Prashanth Neel’s Yash starrer KGF: Chapter 1, ended on a high note, Rocky Bhai (Yash) is the ruler of Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) after killing Garuda. All the KGF and Yash fans waited for ‘what next?’ for a long time. Finally, KGF: Chapter 2 released today. Let’s find out how the narrative pans out in this part of the story.
What is the soul of the action-packed franchise – KGF?
The Premise
The root story is about a mother and son! The story is about a poor single-mother’s dying wish/command to her son and the son abiding by it!! The dying mother’s command to her young son is to become the richest man and do what it takes to become one!!! As if the mother’s command was not enough, a pedestrian drunkard further pushes young Raja Krishnappa Bairya (Yash) saying that it is through power that one can become rich and wealthy! So, you see, this pretty much sets the premise.
The story is about a young boy taking his mother’s command to become rich; he becomes rich & powerful and a messiah of the poor and needy, by killing everyone else coming in his path, because it is through power that one can become rich is what the young lad has understood. Remember, the young Raja becomes famous by thrashing a bald police officer with glass bottles in KGF Chapter 1 signifying his fearless character!!
The Plot
KGF: Chapter 2 begins where it left, but now Anand Ingalagi, the author of KGF/El Dorado, the controversial book is on his death bed and his son Vijayendra Ingalagi (Prakash Raj) would take the tale forward. Vijayendra says that Rocky (Yash) has now built an indestructible empire in KGF with his clever thinking & wit and plans to expand his empire. On the other hand, Rocky bhai’s enemies try different tricks to take on Rocky including bringing in Suryavardhan’s brother, the mighty Adheera (Sanjay Dutt) to finish him. Not just Rocky’s enemies but the stern Prime Minister Ramika Sen (Raveena Tandon) also senses and fears the meteoric rise of Rocky Bhai and plans to somehow wipe out his name completely. With the fiery enemies and the government both trying to bring down Rocky, how Rocky and his followers manoeuvre the situation forms the crux of the narrative.
Review
KGF is a typical genre film and might only attract audience who love to watch incessant violence and bloodshed. Its background score, though sets the tempo, becomes jarring and too loud in most parts, which might also become a reason for general movie lovers to feel let down, not to mention the length of the movie too. For an actioner with no entertainment relief in any form, the length could prove to be a deterrent.
Prashanth Neel
Prashanth Neel, as a director of such a massive franchise does complete justice to the film. Technically, the visuals, the sets, the environment, and the action are of high standards. Prashanth should be credited for the amazing visuals and frames. He has used colours as an important element in setting the overall tone of the film. Most of the action scenes are in dark tones. Yash’s costumes in many scenes are designed in such a way that his character stands out. In the sense that Yash has been given bright colour suits to stand out in the overall dark tones. There are a few scenes / episodes that are crafted well and surprise the audience, but in doing so increases the overall runtime.
Yash
For Yash, the name Rocky seems to have some connect. His debut film in the lead role was also titled Rocky with Yash playing the title character ‘Rocky’. In fact, the antagonist of the film, Sanjay Dutt also debuted in the lead with a film titled and his character also called ‘Rocky’. For Yash, KGF could prove to be benchmark in taking his brand to a different level. Yash looks very confident and totally immersed into the skin of his character. Though his character is not given too many dialogues, he carries the film on his action sequences.
Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon
With KGF, Sanjay Dutt makes his debut in a non-Hindi film. Sanjay Dutt playing the antagonist Adheera suits the character and does justice in bringing an equally powerful opponent for Yash’s character. KGF might open doors for more projects outside of Bollywood to the Bollywood hunk. Raveena Tandon has been in quite a few South Indian language films in her career. Though her role is not too big, she still fits the bill and plays the part confidently.
Bhuvan Gowda’s cinematography and Ravi Basrur’s music add to the environment and act as added elements overall elevating the narrative to a different level. Though editing by Ujwal Kulkarni is polished in most places, the blackouts experimented in a few places spoils the overall effect for some audience.
Overall, Yash starrer KGF: Chapter 2 has an exiting audience who loved the Chapter 1 and is a one time watch for action film lovers.
Movie: KGF Chapter 2
Duration: 168 Minutes
Director: Prashanth Neel
Cast: Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Srinidhi Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Prakash Raj
