James (2022 film)
James | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Chethan Kumar |
Written by | Chethan Kumar |
Produced by | Kishore Pathikonda |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Swamy J. Gowda |
Edited by | Deepu S. Kumar |
Music by | Songs: Charan Raj Score: V. Harikrishna |
Production company | Kishore Productions |
Release date |
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Running time | 149 minutes |
Land | Indien |
Sprache | Kannada |
Budget | ₹50–70 crore[1] |
Box office | est.₹151 crore[2][3][4][5] |
James[6] is a 2022 Indian Kannada-language action drama film[7] written and directed by Chethan Kumar.[8] It stars Puneeth Rajkumar in the titlular role, along with Priya Anand, R. Sarathkumar, Srikanth, Anu Prabhakar, Madhusudhan Rao, Mukesh Rishi, Adithya Menon, Avinash, Chikkanna and John Kokken play supporting roles. This is Puneeth's posthumous appearance following his death on 29 October 2021.[9] The film marked the second collaboration between Puneeth, Priya and Sarathkumar after Raajakumara (2017).[10][11] The film score and soundtrack were composed by V. Harikrishna and Charan Raj respectively.[12]
The movie had a theatrical release on 17 March 2022 on the occasion of Puneeth Rajkumar's birthday.[13] The film was considered it as a fitting tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar by the audience.[14] It became a blockbuster at the box office and broke the record for the biggest opening day collections for any Kannada film by grossing around ₹28 crore[15] to ₹32 crore on the first day.[16] On the 4th day of its release, it also recorded the highest single day footfalls for a Kannada movie.[17] The film grossed ₹100 crores within 4 days of release[18] and became the second highest-grossing Kannada film at the time of release[19] whilst also becoming the fastest Kannada film to gross ₹100 crores at the box office at that time[20] only to be surpassed by K.G.F: Chapter 2 in less than a month.[21] It was also the second Kannada film to gross ₹100 crores in Karnataka.[22]
Plot
The crime syndicate which is operating in Bangalore is divided into three groups: the Golden Horse syndicate owned by Joseph Anthony, who is driving from Miami; the Scorpion syndicate owned by Rathanlal, operating from West Bengal; and Gayakwad syndicate, owned by Jayadev Gayakwad and his son Vijay Gayakwad, operating in Bangalore. Vijay is embroiled in a life-threatening situation when unknown assailants sent by Joseph murdered Jayadev. Joseph had learned from an informer that Vijay was the one who killed his brothers John, Peter, and Robin and also sent his son Vicky into a coma.
After realizing that his family is also in danger, Vijay appoints Santhosh Kumar, who is the manager of J-Wings security agency, as his bodyguard due to his skills and tactics in handling his assignments. Santhosh helps Vijay in his business dealings, while also having Rathanlal killed when he tries to conquer the Gayakwad Syndicate. Vijay then requests Santhosh to protect his sister Nisha Gayakwad, who has returned to India after completing her medical studies from Singapore. After an attack, Santhosh and Nisha escape to a village in Madikeri, where Nisha falls for Santhosh. She requests Vijay to accept their relationship, Though reluctant at first, Vijay accepts. At the party, Vijay announces his decision to hand over his business dealings to Nisha, who also introduces Santhosh.
At this point, Santhosh asks Vijay whether he fears anything in his life, only to start a shootout where he kills his other bodyguards and reveals that he was the one who had Jayadev assassinated so that Vijay could hire him. At the same time, Joseph's hitmen barge into the party and are shocked to find Santhosh, who they recognize as "James", their nemesis who was presumed dead. One of them informs this Joseph, before getting beheaded by Santhosh. Joseph learns that the informer had lied to Vijay about his brother's death and kills him (as the informer wants to seek vengeance on Joseph for killing his friends earlier). Santhosh brings Vijay and Nisha to the security agency's interrogation room. When Nisha insults Santhosh, Santhosh's colleague Rakesh Kumar Pirangi reveals Santhosh's past.
Past: 10 months ago, Santhosh is an Indian Army Major in Kashmir, who arrives at Pondicherry with Rakesh for his IAS officer friend Ekanth's wedding, and they meet Santhosh's friends Jagan, Amar, and Madan, who are also working in various government departments. At the wedding, Jagan reveals to Santhosh that when he took charge as NCB officer, he had arrested John, Robin, and Peter for smuggling, led by the Golden Horse Syndicate. Under Vijay and Joseph's advice, John, Peter, and Robin barge in and kill everyone present at the wedding. Santhosh, who survives due to Rakesh's help, leaves for Miami as James.
Santhosh drags Robin from his birthday party and kills him. Later, he tracks Peter at his Miami island where he decapitates him and lures John into his drug lab, and brutally finishes him. Santhosh returns to India by faking his death and is detained by his higher officer, but Santhosh seeks his higher official's approval to destroy the syndicates, to which they agree and their secret mission – "MISSION NORC" is launched where he arrives at Bangalore and started planning to bring down the syndicate with the help of his squad officers by opening J-Wings agency.
