Cast: Shiva Rajkumar, Anupam Kher, Jayaram, Prashanth Narayanan, Archana Jois, and Satya Prakash
Director: MG Srinivas
Producer: Sandesh Nagaraj
Music Director: Arjun Janya
The recently released Kannada superhit, “Ghost,” starring Shiva Rajkumar in the lead role, has made its way into the Telugu market. Let’s delve into our review to gauge the movie’s impact.
Story:
An anonymous figure known as Big Daddy (Shiva Rajkumar) and his gang execute a bold takeover of a central jail in Karnataka, holding inmates and former CBI officer Vamana Srinivasan (Prashanth Narayanan) hostage. ACP Charan Raj is tasked by the government to resolve the situation and secure the release of the ex-CBI officer. To unveil the mysteries surrounding Big Daddy’s identity, motives, and the eventual outcome, one must watch the film.
Pros:
The plot maintains a high level of intrigue in the first half, with the director skillfully holding the audience’s attention. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, accompanied by well-choreographed action sequences.
Shiva Rajkumar delivers a commendable performance in a role that relies on minimal dialogue, perfectly complementing his charismatic style.
Jayaram’s portrayal of Charan Raj fits his role satisfactorily, with several scenes elevated by a powerful musical score.
Cons:
While the story and screenplay are relatively robust in the first half, the second half encounters challenges in sustaining the same level of engagement. The director struggles to maintain interest, resulting in a sense of over-extension in the latter part of the film.
The movie includes several extravagant scenes that may occasionally leave the audience questioning their realism.
Specific sequences, particularly in the second half, could benefit from more impactful dialogues. Some moments may evoke nostalgia for older films, and the flashback episode lacks the impact of a well-constructed backstory for the central character.
Dubbing issues stand out as a significant concern, with the Telugu voiceovers not seamlessly matching the actors. It’s even surprising to note that Jayaram’s on-screen voice and inner monologue have distinct voices.
The character portrayed by Archana Jois contributes little to the film, and the presence of unfamiliar characters may hinder the connection with the Telugu audience.
Technical Aspects:
While the director introduces an engaging plot, the film struggles to maintain that level of engagement. A more robust screenplay could have elevated “Ghost” to a higher level of success. Arjun Janya’s music adds to the film’s appeal, enriching the overall experience. Mahendra Simha’s cinematography meets the required standards, but the film’s editor, Deepu, could have made more judicious cuts in the second half to create a smoother viewing experience. The dubbing quality is subpar.
Verdict:
In summary, “Ghost” is a mediocre heist action drama. While it has its moments with an interesting first half, decent action scenes, and Shiva Rajkumar’s solid screen presence, the film falters in the second half, with an excess of over-the-top moments. This ultimately positions it as a middling offering. It caters to action enthusiasts but falls short of delivering an exceptional cinematic experience for a broader audience.