KGF (Telugu) - Movie Review

'KGF', starring Sandalwood star Yash in the lead, hit the screens this Friday in multiple languages. Let's find out what works and what doesn't for the expensive product.  

Story:

The story is set in the pre-1985 era, starting from the hero's birth in the 1950s. Rocky (Yash) grows up to be an orphan when his mother dies due to poverty. At the time of dying, she literally extracts a promise from Rocky that he will die a rich man. The scene shifts to Bombay. Growing up in slums and amid violent people, Rocky becomes a violent guy even as a child. In his 20s, he is a rule unto himself, feared by gangsters. His arrogance and ruthlessness make him a sought-after name in the underworld.

Rocky comes to Bangalore in the 1970s on a mission to kill a bigwig. He accidentally discovers that a scam of gigantic proportions is taking place in Kolar Gold Fields, from which unscrupulous individuals are making billions.

This is also the time when a twist arrivees at the interval and Rocky seems to be on the verge of losing a bloody game. What is that game? Who are all involved in this battle of gore and wits? Answers to these questions are found in the second half.

Analysis:

Among other things, 'KGF' will be remembered for the larger-than-life, elaborate hero introduction scene. After building up Rocky's story for more than 20 minutes, Yash is parachuted into the story amid a powerful set-up. More than two dozen goondas are out to kill him, feeling happy that they have finally kidnapped him and hung him to the ceiling. A few lines are said to show how much fear he has instilled in them since years. Finally is revealed Rocky's bloody face.

Action sequences are grand and mostly larger-than-life (with one or two exceptions). If you are a stickler for hero-centric movies, 'KGF' is your cup of tea for sure.

The characterization of the male lead is also a well-written aspect. He is grey, is sentimental about his dead mother, he can be violent but we are also told repeatedly that poverty drove him to immorality. He brims with toxic masculinity. When he sees the heroine (Srinidhi Shetty), he starts demanding her attention and love. He even indirectly tells her that he masturbated in the bathroom thinking about her! Even Puri Jagannadh's heroes haven't gone this far.

The dialogue is as good as in any big Telugu movie in recent times. "I didn't start beating people after becoming a don; I started out by beating up dons," the hero says.

The film is set in a bygone era and the costumes, the setting and the backdrop are captured remarkably. Ravi Basrur's BGM is a whiff of fresh air. Bhuvan Gowda's cinematography works. Since Yash is a superstar in Sandalwood, he gets to play a powerful role in 'KGF'. But since he is not a big name outside Karnataka, the Telugu, Tamil and Hindi versions of 'KGF' could seem somewhat overindulgent.  

With the exception of Rocky, others get a hazy portrayal. Tamannaah's special song is a big disappointment. The film also lacks clarity in many scenes. The director assumes that the audience will understand things without much of an explanation.  

Bottomline:'KGF' is over the top, it is overstretched exercise in hero worship. Has excessive violence and in-your-face heroism. This is strictly for those who like raw action films revolving around the hero. The technical departments do a sound job. The writing could have been more intelligent, editing should have been sharper.