Present: Vijay escapes from the agency with Joseph's help. Santhosh, with Nisha's help, lures Joseph, Vijay, and his gang into Sangihe Islands where the squad officers arrest the syndicate members. The film ends with Santhosh saluting the Indian flag with the satisfaction of having accomplished his friend's mission.
Cast
- Puneeth Rajkumar as Santhosh Kumar/James (voiceover by Shiva Rajkumar)[23]
- Priya Anand as Nisha Gayakwad[24]
- R. Sarathkumar as Joseph Antony
- Srikanth as Vijay Gayakwad
- Anu Prabhakar as Vijay's wife
- Madhusudhan Rao as Jayadev Gakaywad, Vijay Gayakwad's father
- Mukesh Rishi as Rathanlal, supporter of Joseph
- Adithya Menon as Prathap Aras, Vijay's associate
- Rangayana Raghu as Rakesh Kumar Pirangi, Santhosh's colleague
- Avinash as Santosh's higher Army officer
- Sadhu Kokila as Santhosh's assistant
- Chikkanna as Madan, chief editor of Janadani newspaper
- Tilak Shekar as Jagan, ATS officer
- Shine Shetty as Ekanth, IAS officer
- Gajapade Harsha as ACP Amar
- Sameeksha as Jessie, Ekanth's fiancée
- Suchendra Prasad as Jessie's father
- Padmaja Rao as Mary, Jessie's mother
- John Kokken as John, Joseph's brother
- Taarak Ponnappa as Peter, Joseph's brother
- Yash Shetty as Robin, Joseph's brother
- Ketan Karande as gang member of Joseph Antony's mafia syndicate
- Vajrang Shetty as Prathap Aras's son
- Mohan Juneja as a rich person in hospital
- Girish as a fake rich person
- Prasanna Baagin as Rathanlal's son
- Vajragiri as Rathanlal's son
- Kavya Shastry as Jagan's wife
- Hamsa as Amar's wife
- Nayana Gowda as Madan's wife
- Shivamani as Joseph's associate
- Anil as Vijay Gaikwad's associate
- Krishna Hebbale as a police officer
- K S Shreedhar as orphanage head
- Amit as Santhosh's associate in the agency
- Baby Aradhya Chandra as Amar's daughter
- Master Anoop as Jagan's son
- Govindegowda as marriage broker
- Swapna as Dechamma
- Sillilalli Anand as the guy at ashram
- All Ok as the rich kid at the bar
- Dattanna as Chowdhury (cameo)
- Shiva Rajkumar in a cameo appearance as Anandraj, a soldier
- Raghavendra Rajkumar in a cameo appearance as Santhosh's orphanage head[25]
Additionally, Charanraj , Chandan Shetty,[26] Rachita Ram,[26] Ashika Ranganath[26] and Sreeleela[26] appears as themselves in a cameo appearance in the Trademark song.
Production
Prior to his demise, Puneeth had finished most part of the shoot except one song and voice dubbing. The movie team tried its best to retain Puneeth's voice captured during shoot but when it seemed difficult, Shiva Rajkumar, the eldest brother of Puneeth, dubbed for his brother's character in the Kannada version.[27]
Casting
Priya Anand was signed for the female lead role.[28][29][30] The makers also announced that Srikanth, Hareesh Peradi, Mukesh Rishi and Anu Prabhakar would be seen in prominent roles.[31][32][33] In 2021, R. Sarathkumar,[34] Tilak Shekar, Shine Shetty, Chikkanna joined the film's cast.[35]
Filming
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Bagmane_Tech_Park_Bangalore_India.jpg/220px-Bagmane_Tech_Park_Bangalore_India.jpg)
The film is produced by Kishore Pathikonda under the banner Kishore Productions.[10] The first schedule of the shoot started from 19 January 2020 in Bengaluru.[36] The second schedule of the film started from 14 October 2020 in Hampi.[37] A quick schedule was also wrapped in February 2021 in Kashmir featuring important action sequences of Puneeth Rajkumar.[38] After returning from Kashmir, Puneeth became busy in the promotional activities of his other film, Yuvarathnaa which released on 1 April amidst the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The James team resumed shoot once again from 5 July at a brisk pace after the Government of Karnataka gave nod to restart filming activities.[39]
Music
Charan Raj composed the music for the film.[8] Vijeth Krishna composed "Bolo Bolo James".[40]
James | ||||
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Soundtrack album by | ||||
Released | March 2022 | |||
Recorded | 2021–2022 | |||
Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
Sprache | Kannada | |||
Label | PRK Audio Divo | |||
Producer | Charan Raj | |||
Charan Raj chronology | ||||
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Singles from James | ||||
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No. | Titel | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Bolo Bolo James" | Chethan Kumar | Chandan Shetty, Shashank Sheshagiri, Impana Jayaraj, Vijeth Krishna | 1:59 |
2. | "Trademark" | Chethan Kumar | MC Vickey, Aditi Sagar, Chandan Shetty, Sharmila, Yuva Rajkumar | 3:59 |
3. | "Salaam Soldier" | Chethan Kumar | Sanjith Hegde, Charan Raj | 3:16 |
