Jagapathi Babu has been seen around in non-fullfledged roles only, of late.  After striking gold with the Balakrishna-starrer ''Legend'' and the Mahesh Babu-starrer ''Srimanthudu'', the star makes a comeback in the lead''s role.  Directed by Viplove, ''Hitudu'' stars Jagapathi and Meera Nandan in lead roles.

The way the film is portrayed may not be spectacular as far as the visuals are concerned, but the writing does make good sense.  It goes without saying that films with good content, in the sense of sensible drama (rather than entertaining in the mainstream sense of the term) are appreciated critically, but when it comes to market, they are largely unnoticed and remain laggards even at film festivals in the absence of proper promotion.

Sitaram (Jagapathi Babu) is a member of the Lakshmanna ''dalam'' in the Agency area of Visakha.  Having recognized the importance of education, the lack of which is the reason for the backwardness of the members of the ''dalam'', Sitaram makes an attempt to educate the people around through a teacher.  Abbulu (played by Meera Nandan) is rechristened as Abhilasha by Sitaram.  The bond between them grows from this point.

However, the parents of Abbulu decide to get her married to a rich, old local lord.  At this moment, what does Sitaram advice her to do.  That forms the crux.

While the film is a reasonable drama content-wise, the fact is ''Hitudu'' lacks the visual value.  As subjects go, this one stands out for the measured way in which the story is narrated.  Jagapathi gives a measured and restrained performance.  He surely has a knack for emoting in a believable way, if not in a slice-of-life way.

Meera Nandan gets to be portrayed in a good way.  The makers have surely invested in an aesthetic presentation, at least here and there.

Bharani K Dharan''s cinematography gives an edge to the film.  He surely shows sparks with some camera angles, making the proceedings look more authentic.  Dharmendra Kakarala''s editing is good enough.

If Koti''s music and lack of vulgarity are there as the film''s good points, the way the entertainment quotient goes not totally flushed out in the context of a message-oriented zone is a demerit.

Verdict: A message-oriented film with good writing and sensible dialogue thrown in, but lacking in exciting moments.

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