Veteran producer Pundarikakshaiya who made notable films like “Mahamantri Timmarasu” and “Srikrishnavathavaram” is back in production with his latest film “Raghavaiya Gari Abbaiyi”. Unfortunately it doesn’t live up to the standards set by his banner since it takes up the oft-repeated subject of providing education to people living in remote villages. It could have been salvaged if the director Perala had tried to infuse life into the film by adopting `fresh’ narrative structure but he fails to do so.

Keeravani’s music sounds melodious and puny Sriharsha is no hero material. Surprisingly Prema looks seductive in songs and baddy Srihari gives an average performance.

Pundarikakshya comes to a village to educate poor children and he is surprised to see a school building occupied by cattle. The feudal lord Srihari doesn’t want his villagers to get educated since they may question his authority if they acquire knowledge. Pundarikakshyaya takes up cudgels against him and loses his young daughter to Srihari’s wrath. Meanwhile, his son (Sriharsha) and wife (Sivaparvathi) who are on the lookout for him are shocked to see him in a disturbed state.

In a flashback, Pundarikakshaiya reveals he adopted Sriharsha when the former’s grandmother left him at a temple to keep him away from his father who was a henchman under Srihari. Sriharsha challenges Srihari and starts educating children sitting under trees and falls in love with Prema who is none other than Srihari’s daughter. Obviously this irks Srihari and after regular twists and turns the village is saved from the clutches of Srihari.

Before the release, the producer claimed that this film would be a nice blend of art and commerce but it fails on both counts. From next time onwards he should chose contemporary themes in tune with the taste of the present-day viewers.