"Hubballi" is being advertised as the biggest venture of 2006, perhaps because of its big budget. But certainly it is not the best of the year's films.

"Hubballi" starts as a thriller. Opening sequences do enthral. Then some comedy sequences featuring Rakshitha, Sadhu Kokila and 'Bullet' Prakash keep the audience in splits.

After the first half, when out for a coke or a smoke, you may expect a better treat in the second half. But unfortunately the rest of the film is filled with fisticuffs and so-called 'emotional' sequences that leave you entirely unmoved.

'Hubballi' has elements of Hollywood hit 'Borne Identity', where the hero is in search of his own identity. The film's first half deals with an unknown Sudeep, who does not remember anything about himself. Rakshitha saves him by donating her blood. Then, as Sudeep tries to find out his roots, the plot thickens.

Someone recognises him and asks him how he has survived a murderous assault. Sudeep is then identified as a police officer who had lost his memory after a assault on him. It will be unfair to give away the rest of the story.

Sudeep scores in the earlier part, where he tries to revive his memory. Rakshitha is a revelation and it is unfortunate that this actress is calling quits at a time when she is getting the best of roles.

Sadhu Kokila, 'Tennis' Krishna and 'Bullet' Prakash excel in the comedy sequences. Swasthik Shankar and Dharma are just ordinary as villains.

The music and re-recording by Hemanth is pedestrian. The picturization of songs lacks quality and style