the story of ambitious Rocky’s partial journey towards power and riches. The story is told in a non linear format which travels to and fro between 1951 to 2018. The film wastes no time and picks up steam from the word go. The first half episodes build the character of Rocky and establishes him has a powerful maverick don. It breezes to the interval with its share of cliche punchlines, multiple hero elevations, goose bumps and item song i.e. typical commercial format story telling but with lots of style and swag.
It is in the second half when Rocky enters the Dark Dangerous world of KGF the film further elevates and transforms into cinematic glory of epic proportions. Director Prashant transports us into a total different world of slaves, atrocities and marauding army of warlords. The visuals are of world standards and some scenes leave you spell bound. The film ends with a twist and leaves you yearning for the part 2.
The movie is Karnataka’s contribution to the pan India audience and director Prashanth leaves no stone unturned in making it a master piece. His vision has been told with utmost conviction and clarity. This movie sets a precedent for the upcoming Kannada movies and new local talents to dream big. Prashant’s screenplay and multi layered story telling keeps you engaged without a moment of dullness in the movie. I liked the way he has inserted Rocky’s mother episodes throughout the movie. You can easily call him Kannada’s Rajamouli.
Yash as Rocky gets into the skin of the role with ease. He is the principal character and is present in 80% of the movie. He sets the screen on fire with his blazing screen presence, dialogues, fights and style. I would say this is his career best performance til date. Shreenidhi looks fresh but very little role to offer. The kid who acted as junior rocky is fantastic. There is a long list of new villains who all perform well and are presented effectively, special mention to guy who played Garuda character. Anant nag as a narrator is adept. Should say the entire casting is perfect.
All technical departments have done their part with finesse to enhance the movie to another level. Cinematography by Bhuvan, artwork by Shivu, BGM by Ravi Basrur and costume designing are exceptional. The sets are huge and CG extensions look very realistic and of great quality. Brilliant colour grading gives that extra feel to connect to the period and geography. Editing in certain fight scenes were a little cluttered but overall good.
Hats off to the producer for his guts.
Though the movie has its minor flaws in some places it is nullified by the fast pace and engaging story telling.
Overall:- fabulous movie and must watchable movie.
