Sriimurali’s Bagheera, a highly anticipated action film directed by Dr. Suri and written by KGF and Salaar mastermind Prashanth Neel, brings an ambitious superhero narrative with a rooted storyline. Released on October 31, the movie explores the journey of Vedanth (Sriimurali), an IPS officer who assumes the vigilante identity of “Bagheera” to tackle organized crime, specifically targeting illegal organ trade. The Kannada-language film has launched in multiple languages, aiming for pan-Indian appeal during the Deepavali holiday season.
The plot follows Vedanth, a young boy with superhero aspirations who grows up to join the police force, mirroring his father. As he tackles everyday crime as an officer, he channels his inner superhero to fight more insidious threats by night. The film is divided into seven chapters, creatively capturing Vedanth’s transformation into Bagheera. This structure underscores his personal battle with crime, embodied by the menacing villain Rana, played by Garuda Ram. However, critics have noted that some romantic scenes detract from the film’s overall pacing and focus on action.
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Sriimurali shines as the titular character, bringing grit and authenticity to a dual role that bridges Vedanth’s grounded heroism and Bagheera’s dark alter ego. His commitment is evident, particularly in the intense action sequences, crafted by stunt choreographer Chethan D Souza. Yet, while Bagheera thrives on high-octane moments, some have pointed out that additional depth in the antagonist’s portrayal could have elevated the stakes.
Technically, Bagheera impresses with AJ Shetty’s cinematography and Ajaneesh Loknath’s music, enhancing its dark, gritty tone. However, the film’s editing could be tighter in parts, especially given the complex themes it tries to convey. Despite minor flaws, Bagheera is an ambitious attempt at creating a homegrown superhero, filling a unique niche in Kannada cinema.
In summary, Bagheera offers audiences a compelling vigilante saga, making it a notable addition to Indian superhero films. Fans of action-packed storytelling may find themselves drawn to Sriimurali’s riveting portrayal, making Bagheera a worthy watch this season.