Sample this. A childless woman witnesses a doctor with his wife, explaining to his ten children (!!) how they came to be born by divine grace when his wife predictably vomits. The childless woman is consoled by a serpent woman who gives her a talisman that gives the woman (Shruti) power to beget a child. She gives birth to two children, though it is not clear whether they are fraternal twins or if either of them is elder to the other. She and husband (Ramkumar) are happy with their children's versatile talent, again gained through divine intervention.

But both parents fail to fulfill the vow made to the Nine Feminine Powers and the suffering begins.

It is indeed foolhardy to make such films, when viewers are clamouring for fresh thought and approach. It requires deft handling and a tight script that is not reduced to a farce from the word go.

Navashakti Vaibhava, however stands apart. It provides viewers a unique opportunity to tour all the nine holy places at a nominal cost. If the technical and other inanities can be overlooked then the viewer will get his money’s worth — an entire 'cricket' eleven of talented beauties all vying for screen space. Actresses who are ‘past their prime’ portray each of the goddesses here.

In full divine regalia, the assortment of actresses including Prema, Sudharani, Vijayalakshmi, Ruchita Prasad, Anu Prabhakar, Jayamala, Damini, Radhika and Rutika are a feast to the eyes, reminding one of actress Nalini who appeared as Kali to Rajkumar's Kalidasa in Kaviratna Kalidasa. How long has it been since anybody saw leading ladies clad completely in lovely sarees and sporting traditional jewellery?

The late Soundarya also puts in an appearance along with Saikumar.

The story is so simple that it may seem stupid to some but in these days of materialism-induced cynicism, such stories do offer a pleasant diversion. A near-cohesive script offers some tidbits of information on the various pilgrimage spots, but that's it. The film is watchable depending on individual preference.