Producers: Deviprasad Shetty and Sathwik Hebbar; Director: Deviprasad Shetty; Cast: Vijaya Raghavendra, Bhavana Menon, Kushee Ravi, Rangayana Raghu, Bala Rajawadi, Petrol Prasanna, and others.
The saying, ‘Money comes and goes; it is morality that comes and grows,’ aptly describes the essence of this week’s Kannada film release, ‘Case of Kondana.’
Director Deviprasad Shetty, also a joint producer, skillfully crafts an unexpected narrative for the audience, albeit requiring patience until the first half concludes. The team behind ‘Seetharam Binoy’ delivers another tragic yet compelling tale in the second half.
Deviprasad Shetty seamlessly blends three different storylines in the second half, creating a convincing and engaging cinematic experience.
Wilson (Vijaya Raghavendra) enters the police department with the intention of acquiring a bribe to present to his senior officer. His fiancée arranges Rs. 5 lakhs for this purpose. Simultaneously, Raju, a Pani Poori seller, seeks money to treat his ailing child. Complicating matters, the city grapples with a series of killings that pose a significant challenge for senior cop Bhavana Menon. Meanwhile, another gang seeks revenge against the police department.
The unexpected twist occurs when the Pani Poori shop seller meets an untimely end in an attempt to snatch money from Wilson. In the remote Kondana locality, Wilson transports the deceased Raju with the intent to cremate him using petrol in his car. It is at this location that he encounters his senior officer, who comes to his aid, but not the police car tailing him. A horrifying incident unfolds at this juncture.
Despite Wilson’s attempts to manipulate records, he is eventually ensnared by a critical mistake, prompting Police Commissioner Bhavana Menon to take decisive action, fueled by her emotional connection to the case.
The film transforms into a battleground as unscrupulous rowdies armed with weapons launch an attack on the police department. The ensuing second half promises an intriguing spectacle for the audience.
Vijaya Raghavendra delivers an exceptional performance as Wilson, transcending the conventional hero role. While displaying heroism at certain points, he ultimately bows to the law.
Both Bhavana Menon and Kushee Ravi exude beauty and skillfully express emotions on screen. Bala Rajawadi, Rangayana Raghu, Petrol Prasanna, and Sunder Raj provide excellent support in their character roles.
The dialogues, penned by eminent writer Jogi and a senior journalist, are precise, incorporating a mix of English and Hindi. The technical aspects of the film, including Vishwajith’s cinematography, background music, and editing, are of top-notch quality.
‘Case of Kondana’ promises the unexpected on the silver screen, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
