Bhajarangi is a 2013 Indian Kannada-language fantasyaction film starring Shiva Rajkumar and Aindrita Ray in the lead roles. Directed by choreographer-turned-director Harsha, the film was released on 12 December 2013 and received positive response from critics. Bhajarangi collected a total of 35.5 crores in its 25-day run and became the second highest-grossing Kannada film of 2013. The film was declared a blockbuster at the box office.
Plot
The story takes place in a hamlet called Ramadurga. A tantrik makes life hell for the villagers by looting their valuables, raping women and killing them. Jeeva comes to the hamlet named 'Ramadurga' to know his 'Janma rahasya'. To his shock, he comes to know that he was the grandson of Bajarangi who fought against the tantrik and saved the villagers from his harassment. But the intelligent tantrik gets rid of Bhajarangi in his own way by creating a demon in the form of a baby and makes Bhajarangi believe that he is his son. The story takes many interesting turns and twists & Jeeva defeats the tantrik.
Actor Shiva Rajkumar had to lose weight for the film and prepared for a six-pack body at the age of 51. Major portion of the movie is shot around hesarghatta which lies to north west of Bengaluru. Official trailer of the movie was launched in Triveni theatre Bangalorein September 2013 which was attended by Yash. The introductory song featuring 6 leading actors of Kannada cinema was shot at Minerva Mills, Bangalore.
Release
The film's producers Nataraj Gowda and Manjunath Gowda have teamed up with PVR Cinemas for the film's domestic release. The film is expected to release simultaneously on 12 December 2013 in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in multiple theaters. The producers have reportedly booked more than 221 cinema halls across the Karnataka state alone.
Critical reception
Times of India gave 4/5 stars and said "Shivarajkumar has combined all his experiences to give a brilliant performance. Be it action, sentiment or romance, Shivanna is at his best. Aindrita Ray too is at her best throughout, especially in the climax. Music by Arjun Janya is apt for the story and quite remarkable. Lokesh shines as a villain. Jai Anand is simply superb in his camerawork."
Chitraloka said "Shivarajkumar takes the cake for his easy in portraying both a lover boy and an action hero equally well. When he sheds his shirt to show off his six packs in the end, the joy of the fans sees no end. Harsha has done an excellent job all over. Arjun Janya's music has four good songs including the 'Boss' song with guest appearance by six other film stars. Aindrita is bubbly as ever in a cute role. The actors who have played villains like Madhu, Chetan and Guru are a welcome change from the usual villains. If you have not booked your tickets already for Bhajarangi, do it fast. You will not get tickets easily for what is sure to be a blockbuster."
One India gave the film 3.5/5 stars and said "Bhajarangi is must watch movie for Shiv fans. It is also a movie, for which is to be admired by Kannada audience for its technical richness."
India Glitz gave 8/10 and said "It is one of the brilliant executions of work from young and dashing director Harsha. It is time for 'Harshotsava'! The 105th film of hat trick hero Shivarajakumar is magnificent in the second half and first half the film prepares for the second half big extravaganza."
Soundtrack
The soundtrack and score for the film is composed by Arjun Janya.
Sequel
The sequel named as Bhajarangi 2 in Shiva Rajkumar as lead with new cast, Harsha as director produced by Jayanna and Bhogendra. Set to release in April 2020.