4. | "Dhikkara Ninage Devare" | Chethan Kumar | Charan Raj | 3:33 |
5. | "Naa Ninage Kaavalugaara" | Chethan Kumar | Ankita Kundu, Sanjith Hegde | 3:23 |
Release
Theatrical
The film released in theatres on 17 March 2022 in Kannada alongside dubbed versions in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu.[23] It released in 4000 screens on the first day including 400 single screen theaters in Karnataka alone[1] and 900 shows in multiplexes[41] making it the biggest release at that time in Karnataka.[42][43] The Telugu film RRR had postponed its release by one week due to release of this film.[44][45]
Re-release
On 18 April 2022, Chethan Kumar announced that a Hyderabad-based team was able to recreate Puneeth's voice using Shivrajkumar's modulation and Puneeth's voice samples from his previous films and hosting endeavors. Kumar announced that consequently James would be re-released in theaters with the new voice on 22 April 2022.[46]
Home media
The film was released on SonyLIV on 14 April 2022 in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi[47] and the satellite rights of the Kannada version were sold to Star Suvarna.
Reception
Box office
The movie was estimated to have grossed ₹28[15] to ₹32[16] crores on its first day which was the highest opening day domestic box office collections for a Kannada film at that time.[48][49] It was reported to have grossed ₹6 crore from Bengaluru alone – marking it the first time a movie has grossed above ₹4 crore in the city on its opening day.[50] The net collections at the end of the first day was reported to be around ₹ 18 crores[51] to ₹22.5 crores.[52]
It was reported to have grossed ₹10 crores on the second day[53] with the total gross around ₹ 37 crores to ₹45 crores in 2 days.[54][55][56] It was speculated that the gross theatrical collections for 3 days to be around ₹ 54 crores[57] with a net collections of ₹ 38 crores for the same period.[58] The net collections for 4 days was reported to be around ₹50 crores.[59] Multiple media outlets reported that the movie had grossed ₹100 crores within 4 days[60][19] The movie grossed more than ₹125 crores at the box office within 6 days of its release.[61] The movie grossed ₹151 crores at the box office.[2][3][4][5][62][63]
Critical response
James received positive reviews from critics and audience.[64]
The Times of India gave the movie 4 out of 5 rating and praised the movie for its stylish presentation.[65] Deccan Herald praised the movie for its high octane slick action sequences.[66] Firstpost said the movie is "impressively shot and edited" and praised the production values and noted that the sets are "classy and pristine".[67] The News Minute praised the "visual effects and smart camera angles".[68] India Today gave the film a rating of 3 out of 5 and praised Puneeth's performance "from enacting emotional sequences to nailing difficult dance steps ".[69] The Hans India noted that gave a rating of 2.5 out of 5 "Director Chetan Kumar has done a passable job with the film. Though he chooses a routine story, he packed it with good mass elements and showcased Puneeth Raj Kumar in the best way possible. Music by Charan Raj is very good but his BGM was even more effective. The production values are top-notch and the rich visuals impress. The action part needs a special mention as all the fights are done superbly".[70] The Indian Express noted that "one cannot escape the strong sense of melancholy that comes with the knowledge of the fact that it will be the last time one would see Puneeth on-screen".[71]
See also
References
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- ^ a b "Kantara box office: Rishab Shetty's film is 6th biggest Kannada movie ever. See who else is on the list". 15 October 2022.
- ^ a b "'KGF2' to 'Vikrant Rona', 5 Pan-India Kannada Films that shocked the Indian box-office". The Times of India. 28 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Kantara box office collection: Rishab Shetty's film overtakes Kiccha Sudeep's Vikrant Rona, is now third-highest grossing Kannada film ever". 20 October 2022.
- ^ a b "Kantara box office collection: Film beats Vikrant Rona to become third-highest-grossing Kannada movie".
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- ^ a b "Puneeth Rajkumar-starrer James to start rolling from January 19". newindianexpress. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
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- ^ a b "ಬಾಕ್ಸ್ ಆಫೀಸ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಧೂಳೆಬ್ಬಿಸಿದ ಅಪ್ಪು 'ಜೇಮ್ಸ್'… ಜೇಮ್ಸ್ ಫಸ್ಟ್ ಡೇ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ಬರೋಬ್ಬರಿ 32 ಕೋಟಿ..." 18 March 2022.
