Dr. Shivarajkumar, one of the most versatile superstars in the Kannada Film Industry, consistently endeavors to provide his fans with something novel while delivering his finest performances. The actor who captured the entire nation’s attention and admiration with a brief cameo in the film “Jailer” was eagerly anticipated “Ghost” not only by his dedicated Kannada fan base but also by new admirers from other states.
The ex-CBI chief, Vaman, and an ACP successfully manage to persuade the state government to privatize a prison due to the presence of a hidden stash of 1000 kg of gold bars. At the jail’s privatization announcement event, a group of inmates sets off explosives, taking a significant number of prisoners as hostages in a tower. Shivarajkumar, known as Big Daddy in the film, steps forward as their leader, making a grand entrance. Big Daddy initiates negotiations with a senior police officer assigned to the case, and the plot unfolds with unexpected turns, intense action sequences, and the revelation of the main character’s background.
The film’s screenplay is skillfully constructed, featuring expertly designed heist elements, meticulously thought-out plans, masterful obstacles, unforeseen character development, plot twists, suspenseful set pieces, and exceptionally choreographed fight sequences. Despite being a high-budget star-studded production, a significant portion of the film is cleverly set within a single location. Prasanna VM’s dialogue writing for this film stands out for its combination of crisp and informative lines, as well as impactful mass one-liners that leave a lasting impression.
The cinematography by Mahender Simmha, is a work of art for its masterful utilization of color, lighting, and seamless camera movements, particularly in the action sequences, which exude a remarkable aesthetic quality. The film’s music director Arjun Janya has made an indispensable contribution, captivating background score significantly enhances the overall experience. The team of technicians has undeniably succeeded in crafting an immersive cinematic journey.
The VFX team merits recognition as well, given the numerous instances in the film where their visual effects are incredibly lifelike. Additionally, the remarkable effort put into de-aging Shivarajkumar, who is 61 years old, to make him resemble his 25-year-old self from his debut movie “Anand” is truly commendable.
Dr. Shivarajkumar shines brilliantly in all three shades of his role, which makes his performance a genuine treat to behold. Complementing his talent is the presence of another formidable actor, Jayaram Subramaniam, and together, they establish an exquisite equilibrium to the film. The movie is further bolstered by a robust supporting cast, Archana Jois, Dattana, Om Prakash Rao, Abhijeeth, Divya Karath, Vijaylakshmi Singh, Shankar Ganesh, with a special mention for Prashant Narayan as Vaman. Adding to the film’s charm are two noteworthy cameos: Director Srini taking entry as Birbal and Anupam Kher who makes his Kannada debut in the intriguing role which buildup the curiosity for “Ghost 2”.
“Ghost,” a film directed by MG Srinivas, is a heist action drama meticulously crafted with a stellar cast and impressive technical work to offer a blend of larger-than-life mass appeal and a high-intensity mental exercise that demands vigilant and attentive viewership throughout is a must-watch for fans of versatile cinema.
