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  • Amit Jadhav

Ghost (2023) Movie Review: Shivarajkumar's Prison Caper Will Keep You Caged in Suspense



Forget digging tunnels and Clooney charm – this Karnataka thriller throws a curveball, turning prison privatization into the central stage for a high-stakes heist. Director MG Srinivas, known for his penchant for action and intrigue, weaves a narrative as tangled as prison barbed wire, keeping you guessing till the very end.


Meet Vamana (Prashanth Narayanan), a former CBI agent chilling in his post-retirement hammock, rudely interrupted when he becomes hostage in a prison hijacked by the enigmatic Dalavayi Muddanna (Shivarajkumar). Now nicknamed "Big Daddy," Dalavayi is an underworld legend with a score to settle with ACP Chengappa (Jayaram), and the prison is just his pawn. The motive? A web of revenge, hidden agendas, and a thirst for justice (or is it power?) thicker than prison gruel.


Srinivas, who also dons the writer's hat, keeps the twists and turns coming like clockwork. Every inmate has a secret, every wall whispers hidden truths, and even the grimy prison bars seem to hold more than just rust. Ghost isn't about escaping jail; it's about uncovering the ghosts that haunt both the prison and the characters within it.


Now, let's talk performances. Shivarajkumar is chillingly charismatic as Big Daddy, his every smirk and steely gaze radiating a power that both commands and unhinges. Jayaram's ACP Chengappa is the yin to Dalavayi's yang, a beacon of stoic righteousness that cracks under the pressure of his past. The supporting cast, peppered with veterans like Anupam Kher and Prashanth Narayanan, deliver performances seasoned with experience and nuance.


Srinivas's directorial style is a potent blend of grit and grandeur. The prison setting is both claustrophobic and expansive, echoing the characters' internal struggles. Action sequences are slick and brutal, punctuated by moments of dark humor that will have you snorting popcorn amidst the tension.


Where Ghost truly shines is in its exploration of morality. The lines between good and bad blur as vengeance morphs into justice, and desperate choices echo past sins. This isn't just a heist; it's a morality play staged within the stark confines of a prison, forcing us to question who the real criminals are.


Flaws? Not without them. The pacing can get uneven at times, and some supporting characters deserve more fleshing out. But these are minor hiccups in an otherwise thrilling ride.


So, should you watch Ghost? If you're looking for a prison heist with a twist, a film that grapples with complex themes while keeping you on the edge of your seat, then grab your metaphorical prison canteen mug and settle in. Ghost is a thought-provoking thriller that will leave you questioning everything, from the definition of justice to the ghosts that shackle us all.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars


Now, it's your turn! Did Ghost leave you pondering the nature of justice? Did any performances steal your popcorn? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's make this prison break of a conversation explode!

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