Sandalwood Star Shiva Rajkumar's much-anticipated film, Ghost,is all set to hit the Telugu screens on November 3, 2023. The Kannada version of the movie, which premiered during Dasara, received an overwhelming response and achieved superhit status. Now, the Telugu version of the film is creating a buzz, thanks to its intriguing teaser and captivating trailer. It's time to delve into the world of "Ghost" and discover how this thrilling movie has captivated the hearts of movie enthusiasts.
The storyline of Ghost revolves around the compelling struggle of an ordinary individual fighting for justice against the formidable and influential elite, interwoven with a gripping money heist element. The tranquil city of Bengaluru is rudely awakened by the startling news of a daring breach in its highly fortified central jail, where ex-CBI officer Vaman Srinivasan (Prashant Narayanan) and several notorious criminals find themselves held hostage. Into this chaotic situation steps ACP Charan Raj (Jayaram), determined to confront the crisis and negotiate with the enigmatic infiltrators.
As the narrative unfolds, it raises a series of intriguing questions: Who orchestrated the audacious jailbreak, particularly as it teetered on the brink of privatization? Why do the citizens harbor a deep-seated fear of the imposing Big Daddy, also known as Peddanna (Shiva Rajkumar)? And what intricate connections link Home Minister Vijayalakshmi (Vijayalakshmi Singh), the astute Advocate Mahesh Das (MG. Srinivas), the tenacious reporter Lakshmi (Archana Jois), and AN Rao (Anupam Kher) to this perplexing enigma? These questions add a layer of curiosity that keeps the audience thoroughly engaged throughout the story.
Shiva Rajkumar, true to his reputation, showcased his acting prowess, leaving a lasting impression on movie enthusiasts. His commanding screen presence was undeniably captivating, drawing viewers into the story.
Jayaram, despite a role that may have appeared somewhat comical at its core, delivered a commendable performance, injecting depth into his character and making it work.
Anupam Kher, in his cameo role, left a memorable mark and his subsequent inclusion in the sequel has generated heightened anticipation. His subtle yet impactful performance, brimming with expressive emotions, added a layer of depth to the narrative.
M G Srinivas, in his significant role, contributed effectively to the ensemble, seamlessly blending into the storyline and enhancing its overall impact.
Ghost, scripted by MG. Srinivas, unfolds as an action-packed tale centering around a daring money heist. While the storyline follows a familiar action drama template, it commences intriguingly by delving into the unique concept of jail privatization, a first in India. The narrative then evolves into a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game, delivering a thrilling cinematic experience that caters to the appetites of mass movie lovers and fans. The first half of the film leaves viewers pondering the identity of the mastermind behind the jailbreak, while the second half is dedicated to the relentless pursuit of this enigmatic figure.
MG. Srinivas had grand plans to forge his own cinematic universe, with Shiva Rajkumar at its center. Although he successfully amplifies Shiva Rajkumar's heroism and infuses the film with action and intensity, there's a sense that something more profound could have been added. While Ghost undoubtedly serves as a delightful mass treat for Shiva Rajkumar's fans, it might come across as just another run-of-the-mill action entertainer for those outside his fandom. The screenplay and direction, though competent, adhere closely to a standard template.
The musical brilliance of Arjun Janya enhances the movie, particularly during the riveting action sequences, leaving a lasting impact. Mahendra Simha's cinematography captures the visuals naturally and authentically, bringing them vividly to the screen. The editing by Deepu S Kumar, however, could have been more precise. The film's production values are commendable, adding to the overall cinematic experience.
In summary, Ghost unfolds as a conventional action drama centered around a money heist. Unfortunately, MG. Srinivas seems to have placed a heavy emphasis on amplifying Shiva Rajkumar's heroism, inadvertently overlooking other critical facets of the film. The plot exhibits resemblances to previous films like "Jailer," "Vikram," and "Jawan," failing to introduce any innovative elements beyond the glorification of the protagonist. A more refined approach to script, screenplay, and direction, deviating from the predictable template, could have potentially elevated Ghost to a more impactful level. All factors considered, Cinejosh rates the movie with a 2 out of 5.