"Jothe Jotheyalli" was expected to be a realistic and musically focused film made with a young cast and assisted by a talented crew.

It had actor Prem, who made an impressive debut in "Nenapirali", teaming up with popular Ramya credited with a string of recent hits.

The film was directed by Dinakar Darshan, brother of matinee idol Darshan with a huge fan following.

The film's album, released recently, hit the right chord with the listeners and is quite popular.

But, the film has turned out to be a disappointment. It is an insipid fare with a poor script. It suffers from an illogical plot and a slow narration. The songs, popular as they may be, are badly choreographed.

The story is about a highly focused advertisement executive marrying a girl holding down a nine-to-five job. Their parents oppose the marriage, but the couple has the will to make it work.

However, after some time the girl realises that her spouse is not trustworthy. She files for divorce and wins the case. But after that something happens which changes her mind and she decides to go back to her husband.

This could have been Ramya's film if the director had strengthened her characterisation. There are many discrepancies in the way her character is presented.

For example, she speaks in a north Karnataka accent and the typical old-Mysore manner in the same sequence. Ditto with Dwarakish and Thulasi Shivamani who play Ramya's parents.

Prem shouts more and emotes less.

Sharan and Bullet Prakash, two good comedians, pale in comparison to many of their previous roles.

"Jothe Jotheyalli" is a sloppy dish served to an audience waiting with an appetite that the pre-release publicity for the film had whetted.