What is it with reality shows and Bollywood? First we had Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's Nach Baliye take, and then a little glimpse of middle India's madness about Indian idol in Dilli 6.

Now we have Meri Padosan, and we really wish we didn't have it. It's the sort of film that should not be made.

The plot revolves around a reality show that has become the next big thing. The concept is that a TV channel, Live India (isn't there a real channel by that name?) is looking for the best short film.

It invites directors to send in their fare. Enter director Shyam Gopal Varma (yes, ha ha), who has talent and originality but no work.

He comes to visit his friends Khayali (from Laughter Challenge) and Snehal Dabhi and spots a couple in the neighbourhood whose love story he is first fascinated by, and then decides to film and submit as his entry for this reality show.

The woman, who is of course the person from where the movie gets its title, is played by Sadhika Randhawa. Her husband is Sanjay Mishra.

Their relationship, a lot of it physical, is filmed secretly by Varma. Sadhika shows us her body, but not her talent.

The plot is loose enough to have been woven through with quality: the rigidity of Bollywood's formula sometimes seems to us the reason why our films are so cliched. Unfortunately, this opportunity is blown and there is little to keep us gripped as we trundle through Meri Padosan.

The music is poor and there are no melodies, but that is directly related to the budget, and so excusable.

Mishra turns in a decent performance and will possibly get noticed for his sensitive role, but the rest is second-rate stuff.

Avoid.

Anjali Vyas/Hill Road Media