going through a lean phase but gives an impressive
performance as a straightforward lawyer.
He saves Srikanth believing that he is suffering from split personality,
but later when he learns the truth, he re-opens the case to save Sridevi
from him.
Ali tries to evoke a few laughs with his lewd comedy while Shivaji
Raja, Sudha and Nutan Prasad are supportable.
Composer Chakri disappoints because he does not come up with enchanting
tunes despite this being his 50th film. But cinematographer Bhoopathy
manages to capture the moods well.