A half-baked Mama-Alludu story

Apart from the terrific onscreen chemistry between real-life uncle and nephew-Venkatesh and Naga Chaitanya-and their fun banter, the much-hyped film 'Venky Mama' has nothing much to boast off.

Briefly, the story revolves around a 'superstitious belief' based on a birth chart that predicts the death of Venkatesh, if he brings up his nephew Naga Chaitanya, who lost his parents in an accident. In this age and date, such superficial plots will find it hard to connect with new-age audience.

No doubt, Venkatesh showcases his flair for comedy once again and revs up the proceedings, while Naga Chaitanya matches his uncle in comic-timing and their emotional bonding also holds good, until the contrived 'army' episode involving Naga Chaitanya derails all their efforts. Less said the better about hotch-potch climax.

Coming to the story, Rama Narayana (Nasser), a staunch believer in astrology, warns his daughter not to marry her lover as they would be killed within a year of their marriage as per their horoscope. It turns out to be true, they are killed in an accident leaving their one-year-old son in the lurch.

Rama Narayana's son Venkata Ratnam Naidu (Venkatesh) brings his nephew Karthik (Naga Chaitanya) to their home much against his father's warning that this child also would bring death to his maternal uncle but Venkatesh rubbishes it and raises Karthik as his son. Karthik is now in his early 20's, while Venky remains a bachelor.

Young director Bobby relies on charisma of two stars than the plot. Hence, he couldn't sustain the interest for bit too long. Nonetheless, he scores high in capturing the delightful bonhomie between Venky and Chaitanya. That is only saving grace of the film, which otherwise is formulaic effort.

Whereas, pretty girls Raashi Khanna and Paayal Rajput have nothing much to do in this male-centric story. However, Rao Ramesh, Prakash Raj put in a decent job, while Hyper Adhi's comedy touches a new high.

The film falls flat on its face, since 'mruthyu gandam' (death threat) to Venkatesh from his nephew as per the birth chart is lost somewhere inbetween due to poor writing by director Bobby.

Once you lose the intended destination, the travel is going to be bumpy and haywire. None to blame for the consequences thereafter.