After the success of Chandramukh (in Tamil), P Vasu is back with Telugu film, Maharadhi. However, the film disappoints, especially after Vasu had promised to present a new Balakrishna in Maharadhi (which he managed to some extent).
The film begins as a love story but takes a twist midway. It is about two music schools run by arch rivals, Naresh and Jayaprada, who runs Kalyani Music School and Bhairavi Dance School respectively.
Incidentally, music master Bala (Balakrishna) and the dance master Krishna (Balakrishna) in these two schools resemble each other. And if that is not bad enough, a third Balakrishna emerges just before the intermission.
The dance master Bala is an honest person while Krishna is a tough nut to crack. He is an expert in the western style of dance, and the girls are ready to pay any amount to become his students. But Jayaprada wants Naresh's daughter Kalyani (Meera Jasmine) to join her school, something which Naresh abhors. She throws a challenge at Krishna and he accepts it.
Meanwhile, there are some stunts that are not connected in any way to the story and appear as if they are incorporated only to show the hero's might. Kalyani chances upon Krishna and falls in love instantaneously. He then joins the dance school with the help of Bala. And it's not long before you grasp that both Naresh and Jayaprada are divorcees and Kalyani their daughter.
They also realise that Bala and Krishna are one and the same. Though Naresh agrees to the alliance, Jayaprada refuses saying that he is far below her status and not fit to be her son-in-law. Suprisingly, Bala or Krishna also disagrees to the alliance and says that it is Balakrishna who should agree to the proposal. Adding to the confusion comes another character Balakrishna. The rest of the story revolves around Balakrishna and the reason for his becoming a music and dance master.
All in all, the screenplay lacks consistency and is quite slack at places, something not expected of Vasu. The film is also crammed with songs and action sequences. Music, too is uninspiring. Though the characters are well etched, the narration is too slow
Balakrishna does his job well minus his usual mannerisms. However, his wigs are another story.
Jayaprada is slim and well dressed. Sneha and Meera Jasmine, too have done their job well though Sneha's role is more meaty. Venu Madhav appears fleetingly in a couple of scenes.
There's nothing much to write about the comic track.
Bala's diehard fans can watch this film, but only once.
Rediff Rating: 
