iamraorajesh

Watched premiere show of Kannada movie - Kantara (Mysterious Forest) in Mangalore on 29 Sep 2022. Firstly, special accolades for Rishab Shetty, Ajaneesh Loknath for stunning acting & top-class music. The amazing climax choreographed by Raj Shetty will surely be remembered for long time.

Engaging grounded storyline depicting conflicts amidst Karavali (Coastal Karnataka Tulunadu) culture & beliefs & forest law & localities livelihood & land greed & casteism is realistically well portrayed.

Bhoota Kola spirit worship rituals & Kambala buffalo race are presented in stylized yet authentic way.

Stunning cinematography, Haunting BGM, Melodious songs, Good nativity comedy, Thrilling action sequences, Mysterious real forest backdrop around Kundapura region makes a unique cinematic experience. Above all top-notch direction and good performance by all.

Overall a superlative movie and a must watch for all in theatre 👌👌👌

Watched on 11 Mar 2022 at PVR, Mangalore, India. Do not miss this superlative, super hero, detective, noir movie in theatre 😊 Unique haunting BGM, super dark yet outstanding cinematography & never seen before lighting, long slow burn yet tight screenplay, thrilling & intriguing sequences, engaging mysterious storyline, immersive experience, realistic acting by all characters, terrifying actions & emotions, no glam-sham only raw content.

Above all top-notch work from director Matt Reeves and best acting by our The Batman, Robert Pattinson.

All cine buffs including directors should watch this exceptional, inspirational case study movie 👌👌👌

8/10..Thanks Pawan Kumar for bringing the much-needed road-safety message hard-hittingly and convincingly in a very innovative way from your movie 'U-Turn'. Being a Kannadiga, I am ashamed to say that when driving on roads and following traffic rules, Bengalureans behavior is most inhumane, indiscipline, inconsiderate and insensitively rash especially bikers then cabs, small trucks, buses...And this rhetoric is coming from who have experience living in top metro cities across world. Even the most populated and impoverished Mexico City drivers follow traffic rules at their best. Looking at Bengaluru mad and chaotic traffic, it is hard to defend foreigners calling India a shxtty hole. It is shocking that India renews its Guinness records for having most number of road accidents and deaths in world every year. About 15 lakhs Indians have died in last 10 years and in Bengaluru alone, I believe 10-20 people die every day, mostly bikers again. Bengaluru 'Adjust Madi' attitude on roads is wiping out people mainly youth.

About 'U-Turn' movie qualities, it is good but not up to expectations of 'RangiTaranga', 'KendaSampige' or even Pawan Kumar's own 'Lucia'.

Pros -

1. Good road-safety message delivered to society especially the much needed one for Bengalureans.

2. Innovative storytelling with good thrilling elements.

3. Technically decent - sleek direction, good screenplay, decent background score and editing.

4. I personally felt the climax is good, contrary to popular verdict, as I have experienced and heard about similar paranormal happenings in life.

Cons -

1. Movie felt predictable with mystery elements given away with unnecessary special effects before murders.

2. Protagonist actress Shraddha's Kannada pronunciation was not up to mark. Her expressions felt similar in most scenes lacking shades and micro-expressions.

3. Acting by most actors felt flat and routine even in some intense scenes e.g. post jeep and jail murders the actors expressions lacked intensity , fear and depth.

4. Over usage of Kanglish (Kannada with English) in conversations and impractical American words (viz. Homicide for Murder, Cheque for Bill) in Indian culture should have been avoided.

5. Some scenes were not convincing e.g. a beggar residing on flyover and that too watching over people whole time looks filmy.

6. Movie felt hastily shot with minimal budget with sincerity lacking in some places.

7. Inclusion of few preachy scenes on traffic safety would have been good.

Despite the flaws, 'U-Turn' should be watched by everyone for its innovative storytelling and convincing social message on road safety.