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Audio Release Stills Stills Trailers		Home > Telugu Movie Reviews > Meenakshi Refreshing Family Drama Rating: *** (***** Very Good, **** Good, *** Fair, ** Average, * Bad) Cast: Rajeev Kanakala, Amit, Kamalini Mukherjee, Sivakrishna, Preeti Nigam, Rambabu, Ali, Kavita and Others. Cinematography: VN Suresh Kumar. Editing: Nagi Reddy. Music: Prabhu. Songs: Sri Harsha. Story, Screenplay & Direction: T Prabhakar. Presenter: MVR Prasad Reddy. Producers: P Vedavati & BCM Reddy. Banner: Eeswar Art Pictures. Release Date: 18th November, 2005. It is a story of a girl whose mother dies in dowry murder committed by her husband and mother-in-law, dousing her with kerosene. Then there is a blast taking the lives of the husband and his scolding mother too. But before that occurs, the child is removed by her maternal uncle Madhavayya (Sivakrishna), who visits the place at that time. His sister's last wish is to bring her up in his care. He does exactly that and she grows into young Meenakshi (Kamalini). A group of young men visit the village. Satya (Rajeev Kanakala), among them, falls in love with her. He promises that he would marry her before departing. But he does not respond. Now that she has come of age to marry, her uncle is eager now to get her married. While another reference for a match is being processed, Satya and his parents suddenly arrive seeking the hand of the girl to their son. It was a pleasant surprise for the girl, for she loves him deeply. But the betrothal scene takes an ugly turn, when Satya's arrogant sister and egoistic mother (Kavita) start belittling Madhava Rao and their village life, even after he accepts to give huge dowry. Friends and relatives gather there to check the two women. Satya notices this and runs to the site. He mistakes Madhava Rao that he was about to beat his mother. He pushes him away and Madhava Rao hits against a rock and is admitted into a hospital. Meenakashi, a bold woman, summons police filing a dowry case against all the members of the family. They are arrested. The moment they are brought out on bail, Satya runs to her to explain to Meenakshi what has happened. She cuts off the relations with them and now she is more worried about the welfare of her uncle. The doctor says he needs brain operation which will cost five-lakh rupees. The drama picks tempo from that point. By then Madhavayya sold away his property to raise money for his niece's marriage. Meenakshi releases an advertisement in a newspaper requesting a philanthropist to pay for her uncles surgery and assures that she is ready even to marry that person. Satya notices the ad and quickly collects the money and runs to the hospital. But one Sanjay (Amit) has already paid for the surgery and the operation was on. He comes out of the theatre safe. Now it is for Meenakshi to know who this Sanjay is and to stick to her commitment. He is an NRI and an orphan with plenty of money. He telephones her one day to know the welfare of the old man. Meenakshi is thrilled. In another three days he lands at her house. He looks quite strange with a mane like hairdo and big mustache. But in no time he becomes the darling of the entire house with his good manners and behavior. Now it is the turn of Satya to make a bid in the last minute to explain the situation and win her grace. And in his house his mother and father also come round. Who would marry her finally is the million dollar question that renders the audience sit through the drama till finish. Right from the start, the narration is engrossing. The director handles the subject carefully making it so real as if all this drama is happening in the neighborhood. The film looks refreshing because such family fare is non-existent these days. Kamalini is totally different from what we saw in Anand. She looks simple and goes through emotional scenes well. The subject keeps her in the center. For Rajeev Kanakala this film can be bracketed as the first ever film that he plays hero. He does well. The elderly roles are presented well by all the seasoned artistes. The role of NRI boy who helps Meenakshi is played by a new comer, Amit. The director takes good performance from him. Music too is quite alive to the situations. Prabhu appears to be new composer, but scores music quite passionately and sensibly. The film is worth watching.