The Times of India, May 31, 2025, 11.30 AM ISTCritic's Rating: 3.0By Susmita Sameera
The film revolves around two children, Shreedevi and Sudhakara, who are adopted by a retired judge, Ramana Hegde. Shreedevi (Harinakshi) is a gentle, accommodating girl, while Sudhakara (Bheeshma Ramaiah) is mischievous and often crosses the line of law—something that doesn’t sit well with Ramana Hegde. True to his background as a judge, Hegde believes in teaching lessons through legal means and nipping misbehaviour in the bud. The story immediately unfolds, with a shocking twist that shows Shreedevi accused of murdering her adoptive father. But did she really do it? Has Sudhakara learned from his past and grown into a better man? Does Ramana Hegde’s stern but just upbringing ultimately shape these children into responsible adults? These questions form the emotional and moral core of the narrative.
The main storyline picks up years later, where Shreedevi is now married to Kaali (Praveen) and pregnant, living in a modest neighborhood. The film moves seamlessly between past and present, gradually revealing the love story between Kaali and Shreedevi, Kaali’s background, his close-knit circle of friends and family, and his job.
As the narrative deepens, we are introduced to the antagonists—Muruga (Raja Balwadi), politician Linga Raju (Rohith Nagesh), and Sampath (Khuldeepak)—who are involved in drug smuggling, promoting addiction among the youth, and exploiting the poor under the guise of development. Standing against them is Inspector Vishwas (Santhosh Karki), an honest and strict police officer, and Kaali, who chooses to fight the system from within.
The film is grounded in a realistic portrayal of crime, enhanced by thrilling fictional elements. Its biggest strengths lie in its compelling visuals and an impressive background score that significantly elevate the cinematic experience. The story successfully balances dark themes like crime, violence, and drug addiction with emotional arcs involving love, family bonds, and moral responsibility. Notably, the story slowly and steadily opens up, with the crime unfolding in a mysterious and measured manner rather than through high-octane action.
However, while the core subject is strong, the dialogues at times become overly dramatic or exaggerated, which can undercut the intensity of key moments and affect the impact of some performances. That said, the movie still offers an engaging one-time watch, especially for fans of crime thrillers. With minimal bloodshed and a value-driven storyline, it stands out as a family-friendly crime drama presented by a new team.