Tarun's bubbly performance goes in vain in his latest Telugu release Ninne Ishtapadanu, thanks to the poor plot.

Tarun plays the son of Giribabu and Rajeswari. He loves playing pranks with his friends. When Anita enters the picture, she takes him and his gang for a ride. In retaliation, Tarun makes her believe he is an imbecile. The two become friends and soon fall in love. But, before he can tell her the truth, his act is exposed. She walks out on him, only to return the next day and accept his love. She then has to leave for Hyderabad and asks him to meet her after two months.

When Tarun lapses into depression, his parents promise to accept Anita as their daughter-in-law. He heads for Hyderabad to look for her and meets Sridevi instead. He starts living with her, claiming he is an orphan like her.

When he does trace Anita, he learns that she had lied to him -- she was to marry Rajiv Kanakala. Tarun had once saved Rajiv from being arrested for drinking alcohol in a train. Tarun decides to teach Anita a lesson. He enters Anita's house with Rajiv's help and shows the latter in a poor light. Rajiv soon earns the wrath of his future father-in-law (Sarat Babu) and Anita.

Things come to a head when Sarat Babu sees Rajiv dancing with a semi-naked girl. He cancels the wedding and decides to get Anita married to Tarun instead.

Meanwhile, Sridevi falls in love with Tarun. When Tarun's parents insist on seeing their daughter-in-law, he invites Sridevi -- and they like her instantly.

Who will Tarun marry?

Sridevi is good as the innocent girl while Anita plays the arrogant girl to perfection. Co-producer and cinematographer Gopal Reddy does an elegant job. Yet, this film may end Sri Durga Arts's winning streak. Composer Patnaik's music lacks repeat value. Besides, the film suffers because its poor script. Writer-director Konda claims that a harmonious marital life is based on intellect, not understanding. How many viewers, one wonders, will identify with that.

CREDITS
Cast: Tarun, Anita, Sridevi, Sarat Babu, Rajiv Kanakala, Sudha, Sunil
Producer: K L Narayana
Director: Konda
Co-producer-cinematographer: S Gopal Reddy
Music: R P Patnaik