The new Murali-starrer Siddu comes as a pleasant offering, especially for audiences used to watching nondescript films over the past month. The film has nothing fresh to offer, but boasts a tight screenplay that engages the audience throughout its 150 minutes. The presentation of songs and fight sequences is rich, which adds to its appeal. The last 30 minutes are also gripping, though the flashback in the second half could do with a bit of editing. And yes, there are twists and turns that often lead to unexpected developments.

The story follows a middle-class college-goer called Siddu, who lives with his sister after losing his parents. He is a happy-go-lucky guy who shares a special bond with his school teacher. Siddu is also in love with Deepu, who has a troubled life on account of her father. Neglected by her father, she finds Siddu to be a nice, caring person. Love blossoms.

Meanwhile, Siddu gets himself into a critical situation when he is forced to take the help of an underworld don in order to raise money for his ailing teacher's surgery. In return, the don wants Siddu to deliver a suitcase to a don in a neighbouring state. The suitcase vanishes en route. The don kidnaps Siddu's sister and brother-in-law, threatening to kill them unless he returns the suitcase. Siddu seeks Deepu's help, who collects the money by threatening her father at gunpoint. Finally, many threats later, the crisis is resolved; the lovers, united.

The story by B A Madhu is certainly not original, with references to German flick Run Lola Run cropping up in certain sequences. There are sparks of brilliance in dialogue though. Essentially, this is a film that relies on technicians more than artistes. Mahesh Sukhadhare's direction, Ramesh Babu's cinematography and R P Patnayak's music stand out.

Murali has done a good job, but needs to improve his performance in the emotional sequences. Deepu shows her mettle in the final minutes. Not much can be said of the other artistes, who add little to the film's quality. For Murali fans, this is good stuff. For others, still very well presented fare.