ಕೆಂಡಸಂಪಿಗೆ - Kendasampige (golden magnolia) : Kannada movie review

Kendasampige is a movie about the devious circle of money, greed and corruption which threatens to engulf innocent lovers. The movie revolves around the lead pair( Vikky Varun as Ravi and Manvita Kamath as Gowri) when they get framed in a crime involving drugs, the influential and the police. Prakash Belavadi acts as the menacing DCP Suryakanth and Rajesh Nataranga as ACP Purandar. Throughout the movie, the lead pair is on the run, and the police are chasing them. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrIQUpTEUWA&t=7s

Image courtesy imdb

I think the movie reflects the depraved and money - minded society in an apt way. We live in a time where money is worshiped, and the influencers are treated like Gods. Think about it - each of us is ultimately hustling for money. Can you imagine a society without the concept of money? What would you do then, how would you spend your time? Back to reality, the difference between people may boil down to ethics, principles, values and honesty, and of course, upbringing. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men...In the midst of the insanity, the innocent take to arms when it all gets too much. Another thing is, the movie does not preach. It shows both sides of law enforcement. Not everyone is corrupt. We have the rare good hearted samaritan and police officer who always takes the honest path.

Image courtesy imdb

This is a very short movie at just 1 Hr. 39 minutes, but each minute has been crafted to perfection. There is no fluff, and the story doesn't drag at any point. The rock score in the background added an energetic pace to the road sections of the movie. I could listen to those all day long. The soulful Lyrics by Yogaraj Bhat and Jayant Kaikini complement the events perfectly. The editing was one of the tightest I have ever seen! I was glued to the screen at every second. The blossoming of innocent love has been written and depicted in a beautiful way - this is the lead pair's first movie, and they have delivered a tremendous performance. Gowri and Ravi are lovebirds who could care less about status and money, and just want to be together.

I believe this is the first Kannada movie to use a drone camera, and we see breathtaking views of various places in Chitradurga, Davangere, Hubballi and Belagavi. The cinematography by Satya Hegde is stunning. I loved the innovative camerawork, and the splendid framing of each scene! Split screen, timelapse, shots in crowded places and other techniques have been used in an innovative way.

Image courtesy imdb

The film wraps neatly around itself - there is a redemptive link between the first and the last scenes and brings along with it a sense of justice. Duniya Suri  has presented this kick - ass movie, with beautiful screen play, background music and excellent acting, and we really need more such movies in Sandalwood!

Have you watched the movie? Let me know your thoughts.

(Thanks, Krips, for the insights and for proofreading ;) )