But this much awaited movie coming from the Krishna Vamsi stable is just an average fare. The director himself observed many a time that the movie was intended to remind people about Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation and to imbibe his principles into the society, which is in slumber.

From the point of view of the director, the film goes right, but for the audiences, it leaves you bored and confused with a good script dealt with in a slipshod manner.

Srikanth plays a rowdy Das in Hyderabad. He gets attracted to the film industry and then gets very much influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's ideology. Prior to the changeover, he helps a bad politician (Jayaprakash Reddy) in settling scores with a business woman, who wants to set up an SEZ (Special Economic Zone) at a slum area, where hundreds of dwellers live on.

At last, the hero realizes the manipulation of the politicians and stands by the poor and downtrodden. How far the Gandhism came to his rescue while fighting the ruthless villains? It forms the crux of the film.

The whole movie revolves round Srikanth, who has given a stupendous performance after his surprise blockbuster Operation Duryodhana. Bhavana opposite Srikanth looked adequate, though a number of romantic scenes were introduced. Charmi's skimpy item song comes as a plus point considering the commercial elements.

Krishna Vamsi displays the change that the protagonist undergoes from being a rowdy to that of a potential political force. Though the director could attach several Gandhian ideals to the hero – like vegetarianism, non-violence and truth, the mood is bogged down when showing him in romantic moods and sensuous scenes.

Mahatma has a few resemblances with Rakhee. To that matter, it has near similarity with yesteryears film of Rajasekhar – Neti Gandhi. The audience will also feel a smear of certain scenes from Khadgam, but with changeover in characterizations.

The advantage of the film is that it is not preachy and Krishna Vamsi should be commended for his straight line message – To avoid manipulating the image of Gandhi for the vested interests of the politicians.

The story comes as a clichéd one and there is a lot of expectation right from the beginning. Though the production values are good, the direction is mediocre, running dry often. At times, a feeling of artificiality sweeps, particularly like the scenes showing the transformation of the hero into a Gandhian. Music is superb and the songs are a major plus point. Cinematography is nice.

Verdict: OK