Bagheera[3] is a 2024 Indian Kannada-language superhero film[4] written & directed by Dr. Suri, from a story by Prashanth Neel, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur. It stars Sriimurali, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Prakash Raj, Sudha Rani, Ramachandra Raju, Achyuth Kumar and Rangayana Raghu. The music was composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Arjun Shetty and Pranav Sri Prasad.[5][6][7][8]

Bagheera
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDr. Suri
Screenplay byDr. Suri
Dialogues byDr. Suri
Story byPrashanth Neel
Produced byVijay Kiragandur
StarringSriimurali
Rukmini Vasanth
Prakash Raj
Achyuth Kumar
Rangayana Raghu
Garuda Ram
Pramod Shetty
Sudha Rani
Sharath Lohitashwa
CinematographyArjun Shetty
Edited byPranav Sri Prasad
Music byB. Ajaneesh Loknath
Production
company
Release date
  • 31 October 2024 (2024-10-31)
Running time
158 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada
Box office29 crore[2]

Bagheera was released on 31 October 2024, coinciding with Diwali, and received positive reviews from critics. The film grossed 29 crore (US$3.5 million) and became the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2024.[9][10]

Plot

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Narrative structure
Chapter 1: I Will Be A Super Hero
Chapter 2: Birth Of A Vigilante
Chapter 3: Twist In The Tale
Chapter 4: Catch Me If You Can
Chapter 5: Hunting Time
Chapter 6: Do or Die
Chapter 7: The Final Showdown
Chapter 8: I Am Not Done Yet

A young Vedanth Prabhakar aspires to become a superhero, but he later decides to become a police officer after his mother, before dying from cancer, tells him that ordinary people are real superheroes, especially police officers. Vedanth decides to become a police officer like his father Prabhakar.

Years later, Vedanth completes his police training and gets posted in Mangalore, where he meets Sneha, an independent doctor, and develops feeling towards her. Sneha also falls for Vedanth and they get engaged. One day, Vedanth organizes a police operation and arrests several gangsters in the city, but they are released due to corrupt higher officials, and Vedanth is shocked to learn that his father is also on the take. One day, Vedanth witnesses a girl committing suicide by burning herself to death and learns that she was sexually assaulted. Due to this incident, Vedanth wears a superhero costume at night, calling himself Bagheera, and brutally kills the culprits. Vedanth pretends to be a corrupt officer to avoid suspicion and starts eradicating criminals as Bagheera, with the help of Narayana, a head constable.

Meanwhile, several people are kidnapped and about to be secretly transported in a container at the port area by Kotian. Vedanth, after receiving missing complaints in the station, goes to the port area as Bagheera. Kotian and his gang spot Bagheera and a shootout ensues, where Bagheera manages to escape despite being shot. Vedanth seeks Sneha's help, and after recovering, he goes to Kotian's house and finds Kotian's family dead, murdered by Kotian himself. Kotian reveals that he did not want them to get killed by Rana, a crime boss running an organ trafficking ring, and then commits suicide.

Guru, a CBI officer, is transferred to Mangalore by his brother Ramakanth Appayya, the director of the CBI, to exact revenge on Bagheera for killing his son Siddhi. Siddhi was a corrupt police officer and involved in killing Ranganna, an honest journalist, which led Bagheera to kill Siddhi. Guru begins his investigation to uncover Bagheera's identity. Vedanth, as Bagheera, appoints a hacker, a boy electronics expert, and a drunkard expert in making bombs and gadgets into providing him with a costume, weapons, a mask and a bike, and begins to destroy Rana's organ trafficking business. Rana lays a trap for Bagheera, but Bagheera escapes and kills Rana's men with the help of his gadgets. Vedanth seeks Sneha's help again, and their love grows more stronger.

Guru soon deduces Vedanth's identity as Bagheera, but a mole in Guru's team informs Rana about it. Rana kidnaps Sneha and gives Vedanth two choices: save Sneha from getting killed, or save a container containing several people from falling into the sea. With a heavy heart, Vedanth chooses to save the container, while Sneha gets brutally tortured and killed by Rana.

