After Pogaru, Pandem Kodi and Bharani, Bhayya is Vishal's latest flick. He has that 'Mass' image, stories with Rayalaseema background, lots of fight sequences in all his movies. Bhayya is no different, but looks like it is a mash of so many other movies. It is unoriginal and unexciting and even the 'mass' audience will yawn widely-we've seen it all before.
Plot Jagan lands up in Kadapa at his police inspector uncle's (Ashish Vidyarthi) place, having to sign at the police station under some minor offence. He falls in love with Malathi (Priyamani), but to avoid him she tells him she is in love with the murderous Mallanna's younger brother (Ajay). The goon gets to know about it, and harasses the girl and interrupts her studies. Jagan plays savior and it's a fight to the finish.
Story, Screenplay and Direction It's all been done before. The Rayalaseema backdrop, SUVs in and out of the frame, six fights and six songs, a damsel in distress and the Hero who saves the day. The problem here is that Vishal himself is giving a repeat performance in many ways. He does a flaw, and sets out to rectify it. Ashish Vidyarthi's character has a wife at home and a 'Chai-Bun' affair with his head constable. It's supposed to be funny. The Tamil-Telugu gap has not been bridged consistently.
Some clever scenes: two groups following Jagan think he is heading the other group and leave. Dogs set against him are friendly to him instead of listening to the owner. Mallanna plants his men in Jagan's camp, and Jagan outwits him by planting his men in Mallanna's camp. Jagan keeps a Tolet board outside Malathi's house with Mallanna's number, and his henchman calls Mallanna to enquire. One hitch-all of them are reminiscent of some movie or the other, from the recent Dhol (Hindi) to Okkadu.
The action or the technical departments are routine. Comedy, although seen before, works in some places. There is no chemistry between the lead pair.
Performances Vishal is consistent, but does nothing different from his previous flicks. Priyamani and Vishal do not look right together, and she has a role that requires her to do nothing but cry/dance. Ajay gives a good and convincing performance. Devaraj as Mallanna and Ashish Vidyarthi in a surprisingly positive role justify their roles.
Music and Dance Average.
Last Word Vishal has is a promising talent, but it's wasted in repeat shows like this.