Telugu producer Ramanaidu has long been hoping Nireekshana -- a love story -- will break his run of bad films. He will have to wait longer.

It seems that the veteran filmmaker, whose last hit was Preminchu a few years ago, has lost his touch. And before people write him off, he should pick the right script to bounce back, or hang up his boots. Debutant director Sitaram leaves a lot of loopholes in the script.

After strongly establishing the relationship between father and daughter, the former locking his beloved daughter in a farm house because he suspects she is in love, is just ridiculous. Less said the better about the inconsistent characterisation of Aryan Rajesh. Plus, the sick comedy by Dharmavarapu Subramanyam tests your nerves.

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Ramanaidu -- who has made classics like Ramaudu Bheemudu and Prem Nagar -- seemed confident about this 'unique' plot. It is unique because no one would dare attempt something so contrived.

Leading man Aryan Rajesh, who had moderate hits Leela Mahal Center and Evadi Gola Vaadithi, picks a wrong one this time. This ill-conceived role could dent his newfound success. Rajesh's character, who leads a comfortable life, suddenly deciding to enact a kidnapping drama for a mere few lakhs lacks believability.

Glamour girl Sridevi [Images] impresses as a timid, idealistic rich girl, but becomes confused after her father locks her up: whether to be furious at the father or adore him. She keeps alternating moods till she is rescued, which only leads to a poorly established love affair with Rajesh.

Nagababu, Chiranjeevi's [Images] brother, plays a doting father but his sudden transformation into ruthlessness is quite overdone. .

Srilekha's music is not upto the mark, and the less said the better about the background score.

Nireekshana is definitely a film to avoid.