In Bhale Bhale Magadivoi, Lucky (Nani) is the one with a condition — he forgets the task he sets out for when he is diverted with something else.
His parents learn about his forgetfulness when, as a child, he forgets to convey a message from his grandparents, which would have given them a chance to mend broken bridges. The way the next few scenes play out, we know this isn't a story that will take a serious approach to deal with possible cures for absent mindedness. In a passing statement, we infer that the parents have tried their best before giving it up as a 'manufacturing defect'.
From then on, it's a string of fun situations where Lucky leaves friends and family fuming with the consequences of his forgetfulness. We take it that he is quite intelligent since he works at a botanical research film. The story doesn't tell us how he aced his exams without forgetting his lessons, but never mind.
The problem arises when his family is on the lookout for a bride. Lucky has forgotten that he's kept a prospective bride's father Panduranga (Murali Sharma) waiting while he is explaining at length in the office canteen on how to make the perfect tea! Maruthi puts together many such situations where you are laughing and at the same time sympathies with Lucky as much as you feel for the people kept waiting.
Talking of Maruthi, Bhale Bhale Magadivoi is his best film till date where he veers off risqué humour and gives a clean entertainer. He deals with a wafer-thin storyline that borders on predictable and boring, but springs small surprises at regular intervals. He benefits hugely from Nani, who has terrific comic timing and gives his character the sensitivity and respect it deserves. He brings the house down in the scenes inspired by, and pay a tribute to, Shankardada MBBS and Rajinikanth.
Lucky falls in love with (who else?) Panduranga's daughter Nandana (Lavanya Tripathi). Luck shines on him and he manages to impress her when he should have earned her wrath given his tendency to forget. But he still has the tough task of convincing her father and fending off an obsessive suitor Ajay (Ajay).
Here's where the film gets a tad repetitive. Like in many films we've seen before, one person smells something fishy while the other supporting characters remain unaware and mighty happy. The proceedings are salvaged with some innovativeness that comes later. Nani carries the film on his shoulders in these portions, managing to keep the interest alive.
Lavanya handles her part with a lot of grace. Her styling is impressive too. There's a good set of supporting actors including Murali Sharma, Naresh, Sitara and Vennela Kishore who add to the film. A couple of songs by Gopi Sundar are worth humming while the others almost hit a jarring note.
Bhale Bhale Magadivoi puts logic aside but there's plenty of situational humour where you'll find yourself laughing aloud and having a good time. And these laughs are with than at the protagonist.
