"Raaj..." is technically sound and the music is fantastic. The film has everything except a sound script. Director has failed to translate the struggles of an aspiring actor in a convincing story.
Prem tries to cover up flaws by concentrating on technical aspect, but a film's technical content is not enough to lure audiences.
Puneet Raj Kumar's brilliant portrayal as Muththuraj is the saving grace. He shows tremendous improvement as an actor and his performance, especially in fight sequences, is certainly a treat to watch. In a way the film belongs to Puneet.
The flaws in the movie prove that Prem hasn't learnt anything from his past flop "Preethi Eke Bhoomi Melidhe".
Harikrishna once again proves his class by composing melodious compositions and effective background score.
Prem should take the blame for the flaws - his idea to shoot the song with Puneet and his father Raj Kumar's heroines including Rangayana Raghu and Sadhu Kokila has failed to make any impact.
Prem is a better singer and lyricist than a director. There are some likeable sequences in the film. The hero's introduction in a jail and twist at interval is appreciable.
Muththuraj, who lives with his parents in a village, wants to be an actor. To pursue his dreams, he goes to city and bags the role of a junior artist. An associate director spots talent him and casts him in main lead in his new film. But the heroine Parvathy walks out of the project.
When Muththuraj realises his chance to become a hero is in peril, he starts wooing Parvathy to work with him. Meanwhile, Parvathy gets into trouble when her two relatives, who are connected to underworld, want to marry her. She is forced to run away with Muththuraj.
The second half deals with how Muththuraj saves Parvathy and realises his dream. In the end, he returns to his village and re-unites with his parents.
Film: "Raaj - The Showman"; Cast: Puneet Raj Kumar, Nisha Kothari, Aadi Lokesh, Muni, Murali Mohan, Shankar Aswath and others; Producer: Sreenivasa Murthy, Suresh Gowda; Director: Prem; Music Composer: Hari Krishna; **
By R.G. Vijayasarathy