- ^ "Puneeth Rajkumar's posthumous release James records highest single day footfall for a Kannada movie – details inside".
- ^ "Puneeth Rajumar's James crosses 100 Cr mark in just four days – Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ a b "James box office collection Day 5: Puneeth Rajkumar's film rakes in Rs 100 crore worldwide".
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- ^ "Yash's KGF Chapter 2 grosses Rs 134.5 crore on its opening day, off to a phenomenal start".
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- ^ a b "Shiva Rajkumar to dub for Puneeth's last film James?". The Hindu. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
- ^ "Team 'James' unveils a special character poster on Priya Anand's birthday". The Times of India. 17 September 2021.
- ^ "Brothers Shivarajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar play cameos in Puneeth Rajkumar's James". Cinema Express.
- ^ a b c d "Puneeth Rajkumar's 'James': An absolute action adieu". The New Indian Express. 19 March 2022.
- ^ Janani K. (3 February 2022). "Shivarajkumar dubs for late brother Puneeth Rajkumar in James, calls it emotional". India Today. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
- ^ "'ಜೇಮ್ಸ್' ಪುನೀತ್ಗೆ ನಾಯಕಿಯಾದ ಪ್ರಿಯಾ ಆನಂದ್! ಮತ್ತೆ ಒಂದಾಯ್ತು 'ರಾಜಕುಮಾರ' ಜೋಡಿ". Vijaya Karnataka (in Kannada). Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "It's Priya Anand opposite Puneeth Rajkumar in James | Cinemaexpress". Cinema Express. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ Suresh, Sunayana (15 October 2020). "Priya Anand to romance Puneeth Rajkumar once again in James – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
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- ^ "Anu Prabhakar, Adithya Menon join James cast – The New Indian Express". newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
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- ^ "Shine Shetty, Tilak, and Chikkanna part of James' cast". Cinema Express.
- ^ "Puneeth Rajkumar-starrer James to start rolling from January 19 - The New Indian Express". www.newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
- ^ "ಜೇಮ್ಸ್ ಶೂಟಿಂಗ್ಗೆ ಹೊಸಪೇಟೆಗೆ ಪುನೀತ್ ರಾಜಕುಮಾರ್ | Puneeth Rajkumar Film Shooting Will Be Held on Hosapete in Ballari District grg". kannada.asianetnews.com. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
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- ^ James (Kannada) – Official Motion Poster (2019) on YouTube (archive)
- ^ "James 1st Day Box Office Collection: Puneeth Rajkumar-starrer Mints Big Money on Opening Day". 18 March 2022.
- ^ "Puneeth's last movie 'James' all set to hit 4,000 screens on his birth anniversary". 8 March 2022.
- ^ ""Other films being prioritized over 'James'," says director Chethan Kumar". The Times of India.
- ^ "SS Rajamouli Delays RRR Release by a Week for Puneeth Rajkumar's James; His Gesture Wins Hearts for Appu Fans". International Business Times. February 2022.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Here's why SS Rajamouli's RRR shifted from March 18; It has a Puneeth Rajkumar connect". PinkVilla. 1 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "'James' to re-release with Puneeth Rajkumar's voice". Deccan Herald. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ "Puneeth Rajkumar: ಥಿಯೇಟರ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಬ್ಬರಿಸಿದ 'ಜೇಮ್ಸ್' ಈಗ ಓಟಿಟಿಗೆ ಎಂಟ್ರಿ; ಪ್ರಸಾರ ಯಾವಾಗ?".
- ^ "James box office day 1 report: Puneeth Rajkumar's final film collects ₹27 crore on opening day". Hindustan Times. 18 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ^ "James Movie First Day Collection". TV9 Kannada (in Kannada). 18 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ^ "Box Office: Puneeth Rajkumar's James takes Industry Best Opening day in Karnataka". 18 March 2022.
- ^ "'James' day 1 box office collection report: Puneeth Rajkumar's swansong off to a sensational start". 18 March 2022.
- ^ "Puneeth Rajkumar's 'James' opens to unprecedented response". 18 March 2022.
- ^ "'James' day 2 box office collection: Puneeth Rajkumar's swansong does well on first Friday". 19 March 2022.
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- ^ "James Movie Review: ಪುನೀತ್ ಹೆಸರೊಂದೇ 'ಜೇಮ್ಸ್'ಗೆ ಆಧಾರ; ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳ ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾವತೀವ್ರತೆಯ ಸಂಚಾರ".
- ^ "James Movie Review: Puneeth Rajkumar shines bright in this stylish thriller". m.timesofindia.com.
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- ^ "James Movie Review: A fitting ode to Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar". India Today. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- ^ "James movie review: Action-packed entertainer". thehansindia. 17 March 2022.
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