Murphy is a 2024 Indian Kannada-language science fiction musical drama film co-written and directed by BSP Varma. The film features Prabhu Mundkur, Roshni Prakash, Ila Veermalla, and H. G. Dattatreya in lead roles, alongside Ashwin Rao Pallakki, Mahantesh Hiremath, Rramprasadd Banavara, BSP Varma, and Master Dhawan in supporting roles.

Murphy
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBSP Varma
Written by
Dialogues by
  • Naveen G. Reddy
  • BSP Varma
  • Prabhu Mundkur
Produced by
  • Ramco Somanna
  • BSP Varma
Starring
CinematographyAdarsha R
Edited by
  • Mahesh Thogata
  • Kevin Mascarenhas
Music by
  • Songs:
  • Arjun Janya
  • Sylvester Pradeep
  • Rajat Hegde
  • Keerthan Holla
  • Score:
  • Sylvester Pradeep
Production
companies
  • Somanna Talkies
  • VarnaSindhu Studios
Distributed byGoldie Films
Release date
  • 18 October 2024 (2024-10-18)
Running time
142 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Cast

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Production

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Development

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B. S. Pradeep Varma, who made his directorial debut with the 2017 film Urvi, collaborated with Prabhu Mundkur, who played a supporting role in Urvi, to write the script.[2] Varma shared a story called Radio with Prabhu, and they developed it since it fit their envisioned budget. They began writing during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and completed the script in a year and a half.[citation needed] Prabhu also served as the executive producer and associate director of the film.[3] On 15 September 2020, Nishvika Naidu was announced as the female lead.[4][5] However, in 2021, director Varma approached Roshni Prakash, who was then filming Lucky Man,[6] to replace Nishvika.[7][8] After hearing the narration, Roshni felt an instant connection with the character Janani and decided to collaborate with Varma.[6][9] Ila Veermalla, who debuted as a child artist in the 2012 film Ball Pen, auditioned for and secured the lead role of Jessy.[10] Apart from acting in the lead role, Ila also worked as both an assistant director and costume designer for the film.[11][12]

Filming

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Principal photography commenced on 2 April 2021 in Mangalore, with the first schedule wrapping up on 15 April 2021.[13] Filming in Goa, initially slated for 3 May 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[14] Production resumed once lockdown restrictions eased. The film was primarily shot in Goa, while a few portions were filmed on the Karnataka coast.[15] Major portions of the film were reportedly shot in a 400-year-old mansion in Goa.[16] Additionally few scenes were shot at St. Aloysius, Mangalore.[15][3] The film received a U certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.[17]

Soundtrack

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The soundtrack consists of songs composed by Arjun Janya, Sylvester Pradeep, Rajat Hegde, and Keerthan Holla, while the background score was by Sylvester Pradeep.[18][19][20][21]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicSinger(s)Length
1."Ilege Banda Maleye"Sampath SirimaneRajat Hegde, Keerthan HollaK. S. Harisankar4:32
2."Mogachi"Dhananjay RanjanArjun JanyaRajath Hegde, Nadia Rebelo3:58
3."Samaya"Dhananjay RanjanArjun JanyaRajath Hegde3:18
Total length:11:48

Release

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Murphy was initially slated for release on 27 September 2024.[citation needed] However, the release date was subsequently changed, and it was released on 18 October 2024.[citation needed]

Reception

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Kavya Christopher of The Times of India rated the film three-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that "Murphy marks yet another effort by the Kannada film industry that ably works towards delivering what the film industry and its audience require - a content-driven story."[22]

Y. Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror gave it three-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that "Director BS Pradeep Varma has tried to tell a fresh love story in a unique style. Varma has ensured the film is of top quality and made the cast follow the script faithfully."[23] Shashiprasad SM of Times Now gave it three out of five stars and wrote that "Are you a fan of time travel, with a soft spot for romantic dramas that delve deep into human emotions? If so, Murphy is a must-watch. The film stands out for its impressive storytelling and strong performances, making it a memorable experience."[24]

