[TELUGU MOVIES ] Maya Bazaar (2006)

Banner: RKK Films banner
Cast: Raja, Bhumika, SP Bala Subramanyam, Tanikella Bharani, Dharmavarapu, LB Sriram, Ali, Gundu Sudarshan, Duvvasi Mohan, Surya, Uttej, Goparaju Ramana, Siva Narayana, Bhaskar, Devadas, Suman Kumar, Pardhasaradhi, Nagineedu, Girishar, Master Karthik, Raja Sridhar, Jayalalitha, Bangalore Padma, Jayalakshmi, Baby Harshita Baby Yani
Direction: Mohana Krishna
Production: B Satyanarayana, Raj Kishore Khaware
Music: Radhakrishnan

Make no mistake, Maya Bazaar of 2006 has no similarities with the legendary film of the same name. But wait, there maybe one important link ---- this one also hopes to be as big as the previous one was.

National award winning director Indraganti Mohan Krishna (of Grahanam fame) comes up with yet another offbeat film. His latest Maya Bazaar is socio-fantasy flick in which mythology and present day affairs are blended effortlessly. It is very rare combo but noble intentions do not always materialize into good cinema.

The sluggish narration is the major problem and somewhere down the line, the film loses its track and unnecessary sub plots mar the proceedings further. If director Mohan Krishna had given a little more care about the screenplay, then Maya bazaar would have been entertaining.

Kubera (SPB) is cursed by a Muni for insulting human race. By serving a good human being only his curse can be go off. So Kubera finds Srinu (Raja), a driver, a good human being. Srinu’s sole aim in life is to serve the underprivileged. One day he finds a girl stranded in airport and takes care of the child Siri (Baby Harshita). Siri has heart ailment and she needs to be operated immediately.

Kubera helps Srinu with the money and in return asks a favour when he needs. Meanwhile, Srinu becomes rich and falls in love with Anupama (Bhoomika). As everything goes well, suddenly Kubera lands in and asks for Srinu’s life. Did Srinu give his life to the Kubera who helped him to grow to great heights?

The basic plot is good but the narration lacks spark. S P Balasubramaniam’s performance as Kubera makes the film engaging. Actually director Indraganti has handled the mythology part better than the other scenes. The film also has unique climax. But there are too many unwanted scenes and unrelated characters that hinder the smooth flow of the film.

Raja does his role convincingly. Bhoomika is not much to do in the film except for appearing in songs. Baby Harshita is cute. Radhakrishna’s music is big disappointment and the placement of songs further pains the audiences. Technically, the graphics and art is good.

Anyway, it is watchable once for its noble intentions and engaging climax.