Vedanth gets arrested by Guru and is transported to be killed in an encounter. Rana loads the people into a train to Sri Lanka. However, the officers release Vedanth, under Guru's orders, and kill Rana's mole. Guru lies to Ramakanth that Bagheera has escaped again after learning about Siddhi's corruption, and reveals Rana's location to Vedanth. Vedanth arrives at the goods train and kills Rana, avenging Sneha's death. The kidnappees safely return and reunite with their families, while Vedanth leaves on a bus. Guru meets Central Minister Ramaswamy, reveals the latter's involvement with Rana, and tells him to resign from his post and surrender. When Ramaswamy refuses, Guru promises that Bagheera will hunt him down.

Cast

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Production

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The film was announed in December 2020.[13][14] Principal photography began with a muhurat shot on 20 May 2022 at Bangalore.[15] The film was mainly shot in Hyderabad and in the outskirts of Bangalore, Visakhapatnam and Mysore.[16] Some key portions were shot in Goa in October 2022.[17] Sriimurali suffered a bone fracture and muscle tear in his knee, while filming an action sequence in January 2023.[18] Shooting resumed in May 2023.[19] In April 2024, Sriimurali was again injured for the second time.[20][21] The film was wrapped up by July 2024.[22]

Soundtrack

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The soundtrack consists of the songs composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath ,[23][24] while the audio rights were acquired by Hombale Films.

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Parichayavade"Pramod MaravantheRithesh G. Rao2:10
2."Rudhira Dhaara"Aniruddha ShastryAniruddha Shastry3:32
3."Shiva Stotra"Kinnal RajSai Veda Vagdevi2:51
4."Stun Gun"Anoop BhandariAniruddha Sastry, Amogh Balaji3:36
5."Kannalli Kannidu"Pramod MaravantheHarshika Devanath4:38
Total length:21:33

Marketing

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The teaser trailer of the film was released on 17 December 2023 on the occasion of Sriimurali's birthday.[25] The trailer of the film was released on 21 October 2024.[26][27]

Release

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The film was released on 31 October 2024, coinciding with Deepavali in its original Kannada language, along with its Telugu-dubbed version.[9][28] The film was earlier stated to release in mid-2023, but was later postponed for unknown reasons.[7]

Home media

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The digital rights of the film were sold to Netflix.[29] The film began streaming on Netflix from 21 November 2024.[30]

Reception

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Prathibha Joy of OTTplay gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Bagheera is well-written, well-executed and well-acted. Yes, it is dark in tone, but not in the Neel template. It’s a film about a vigilante who operates at night. It is action-heavy and leaves one wanting more."[31] S. Sridevi of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Bagheera offers a good theatrical experience and now is a good time to roll a red-carpet to our very own homegrown superhero, Bagheera."[32]

Shashiprasad SM of Times Now gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Are you a superhero fan who loves watching the good guy take down villains to save the day? Then this "namma" very own superhero, Bagheera is here, armed with just the right powers to deliver justice his way—no compromises till the end."[33] Pranathi A.S of Deccan Herald gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Bagheera is a well-made action drama with a gripping screenplay. Prashanth Neel’s ability to write a simple yet engrossing story is commendable."[34]

A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Writer-director Dr Suri crafts a superhero who is both relatable and infused with commercial appeal, essential for an overall entertaining experience, albeit one that treads familiar ground."[35] Sanjay Ponnappa of India Today gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Bagheera is worth a watch and makes for a thrilling theatre experience this Diwali. Fans of the superhero genre, don’t miss this “Desi Batman x Black Panther” film. Concepts like this are rare in India, and Bagheera certainly deserves appreciation; with a pinch of patience and understanding."[36]

Vivek M.V of The Hindu wrote "Directed by Dr Suri, Srii Murali’s ‘Bagheera’ is an entertaining superhero story of a masked vigilante, elevated by Chethan D Souza’s stunts and Ajaneesh Loknath’s terrific score."[37] Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote "Bagheera is a homegrown Batman film that is mostly entertaining and a new genre for Kannada filmgoers to explore."[38]

