Bandook Kannada movie review , songs , trailer

Directed by Mahesh Ravikumar, Bandook is a bold Kannada crime thriller , that dives deep into the psychological aftermath of violence, especially among youth. Set in a remote riverside village, the film blends murder mystery, social commentary, and emotional introspection, making it one of the most talkedabout debuts of the year. The story unfolds across two timelines , In the present, a series of brutal murders haunt a river island. Bodies are found mutilated and dumped in water, and a masked killer sends cryptic videos to the media. IPS Roopa Rudhra Rao (Shwetha Prasad) is assigned to crack the case, assisted by her husband Rudhra (Balaji Manohar), a grieving investigator battling personal demons. In the past, we follow Vishwamithra (Mitra) (Partha K), an orphan raised in an ashram run by Advaitha (Gopalkrishna Deshpande). The ashram shelters children scarred by abuse and neglect. As secrets unravel, Mitra’s transformation from victim to vigilante becomes the emotional core of the film. The two timelines converge in a chilling climax that questions the very nature of justice, revenge, and redemption.

Cast includes Partha K,Gopalkrishna Deshpande,Balaji Manohar,Shwetha Prasad,Shankar Ashwath. Mahesh Ravikumar, in his directorial debut, crafts a nonlinear narrative that’s ambitious and emotionally layered. The screenplay juggles psychological tension, social trauma, and thriller elements, though it occasionally falters under its own complexity. The film’s strength lies in its characterdriven storytelling, especially the emotional arcs of Vishwamithra and Rudhra. Music by Prasanna Kumar MS has soulful tracks , HY Rohith Kumaar captures the eerie beauty of riverbanks and emotional isolation.

Movie shows justice isn’t always black and white. The film challenges viewers to rethink morality and vengeance. Trauma shapes identity ,  Vishwamithra’s journey shows how childhood scars can define adult choices. Silence can be violent, The ashram’s secrets reveal how neglect and suppression breed rebellion. Grief demands expression, Rudhra’s arc reminds us that unresolved pain can distort perception. Every act has a motive, Even the most brutal crimes may stem from buried truths.

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