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{mosimage}I always go crazy about the very mention of the 1960's classic - "Missiamma" starring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, and even have a VCD of it in my library. I happened to see the another Telugu movie of the same name that came after many decades in 2003, starring Bhumika and Sivaji. I liked the song "Ney paadithey lokame padadha.." that was telecast in SS Music at that time more often. I managed to collect the DVD of the movie after 3 years and I liked it instantly. Since it was a subtitled DVD, I was able to understand the movie completely. Another thing that goes favour of this movie is that is very much tender, refreshing and unconventional from a regular Telugu fare. I liked what I saw thats why I am writing few words about it here.

The title role of Missamma (Lady Boss) is played by Bhumika Chawla. Meghana (Bhumika) is a rich heiress of the leading JP Group of Companies, Mumbai. On a business trip to her Hyderabad branch, she happens to meet Nandhagopal (Sivaji). Nandhu alias Nandhagopal is a simple but noble human being blessed with a lovely wife Ratnamala (Laya) and an adopted daughter. His nosy astrologer neighbour completes his picture perfect happy life. Nandhu is a great admirer of JP when he realises that his principles grossly coincide with his'. He is thrilled to meet late JP's daughter Meghana and give the thesis he had done on her father. When the extremes of stratas come together, the life was never the same for anyone concerned.

{mosimage}As said earlier, this movie deviates majorly from the conventional commercial forumale, which makes it a delight to watch. No unnecessary drama & hoopla, no semi nude heroines, provoking pelvic thrusts and the absence of "loud" villians and "weeping" heroines keeps this movie stand alone from the regular crowd of Telugu movies. The story just moves forward like a well oiled machinery. Barring few hiccups like forced duet in the second half & some here and there heroic cliches, this movie is eminently watchable.

Director Neelakanta has weaved the screenplay in a linear & light fashion that even though the movie had ample scope for turning into a weepy, he deftly moves those tear jerkable scenes laced with a humor. Another deviation is that despite the presence of a comedian, the best of laughing scenes are between Bhumika and Sivaji, especially the "Management Tests" and Sivaji's attempts to impress Bhumika. The downsides being the pretty predictable climax and the scenes of Laya with Sivaji.

Bhumika is the lifeline of the movie and infact this film largely depends on the chemistry between her and Sivaji for its success. Her completely mobile face is the plus point of her near realistic portrayal. However the character of Meghana takes a shaky start confusing you whether she is a childwoman or an arrogant boss and in the same breadth she manages to wipe off the reputation she had acquired through out the movie in the climax.

{mosimage}Sivaji proves that he is best in comedy department and displays his skills in comedy timings. The way he looks out of his spectacle frames itself sets a sort of funny mood whenever he does the same on screen. Laya proves that she is a perfect foil to the complicated proceedings by her docile and demure looks. Her voice and dialogue delivery is lovely. Sad that actress of her calibre couldn't make it to the top. Anshu looks pretty in her brief appearance at the start of the movie, establishing the haughty nature of Meghana.

Music by Vandemataram Srinivas sparkles in two songs - Bhumika's solo "Ney paadithey lokame padadha.." and the Sivaji - laya duet "Nuvvala..", however it is the subtlety and the effectiveness of the background score that takes the movie to heights.Camera work by Jawahar Reddy is OK. The producer Satyanarayana B should be commended for coming forward to make a good film.

{mosimage}On the concluding note, just forget the peccadilloes, this kind of movies doesn't come everyday. So if possible just sit for it when it comes on TV / DVD, mark my words - you'll surely love it.