In the bustling streets of Mangaluru, Inspector Vedanth, portrayed by the charismatic Srii Murali, is thrown into the heart of action from the very first day of his new assignment. Vedanth, a gold-medal-winning officer, witnesses firsthand the unsettling sight of young girls being harassed by street rogues. Just as viewers brace themselves for the typical display of machismo that’s all too common in such scenes, the film delivers an unexpected twist. The day is saved not by Vedanth, but by the film’s fearless female lead, played by Rukmini Vasanth, showcasing the refreshing subversion of traditional cinema tropes that is embodied throughout “Bagheera.”
“Bagheera” presents a new chapter in superhero cinema that creatively side-steps predictability, infusing the genre with inventive storytelling. This innovative narrative approach is helmed by Dr Suri, the film’s director and co-writer of acclaimed films like “KGF” and “Salaar: Part 1—Ceasefire.” His deft touch ensures that onscreen events unfold with surprising twists while staying true to genre expectations.
As Vedanth’s narrative progresses, the film takes a significant turn with a personal revelation—a moment of moral ambiguity that’s central to the birth of his alter ego. Vedanth’s idolized father, played by Achyuth Kumar, reveals his own fall from grace as a corrupt police officer, proposing a grim lesson to his son about moral compromise within the system. This betrayal by his role model fuels Vedanth’s transformation into the superhero, Bagheera, who adopts the mysterious visage of a black panther, reminiscent of both Batman’s vigilante justice and Black Panther’s noble sacrifice.
The city’s seedy underbelly is laid bare as Bagheera becomes the symbol of justice against the entrenched network of extortion and illegal mafia operations plaguing Mangaluru’s port. Garuda Ram’s portrayal of the film’s primary antagonist, Rana, adds a layer of menace with his imposing screen presence. His character is depicted with intriguing complexity, not merely as a villain but as a formidable force whom others fear to defy, adding depth and intensity to the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Prakash Raj as a meticulous CBI officer offers a cunning counterpoint, relentlessly pursuing Bagheera in a cat-and-mouse chase that holds audiences in thrall.
The movie draws from Indian mythology, intertwining cultural nuances with its superhero ethos, leading to scenes reminiscent of “KGF,” where heroes attain almost divine status.
. In this universe, Bagheera is exalted by the masses to a near-mythical standing, blurring the lines between legend and reality—a cinematic technique that elevates the experience into one of immersive enjoyment.
Srii Murali’s portrayal stands out, embodying the physicality and demeanor demanded of his superhero persona. His performance taps into the larger-than-life heroism the film strives to celebrate. Yet, Murali’s past works demonstrate that he is capable of more nuanced roles. “Bagheera” flirts with these deeper character explorations, marked by familial tension, but ultimately leans towards more straightforward heroic narratives, potentially missing opportunities to flesh out Vedanth as a more layered character.
The romantic subplot, featuring Rukmini’s skilled performance as a determined doctor, struggles somewhat to hit its stride. The chemistry between her character and Vedanth feels underdeveloped, missing the emotional beats that could have made their relationship more convincing and heartfelt.
Nevertheless, the film maintains its momentum as a visually captivating superhero adventure. Director of photography Chethan D. Souza crafts stunningly choreographed fight sequences that seamlessly merge with AJANEESH Loknath’s evocative score, creating a sensory experience that keeps viewers engaged. Additionally, editor Pranav Sri Prasad’s skillful pacing ensures that the film’s multiple storylines unfold cohesively, building tension and excitement as events reach their climax.
In “Bagheera,” a young boy who idolized Superman matures to take on the roles of both Batman and Black Panther, becoming a beacon of truth and justice in his own right. The film ambitiously mirrors elements of various global superhero narratives, yet succeeds in retaining its own distinct flavor in the Indian cinematic landscape. Through its bold execution and spirited storytelling, “Bagheera” not only marks the emergence of a new superhero for Kannada cinema but also heralds Dr Suri as a promising filmmaker to watch. The film is currently captivating audiences in theatres.
