All eyes are on Powder, the latest collaboration between KRG Studios and TVF Motion Pictures. Directed by Janardhan Chikkanna, who made a splash with his debut film Gultoo, this project marks his return to directing after nearly six years. Powder promises an exhilarating experience with a cast of eccentric characters caught up in outrageous situations, designed to keep audiences laughing from beginning to end.
In the dynamic world of Kannada cinema, Powder stands out this week as a unique experiment. The film begins with a playful disclaimer: “Get high on the movie, not on drugs,” setting the stage for an unpredictable journey through life’s twists and turns. The plot centers on Soorya (Diganth), a supermarket worker in Mysuru who shares a room with his friend Karan (Anirudh Acharya). While Soorya is focused on winning back his ex, Nithya (Dhanya Ramkumar), a nurse, their lives take a dramatic turn when they uncover a stash of drugs hidden in talcum powder containers at Soorya’s workplace.
Seizing a chance to get rich quickly, they decide to sell the drugs but soon find themselves entangled with the menacing drug lord Annachi (Rangayana Raghu) and his rival Sulemaan (Gopalkrishna Deshpande). The plot thickens as their involvement uncovers connections to an international ring led by a Chinese kingpin, Bruce Lee. Sharmeila Mandre makes a strong impression as Makeup Mallika, a deadly assassin who uses her makeup as a weapon. Nagabhushana adds humor as Dr. Who, a parody of a well-known Kannada YouTuber. Ravishankar plays Pavan, a 35-year-old bachelor looking for a wife through the marriage broker Sunder Veena. The film is further enriched by a range of characters, each contributing to the intricate subplots.
The first half of the movie focuses on introducing the diverse cast and setting up multiple subplots, which might feel overwhelming due to the sheer volume of information. However, the second half shifts to a mix of comedy and thriller elements, sparking curiosity and laughter. Unlike other comedy-driven films where dialogue and content are key, Powder distinguishes itself with its technical prowess than its content. The real standout is the impressive work of the technical team, including cinematographers Advaitha Gurumurthy and Shanthi Sagar, as well as the VFX, DI, and Special Animation teams, who deliver stunning psychedelic visuals. Additionally, Vasuki Vaibhav’s music enhances the visual experience, creating a captivating trip for the audience.