Box office

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Bagheera grossed 3.8 crore (US$460,000) worldwide on its opening day, with the Kannada version alone collecting 2.95 crore (US$350,000).[39][40] The film then earned 4 crore (US$480,000) on the second day,[41] 4.15 crore (US$500,000) on the third day, and 3.8 crore (US$460,000) on the Sunday day, bringing the total to 15.65 crore (US$1.9 million) over the four-day long weekend.[42] After the first week, the movie's worldwide gross stands at 22.4 crore (US$2.7 million), including 20 crore (US$2.4 million) from Karnataka alone.[43][44][45] The Telugu version was reported to have grossed 1.40 crore (US$170,000) in the first weekend.[46] Movie collected 35 crore (US$4.2 million) in two week theatrical run.[47]

References

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  1. ^ "Revealed: Run-time of Sriimurali's action-packed superhero flick Bagheera". ottplay.com. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Bagheera Final Worldwide Box Office Collections: Srii Murali and Rukmini Vasanth movie set to wind up theatrical run at Rs 29 crore". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  3. ^ "Roaring Star Sriimurali's Bagheera is sole Kannada film on list of top 20 most anticipated movies of 2024". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  4. ^ "Bagheera teaser - A superhero-like Sriimurali sets out to seek vigilante justice in the actioner". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  5. ^ "Watch: 'Bagheera' teaser out, Srii Murali-starrer promises high-octane action". India Today. 2023-12-17. Archived from the original on 2024-01-18. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  6. ^ "Bagheera". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2024-08-18. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  7. ^ a b "Bagheera Teaser OUT! Sriimurali's Roaring Comeback Is Raw And Mysterious. Fans Scream 'Waiting Anna'". Times Now. 2023-12-17. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  8. ^ "ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್ ನೀಲ್ ಕಥೆ, ಡಾ ಸೂರಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶನ, ಶ್ರೀಮುರಳಿ ಹೀರೋ...! 'Bagheera Movie ರಿಲೀಸ್‌ಗೆ ಕಾದು ಕುಳಿತ ಫ್ಯಾನ್ಸ್!". Vijaya Karnataka (in Kannada). Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  9. ^ a b "Bagheera release date: Sriimurali's actioner to hit theatres on THIS date". OTTPlay. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  10. ^ "Bagheera Worldwide Box Office Collections Extended Week 1: Srii Murali and Rukmini Vasanth's vigilante action drama holds decently; Grosses Rs 22 crore". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  11. ^ "Srii Murali ನಟನೆಯ, ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ್ ನೀಲ್ ಕಥೆ ಬರೆದಿರುವ 'ಬಘೀರ' ಸಿನಿಮಾದ ಪೋಸ್ಟ್‌ ಪ್ರೊಡಕ್ಷನ್‌ ಕೆಲಸ ಶುರು!". Vijaya Karnataka (in Kannada). Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  12. ^ a b c d Service, Express News (2024-10-28). "'Bagheera' represents everyman as a superhero". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  13. ^ "Sriimurali's next titled, Bagheera, to be helmed by Dr Suri". Times of India. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  14. ^ "Makers of KGF announce new film Bagheera with Sriimurali, see poster". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  15. ^ "KGF 2 makers announce next film Bagheera with muhurat shot". India Today. 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  16. ^ ANI (2022-05-20). "'KGF' director Prashanth Neel announces his new film 'Bagheera'". ThePrint. Archived from the original on 2024-07-22. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  17. ^ "Sriimurali shoots in Goa for Bagheera". Times of India. 31 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  18. ^ "Actor Sri Murali gets injured on the sets of 'Bagheera'". Times of India. 13 January 2023.