Pranati A. S. of Deccan Herald gave it three out of five stars and opined that "While the film succeeds in creating a fantasy world, Varma brings us back to reality by introducing reason and emotion into the narrative. This could either disappoint you or relieve you, depending on how you prefer your ending. An interesting watch."[25] Vivek M. V. of The Hindu wrote, "Murphy, starring Roshini Prakash and Prabhu Mundkur, explores relationships through the prism of time. The film has solid moments but struggles to stand firm as a whole".[1]

A. Sharadhaa of Cinema Express wrote that "Murphy offers a fresh perspective on a unique genre. There are films with such stories incorporating instruments like phones and ham radios that play key roles. However, director BS Pradeep Varma's Murphy distinguishes itself through its compelling concept centred on the radio and its connections that span time."[26]

References

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  1. ^ a b M.V, Vivek (18 October 2024). "'Murphy' movie review: An interesting time travel film that prefers emotional impact over poignant drama". The Hindu.
  2. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (9 October 2024). "'One good 'Friday' will make a difference'". The New Indian Express.
  3. ^ a b "Iconic Mangaluru chapel, St Aloysius, allows film shoot for first time; may be last". The Times of India. 18 April 2023.
  4. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (1 September 2020). "Nishvika Naidu bags lead role in romantic drama, Murphy". The New Indian Express.
  5. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (3 September 2020). "Nishvika Naidu bags lead role in romantic drama, Murphy". Cinema Express.
  6. ^ a b "Exclusive | Acting With An Object (Radio) Was A Unique Experience: Roshini Prakash". Times Now. 19 October 2024.
  7. ^ "'Murphy' Starring Prabhu Mundkur and Roshani Prakash To Release On September 27". Times Now. 7 July 2024. Archived from the original on 21 July 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Here's how Kavaludaari actress Roshni Prakash is spending her lockdown time". The Times of India. 20 May 2021.
  9. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (11 October 2024). "'Doing films you believe in motivates you to strive for success'". The New Indian Express.
  10. ^ "Teenager Ila Veermalla gets a lead role in Pradeep Varma's Murphy". The Times of India. 15 December 2020.
  11. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (12 October 2024). "The major takeaway for me from 'Murphy' was to dabble in various roles". The New Indian Express.
  12. ^ S, Pranati A. (5 October 2024). "'Murphy' is like the fragrance of old memories: B S Pradeep Varma". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  13. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (2 May 2021). "'Murphy' will ride high on love, emotions". The New Indian Express.
  14. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (9 May 2021). "Prabhu Mundkur: Murphy will ride high on love and emotions". Cinema Express.
  15. ^ a b S, Pranati A. (18 May 2024). "'Urvi' director back with musical drama 'Murphy' starring Prabhu Mundkur". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 2 June 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  16. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (1 September 2021). "Prabhu Mundkur: We have made a Koduva-Spanish promo song for Murphy". Cinema Express.
  17. ^ "Murphy set to release on October 18". The New Indian Express. 9 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Prabhu Mundkur and Roshini Prakash's 'Murphy' set to charm audiences from October 18". Deccan Herald. 16 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Ilege Banda Maleye (From "Murphy") - - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn". JioSaavn. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  20. ^ "Mogachi (From "Murphy") - - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn". JioSaavn. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  21. ^ "Samaya (From "Murphy") (Full Song) - Dhananjay Ranjan, Arjun Janya, Rajat Hegde - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn". JioSaavn. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Murphy Movie Review : Murphy review: A beautifully picturised emotional saga of love, despair, sacrifice and hope that transcends time". The Times of India. 17 October 2024.
  23. ^ "Fresh Love Unveiled in 'Murphy': A Captivating Journey Through Time". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. 20 October 2024.
  24. ^ "Murphy Movie Review: Timeless Fantasy, Embraced In The Present". Times Now. 17 October 2024.
  25. ^ S., Pranati A. (18 October 2024). "'Murphy' movie review: Love and reckoning in an engaging time travel story". Deccan Herald.
  26. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (10 October 2024). "Murphy Movie Review: This tale of love and longing gets its frequency right". Cinema Express.
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