'KGF' review by a non-Kannadiga: Yash starrer nicely packs style and substance in this violent tale of power

Yash starrer 'KGF' has been jumping from strength to strength since its release. However, since the hype for Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Zero' was higher, most critics went for that. Unfortunately, we also missed out the Prashant Neel directorial for similar reasons. However, considering the immensely positive response that it has generated, it would have been foolish to not check it out. So, here is a much late but much-needed review of 'KGF' from someone who doesn't follow Sandalwood...

Read | 'KGF' Star Yash Is Surprised By How Well The North Indian Audience Has Received The Film, Details Inside

Setting the scene

The year is 1981, the Prime Minister of the country signs a death warrant for one of the most notorious criminals in the country, giving the army full leeway to hunt him down. Then we soon jump to the present, where a book from a senior journalist is so controversial that it is censored by the government. However, when a TV channel gets its hands across one of the copies, they call the journalist for an interview. The story that this man spins is where the true story of 'KGF' begins. 

Plot

Rocky, played by Yash, is a small boy who came to Mumbai after escaping from Kolar Gold Fields after his mother's unfortunate demise. With her strong words and message seeped deep into his brain, he stops at nothing to ensure he gains money and power. Thanks to his ruthlessness and absolute lack of fear, he grows up to be one of the most dreaded hitmen in Mumbai, as he also oversees the gold trade business for his boss Shetty. However, one day a mysterious man arrives and asks him to do a hit job, which if he succeeds, he promises that he can have Mumbai. Motivated by his lust for power, he heads to Bangalore for his assassination assignment. However, he soon finds that he is but a mere pawn in this crazy game of power with four different men eyeing the Kolar Gold Fields after the mine's owner is on his deathbed. But, his son Garuda has kept the empire secure as he rules over the place with an iron fist. Now, it is Rocky's mission to bring down this mammoth. Whether he succeeds or not makes up for the rest of the tale.

Verdict

The storyline is one of the biggest plus points for 'KGF'. With a plethora of characters each with their own motivations, it had all the makings of a political drama, with dons from Dubai also eyeing the gold mines. However, director Prashant Neel took the commercial action route and there is little to complain there either. Actor Yash carries the film on his able shoulders as Rocky from start to finish. Generally, in such movies, when the hero hits a hundred men one can't help but roll their eyes but Yash sells it. He is convincing as a man who is an unstoppable beast that one can't help but respect and admire as he punches and kicks through everything. The cinematography requires a special mention as well for it is out of this world. Each frame is rich in detail and despite the washed out sepia tone, it holds your complete attention. 

Now coming to the sticking points, editing was the number one problem. With such a rich story in the backdrop, the breakneck pace of editing made it a real challenge to follow it clearly without some moments of confusion. The choppy editing is also apparent in the action sequences, which takes away a lot of the impact, for it is hard to follow what is happening sometimes in such scenes. Had they cut a couple of songs and given some scenes the room to breathe, it could have made for a much better experience. The commercial elements are also amped to the max, but that is excusable as there is also some equally brilliant espionage stuff going on that balances it out. Overall, KGF is a film that is worth your money for it promises you a good, entertaining time, but could definitely have been a masterpiece if had focused more on the plot rather than the commercial elements. 

Cast: Yash, Srinidhi Shetty, Anant Nag

What works: Story, screenplay, performances

What doesn't: Editing, action choreography

Rating: 3.5/5