Case of Kondana Review:
Good Second Half Lifts The Film.
Case of Kondana Kannada Movie Review
Introduction:
Case of Kondana, the Kannada-language crime-thriller movie featuring Vijay Raghavendra and Bhavana in the lead roles, was released on OTT Amazon Prime Video on 28th March, 2024. The movie saw its theatrical release on January 26, 2024, where it failed to create much of an impact at the theaters. But does the movie make for a good watch on OTT? Read our review to find out!
Case of Kondana Movie Review: Non-Spoiler Review
Case of Kondana Review: Plot
Case of Kondana adds to Vijay Raghavendra's long list of thriller movies he has been part of. Case of Kondana actually has an interesting and engaging main plot. But, Case of Kondana, which has a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes, is in no hurry to get to the point. The movie believes in laying a solid foundation before taking off, but it quite overdoes the foundation-laying part, which delays the takeoff.
The movie revolves around a character named Wilson, played by Vijay Raghavendra. Wilson, the central character of the film, is newly posted to a, supposedly plum-earning, police station. To get the posting to that particular police station, Wilson arranges a large sum of money and carries it in the glove box of his car. This money puts him in trouble when he meets with an accident, which leads to disastrous consequences.
The main plot has been weaved with multiple subplots involving a north-Indian Panipuri seller and his family struggles, a gang of local goons trying to get even with the police, and Wilson's love story with a lady doctor. While the subplots are honestly quite well-integrated with the main plot. But the movie allots a lot of time to these subplots, particularly in the first half, where the movie simply doesn't move forward and keeps going in circles from one subplot to another. This stagnation of narration in the first half might make many to give-up on the film as the film indeed tests your patience, and you keep asking yourself 'what is going on?'.
The movie starts on a pacy note and introduces us to a situation where families, one after another, are being murdered by a gang or a serial killer. The movie succeeds in getting your attention right away, but then almost completely forgets the situation and goes on to give a very lengthy and unneccesarily detailed introduction of its main characters. I get it that it is important to build characters to make the audience connect with them, and it also gives a good foundation for the story to be built-on. But, the charater buliding should've been done with the main plot moving along with it.
However, once the movie gets to the matter at the hand, it's a free-flowing solid narration which keeps you hooked till the end of the film. The film, in its initial 30-40 minutes, does all the groundwork for the pyrotechnics in the latter half of the film. The screenplay in the second half is fine, neatly done, engaging, and makes you to keep thinking till the end of the film. The attention to minute details in the screenplay is applaudable, and makes the movie more interesting to watch. The screenplay primes you to the ensuing events, so that when those events play-out on the screen, you don't feel unconvinced. Even though some points in the plot are pretty predictable, it doesn't take away the anticipation of the audience to know what transpires next.
The movie ends on a high emotional note and leaves a good taste in the mouth once the movie ends. The good second half makes you forgive the unengaging first half and makes you feel that it was a worthy movie to watch. I feel the first half could easily be trimmed to make the movie crispier and more enjoyable to watch.
The story of Case of Kondana is such that you cannot actually blame any of the characters for the terrible things that happen in the movie. But, in my opinion, it is the rash motorcycle rider, who made Wilson to swerve his car to avoid hitting him, is the culprit.
Case of Kondana Review: Cast and Performances:
Vijay Raghavendra does a clean job playing the role of a Police Officer named Wilson. He is very convincing in the role, and his fine acting immensely lifts the movie. Bhavana, who plays the role of ACP Lakshmi, has performed equally well, even though most of the times she keeps a poker-face, but that suits well to the character she plays and I believe it was intentional. Both the lead actors, Vijay Raghavendra and Bhavana Menon, being seasoned actors have performed effortlessly and it adds a lot to the effectiveness of the film.
The other cast members, including experienced actors like Rangayana Raghu, Bala Rajwadi, Sundar Raj, and Kushee Ravi have acted well and lend their support to the film through their able acting.
Case of Kondana Review: Production:
The film is produced by Devi Prasad Shetty and Sathwik Hebbar. The production values of Case of Kondana are pretty good, and the movie appears quite rich on the screen. You never feel that you are a wacthing a limited budget movie. The movie is well-picturized, and the colour template used adds to the overall effect of film along with the cinematography and music. Cinematographer, Vishwajith Rao, does a neat job capturing the film, and makes effective use of different camera angles.
Case of Kondana Review: Music:
Musician Gagan Baderiya has lent music to Case of Kondana. The music syncs with the theme of the film and further increases the watchability of the film.
Case of Kondana Review: What to Expect?
If you have watched and liked the movie Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18, which was also directed by Devi Prasad Shetty and features Vijay Raghavendra in the lead role as a Police Officer, then you will most probably like Case of Kondana as well. Case of Kondana is actually a better film when compared to Seetharam Benoy in most of the aspects. Director Devi Prasad Shetty has definitely improved his craft which is evident when you watch Case of Kondana.
Case of Kondana Review: Conclusion:
Case of Kondana is definitely a watchable film on OTT. With the remote in our hands, we can fast-forward the romantic song between the lead pair and other parts, which would make the viewing experience better. I am giving a generous 4 out of 5 for Case of Kondana.
Rating - 4/5 | ALSO SEE - Upadhyaksha Movie Review
- Review by Aditya.
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