By Sreekanth K

Despite a predictable plot and a poor climax, 'Mirchi' is a treat for Prabhas fans

What's it about?
Jai (Prabhas) is happy-go-lucky guy, who wants a relationship with Manasa (Richa), but she is ashamed of her background and runs away. Meanwhile Jai befriends Poorna (Subbaraju) and finds a place in his village. Later, Manasa is revealed to be Poorna's sister. Why Jai goes to Poorna’s house forms the rest of the plot.

Prabhas looks very cool. His costumes are the best he's had so far in his career. He tries to play cool by using some funny English words and at times, it looked like he was trying too hard. However, he is superb in action sequences and during emotional scenes, he performs well. His dancing skills are alright.

Anushka appears during the flashback and she looked gorgeous in the film in typical village belle attire. Although she has less screen time, she was very effective and looked especially lovely in the song 'Idedo Bagunde'.

Richa had more screen, but didn’t create much of an impact and there was nothing memorable about her act.

Satya Raj acted with restraint. He was effective in a role given to him. Nadiya appeared in a short role and her presence was good. Subbaraju, Nagineedu and Supreeth did what they do usually.

Brahmanandam was used effectively in the first half. Although he didn’t quite provide the needed humour, the director uses him well in the first half. The comedian went largely missing in the second half.

Debutant director Koratala Siva has chosen a theme that had interesting elements, but his predictable screenplay lets him down. The director wants to focus on the change of heart of an individual but the way he goes about doing that is very cliched and predictable. The routine acting adds to the woes.

The first half of the film focuses on this predictable aspect of the film, hence it appears to be a downer. In contrast the second half's flashback episode is enjoyable. The climax is a big let-down, looking too preachy and unconvincing. One feels, if preaching was all that required to change them, it could have done a lot earlier.

Music by Devi Sri Prasad is good. BGM is alright and it could have been a lot better. Editing is jerky at times. Choreography is a mixed bag - while two songs are good, others disappoint. Production values are good. Cinematography is excellent, it gives the film a rich look.

The bottom line? Mirchi is only half spicy!
Rating: 3/5