45 Movie Review: Raj B Shetty, Upendra, Shiva Rajkumar in a Metaphysical Kannada Film

45 Movie Review: The interplay between the spiritual and the real is engaging and intellectually stimulating, though the film occasionally feels overly absorbed in its own messaging. This Kannada multi-starrer, 45, places Raj B Shetty at the center of a narrative framed by Shiva Rajkumar and Upendra.

Indian mythology and sacred literature offer vast reservoirs of wisdom and imaginative ideas, making them a fertile source for cinematic inspiration. First-time director Arjun Janya taps into this richness with 45, drawing from the Hindu Mahapuranas, most notably the Garuda Purana. The text explores the many dimensions of existence, including mythological lore, divine relationships, moral values, the struggle between virtue and vice, concepts of heaven and hell, karma, rebirth, ancestral rituals, and broader themes of spiritual liberation, while also reflecting on worldly life.

Vinay (Raj B Shetty) leads an uncomplicated and comfortable life. He shares a warm bond with his indulgent yet caring mother, enjoys a loving relationship with his girlfriend, works a software job, owns a pleasant home in a respectable neighborhood, and moves through life with ease. This tranquility shatters when he encounters death at the hands of Rayappa (Upendra). Instead of an immediate end, Vinay is granted 45 days to relive his life, confront his guilt, and seek repentance before the ominous Rayappa returns to claim him.

In his desperate attempt to escape his fate, Vinay crosses paths with Shivappa, also known as Shivanna or Shivu (Shiva Rajkumar), who becomes his ally in the struggle for survival. Revealing more would risk spoilers, so it is best to stop here. Why does Rayappa pursue Vinay? What is Rayappa’s true nature? Can Vinay evade his vengeance? Will Shivanna succeed in shielding him? While these questions arise naturally, it is often the seemingly minor answers that ultimately define the film’s deeper narrative.

Arjun Janya, as a director, appears to be a matured extension of his admirer self, clearly influenced by Shiva Rajkumar the star and Upendra the filmmaker. In 45, he constructs three interconnected realms, each flowing into the next. The Garuda Purana inspired concept moves fluidly across these layers, presenting a story balanced between tangible reality and spiritual abstraction.

The storyline and descriptions may sound slightly perplexing, but that confusion mirrors the film’s very essence. As noted earlier, the director is openly influenced by the distinctive “Upendra-style” cinema. For a debutant, Arjun Janya delivers a respectable effort. His commitment is evident, particularly in crucial moments, and he manages the mass appeal and fan-centric sequences effectively. These elements play a major role in keeping 45 engaging.

That said, 45 is far from a perfect first outing, and there is clear room for growth. While the underlying concept carries significant weight, the narrative itself remains relatively straightforward and somewhat foreseeable. The screenplay may briefly unsettle viewers with its shifts, but it eventually resolves into a rather simple finale.

Although Arjun’s depiction of the physical and metaphysical planes is unique, the film might have gained more intensity had these worlds been aligned more closely, with softer boundaries between them. Such an approach could have enhanced the suspense and overall impact.

At its core, the film revolves around Raj B Shetty, Upendra, and Shiva Rajkumar, each portrayed in clearly defined tones. Raj B Shetty embodies innocence and fragility, Upendra pushes eccentricity to its limits, and Shiva Rajkumar is introduced from the outset as a “Mass-God.” While all three are generously celebrated through references to their iconic roles and moments, Shiva Rajkumar ultimately dominates with his commanding screen presence, though this assessment may vary by viewer.

The cinematography echoes the visual style associated with Ram Gopal Varma, especially through its fluid and mobile camera movements. However, this technique is not consistently applied to the film’s most impactful shots. The intense still frames during the initial face-offs between the stars are particularly powerful, with cinematography, production design, and music converging to create striking moments.

Drawing on his strong musical background, Arjun Janya delivers a high-energy background score for his directorial debut. While certain portions feel slightly outdated, the music generally remains effective and enhances the on-screen visuals. Editing, however, can feel uneven, with sudden angle changes occasionally disrupting the narrative flow.

The film makes extensive use of CGI and visual effects, which largely succeed in creating an impressive visual experience. The effects-heavy sequences show clear effort and detail, and even scenes with limited CGI blend well with the story. That said, there are moments where the integration of live action and effects is not entirely seamless, briefly breaking immersion.

In the end, 45 emerges as an ambitious debut that prioritizes vision and collaboration over narrative precision. Despite its predictable elements and structural limitations, the film’s philosophical foundation, striking imagery, and unapologetic fan service lend it a distinct character. Supported by the contrasting performances of Raj B Shetty and Upendra, and elevated by Shiva Rajkumar’s powerful mass appeal, 45 reflects Arjun Janya’s belief-driven storytelling and producer Ramesh Reddy’s readiness to support unconventional ideas.

45 is a concept-focused multi-starrer that deserves a theatrical viewing for its ambition, themes, and the union of Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B Shetty.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars