The Times of India, Feb 2, 2026, 10.00 AM ISTCritic's Rating: 1.5By Susmita Sameera
Bose opens on a patriotic note, set against the backdrop of a Republic Day parade. The film immediately establishes its tone by revisiting 2005, where terrorists attempt to desecrate the national flag at a border post. What follows is a sequence showcasing the resolve of Indian soldiers who fight relentlessly to ensure the flag never touches the ground. This moment serves as a symbolic foundation before the narrative splinters into multiple timelines.
Soon after, the story shifts gears with unsettling scenes of random murders and a suspicious roadside incident involving a punctured car tyre. These fragments feel disconnected at first, but they quietly lay the groundwork for what is to come. The main plot eventually settles in Bengaluru, 2024, where the film takes a disturbingly dark turn. A young girl is blackmailed using a private video, and when her friend attempts to intervene, the situation escalates into a horrific crime that ends in rape and murder.
In sharp contrast to the brutality of the incident, the perpetrators, led by Jaggu, are shown living without fear or remorse, casually drinking and playing cards on a terrace. Jaggu’s confidence stems from his background. He is the younger son of Macchu Maada, a feared and influential rowdy who has built an empire through land scams, kidnappings, and ruthless violence. With deep political connections and financial backing for major parties, Macchu Maada dreams of launching his elder son, Punch Prem, into politics. Punch Prem, meanwhile, runs his own criminal network, supplying drugs to the youth and managing various illegal operations.
Jaggu, protected by both his father’s power and his brother’s reach, believes himself untouchable until SI Subhash enters the picture. An honest and uncompromising police officer, Subhash takes charge of the case and begins tightening the noose around the crime syndicate. Just as the investigation gains momentum, the story takes an unexpected turn with the mysterious murder of Jaggu. At the crime scene lies a chilling note signed “Bose,” explaining the reason behind the killing.
Suspicion naturally falls on SI Subhash, raising the film's central question: is the officer truly responsible, or is another force at work? As the narrative unfolds, the seemingly unrelated opening sequences gradually connect, tying the past and present together in an attempt to deliver a cohesive conclusion.
In terms of execution, Bose is modest in scale and presentation. The film follows a structured narrative but lacks refinement in its treatment. Performances and technical aspects appear raw and underdeveloped, giving several portions an unfinished feel. The filmmaking reflects limited experience, and the absence of polish affects the film’s overall impact.