In a remarkable turn of narrative finesse, Devi Prasad Shetty’s recent directorial endeavor “Case of Kondana,” starring Vijay Raghavendra, forges ahead as a compelling thriller, shedding the overzealous ambitions that somewhat muddled the director’s previous film, “Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18.” Stripping away unnecessary pretensions, the new film is streamlined with a clear-eyed vision, wherein each scene judiciously builds upon the next, advancing the plot with purposeful momentum.
The storyline unfurls with ACP Lakshmi, played with steely resolve by Bhavana Menon, hot on the trail of a serial killer. The tension heightens as she narrows in on the suspect, but director Shetty skillfully interjects a separate crime narrative that jostles the audience with its unforeseen complexities. This narrative is intricately woven around Sub-Inspector Wilson, portrayed by Vijay Raghavendra, a fresher to the policing world, who unwittingly becomes entangled in the intricate web of law enforcement and crime.
In the landscape of character development, Shetty’s writing adeptly explores the diverse psychological landscapes of its diverse cast. Wilson’s impulsive nature contrasts sharply with Lakshmi’s more vigilante approach to justice; both characters’ actions, though arguably moral, cast long shadows that influence the unfolding drama. The film deftly positions all its central characters, from Wilson’s girlfriend Sahana (Kushee Ravi), to a compassionate doctor, a pani puri seller anxious over his son’s illness, and a group of ruffians, each contributing significantly to the story’s progression.
A refreshing aspect of “Case of Kondana” is its subversion of conventional thriller tropes; its central crime, set in the fictionally devised vicinity of Kondana, is portrayed as a culmination of accidental happenings. Shetty infuses freshness to the narrative by casting the protagonist as a guilt-ridden fugitive battling with the burden of his unintended actions.
The movie takes on a “Drishyam”-like ingenuity when Wilson, through his cunning, begins to outwit the police, garnering the audience’s support since it’s evident he didn’t intend for the tragic outcome. Echoes of “Nayattu” reverberate through the plot as the hunter becomes the hunted, emphasizing the volatility and unpredictability of the protagonist’s situation.
While the story’s twists are impactful, occasionally they surface with a tinge of contrivance, resulting in minor narrative gaps. However, should Shetty refine these elements, he is poised to make a definitive mark in the genre of thrillers.
“Case of Kondana” compensates for its occasional failings with a brisk and engaging screenplay. The film maintains a relentless pace once the central conflict is set in motion, commanding the viewer’s attention and convincing them of the immediacy of each event.
Devi Prasad Shetty’s conviction in crafting a unique ambiance for his thrillers is evident. If “Seetharam Benoy” was enshrouded in verdant lushness, “Case of Kondana” unravels through one harrowing night in the urban sprawl. The tension is accentuated by Gagan Baderia’s eerie musical score and Vishwajith Rao’s handheld cinematography, which contribute an air of palpable suspense that aligns seamlessly with the film’s atmosphere.
Vijay Raghavendra delivers a stand-out performance, transitioning from assertive to vulnerable as his character Wilson endeavours to navigate through his professional and personal crises with desperation. While “Case of Kondana” may not be etched as a classic for the ages, it still stands proudly on its merits, offering a thrilling cinematic experience that offsets its minor drawbacks.
“Case of Kondana,” currently gracing the silver screens, is a riveting addition to the pantheon of Indian cinema, offering fans and newcomers alike a sleek, spell-binding thriller that lingers long after the curtain falls.