  19. ^ "Sriimurali to resume shooting for Bagheera". The Times of India. 2023-05-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2024-07-22. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  20. ^ "SriiMurali gets injured while performing action sequence in 'Bagheera'". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 2024-07-22. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  21. ^ m. v, Vivek. "Srii Murali interview: On 'Bagheera', battling injuries, and his camaraderie with Prashanth Neel". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  22. ^ "It's a Wrap For Sriimurali's Bagheera, In Post-Production Now". News18. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  23. ^ "Parichayavade (From "Bagheera") Song Download - Album at Gaana.com". Gaana. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  24. ^ "Rudhira Dhaara (From "Bagheera") Song Download - Album at Gaana.com". Gaana. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  25. ^ "Bagheera teaser to be unveiled on December 17". The New Indian Express. 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2024-07-22.
  26. ^ "Bagheera Trailer Unveiled! Roaring Star Sriimurali And Prashanth Neel's Film Promises Thrills". Times Now. 2024-10-21. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  27. ^ "Bagheera Trailer: Sriimuralis Action-Packed Avatar Is Mind-Blowing - Watch". Zee News. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  28. ^ "Bagheera: Hombale Films, the studio behind KGF, Kantara and Salaar, announces release date of next big title". The Indian Express. 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  29. ^ "Bagheera OTT release: Sriimurali's action thriller to be the first Kannada movie to stream on Netflix?". Pinkvilla.
  30. ^ "Bagheera released on OTT; Check language versions as Srii Murali's action saga goes global". The Economic Times. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  31. ^ "Bagheera movie review: Sriimurali and Dr Suri deliver a grounded, perfectly well-balanced origin story for this superhero". OTTplay.
  32. ^ "Bagheera Movie Review: Bagheera review: Sriimurali shines as superhero in a template commercial movie". The Times of India.
  33. ^ "Bagheera Movie Review: Srii Murali Roars In This 'Namma' Very Own Superhero Flick Penned By Prashanth Neel". Times Now.
  34. ^ "'Bagheera' movie review: Srii Murali wins hearts as a sharp-witted superhero". Deccan Herald.
  35. ^ "Bagheera Movie Review: Sriimurali shines in a superhero tale with spectacular action and genuine emotion". The New Indian Express.
  36. ^ "Bagheera review: Srii Murali's grit elevates a bold yet imperfect film". India Today.
  37. ^ m. v, Vivek. "'Bagheera' movie review: Srii Murali roars in this action-packed superhero saga". The Hindu.
  38. ^ "Bagheera movie review: Sriimurali shines in Prashanth Neel's homegrown Batman flick". Hindustan Times.
  39. ^ "Bagheera ( Kannada) Budget & Box Office Collection Worldwide". bollymoviereviewz.com. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  40. ^ "'Bagheera' box office day collection day 1: Sriimurali starrer mints Rs 2.80 crore on the opening day". The Times of India. 2024-11-01. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  41. ^ "ಎರಡನೇ ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿತು 'ಬಘೀರ'ನ ಅಬ್ಬರ; ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ವಿವರ". Tv9 Kannada. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
  42. ^ "'Bagheera' box office collection day 4: Sriimurali starrer collects Rs 3.15 on first Sunday". Times of India. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
  43. ^ "Bagheera Worldwide Box Office Collections Extended Week 1: Srii Murali and Rukmini Vasanth's vigilante action drama holds decently Grosses Rs 22 crore". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  44. ^ "7 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 'ಬಘೀರ' ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮಾಡಿದ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ಎಷ್ಟು? Sriimurali ಅಕೌಂಟ್‌ಗೆ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಹಿಟ್ ಸಿಕ್ತಾ?".
  45. ^ "ಕೊನೆಗೂ ರಿವೀಲ್‌ ಆಯ್ತು 'ಬಘೀರ' ಸಿನಿಮಾದ ಈ ವರೆಗಿನ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್‌ ರಿಪೋರ್ಟ್‌! ಸಕ್ಸಸ್‌ ಮೀಟ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರಿಂದಲೇ ಬಹಿರಂಗ".
  46. ^ "ತೆಲುಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ 'ಬಘೀರ' ಚಿತ್ರ ಮಾಡಿದ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ಎಷ್ಟು? ಸಿನಿಮಾದ ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ಗಳಿಕೆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ ವಿವರ".
  47. ^ "Bagheera Final Worldwide Box Office Collections: Srii Murali and Rukmini Vasanth movie set to wind up theatrical run at Rs 33 crore". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
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Bagheera (2024) Review: A Superhero Vigilante Tale with Power and Purpose