In cinema, the story is not everything. The script is. This vital difference is well underscored in Meenakshi. The story is infact one with very good emotional content. A good director, with a better idea of workable script, would have come up with a better output.But alas, Prabhakar has let slip the opportunity with loose screenplay and lax direction.
The story is about Meenakshi (Kamalini Mukherjee), a woman who has strong views on dowry as her mother paid had to pay with her life due to that. Meenakshi is brought up by her uncle in a village. Enter Nandu (Rajiv Kanakala), a city-slicker who falls in love with her. She also reciprocates his feelings. But Nandu's mother and sister's dowry demands stop the marriage at the nick of the moment. Meenakshi is crest fallen. At this time, Meenakshi's unlce takes ill and she needs money to save him. So thinks up a plan and advertises that she will marry anyone who gives her the money needed for the operation.Steps in Sanjay (Amit), an NRI with good heart. He also falls for her charms. This is also the cue for Nandu to comeback. So Meenakshi marries whom?
This is a story pregnant with huge possibilities but let down by some slipshod handling.
In fact, the acting team too does its work nicely. Rajiv is utterly believable in the confused lover's role.Kamalini, despite some poor back-up support, is also entirely acceptable. She has a natural ease and poise. Amit, as the NRI, also passes muster. The comedy department, led by Ali, could have been better.
But the other aspects do not live up to the expectations.Prabhu's music and Suresh Kumar's camera work are at best patchy.
Prabhakar seems to have let slip a good opportunity. And that is really a pity.
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