It takes guts to make a film like Neninthe. It takes guts to act in a film like Neninthe. And it takes guts to produce a film like Neninthe. It is never easy to poke fun at oneself or the industry one is in and Puri Jagannath does an admirable job of it. Neninthe is a hard hitting film that might not be to the liking of everyone.

What is it about : The film is about the struggle of an assistant director Ravi (Ravi Teja) to make it big in the film industry. Ravi works as an assistant under Idly Viswanath (Brahmanandam) and tries to get a producer (Sayaji Shinde) to back his script. Also, he is in love with a dancer Sandhya (Seiya). In the process of trying to protect Sandhya from her brother-in-law (Krishna Bhagwan), Ravi clashes with a goon Yaadu (Supreeth). How Ravi overcomes all odds to become a director and a successful one at that forms the crux of the plot.

What is Good: The dialogs are extremely hard hitting. The ones about the movie reviews and the obscene pictures used for publicity of newspapers and magazines are particularly pointed and raise a few valid points. Ravi Teja’s dialog about the three things required for love is also very good. Ravi Teja’s performance is energetic as usual and considering his own struggle in the industry, the role must have been a cakewalk. Seiya, Mumaith Khan, Sayaji Shinde, Supreeth and Rama Prabha prove able supporting actors. The film’s dialogs are its strength though they lack the typical mass punch of Jagan. Sairam Shankar’s cameo is good too.

What is bad: Too much violence in the tradition of other recent Puri films. Music is a weak link and the placement of the songs is very abrupt. Also, the heroine’s role is inconsistent and the way she pops up and then disappears for a while is disconcerting. The film also uses a number of swear words and Puri seems to have decided that his film is not really for family audiences. The comedy element is slightly weak in the film.

Me Thinks: Neninthe is a hard hitting film that is not afraid of taking digs at anyone. Go watch Neninthe if only to understand how things work in the film industry. Do not expect a pucca mass entertainer and you will not be disappointed – Good one time watch!

Tailpiece: Neninthe is said to contain several incidents from Ravi Teja’s and Puri Jagannath’s personal lives. It is good to see the industry opening up to such ventures.