Prashanth Neel’s Influence Fails to Rescue Bagheera from Disappointment
The successes of the KGF series and Salaar have solidified Prashanth Neel as one of India’s most sought-after filmmakers. Currently, he has several projects in the pipeline, including Salaar 2 and an anticipated film with Jr NTR. Recently, Neel’s scriptwriting for the film Bagheera was expected to generate significant buzz, given his rising star power.
However, Bagheera has struggled to attract attention, primarily due to inadequate promotion linking it to Neel. Hombale Films invested heavily in the project, backing medium-range hero Sri Murali, yet the film failed to recoup its costs.
The movie’s plot centers around ACP Vedanth (Sri Murali), a Mangaluru police officer who idolizes superheroes and aspires to embody their heroism. His journey takes a dark turn as he transforms into the vigilante Bagheera, confronting criminals under the cover of night. Unfortunately, the story quickly devolves into a familiar commercial formula, lacking innovation or engagement.
Director Suri’s screenplay feels outdated, rendering Bagheera a tiresome watch. The emotional depth necessary for audience connection is missing, leading to a flat narrative. Additionally, the romantic subplot involving Rukmini Vasanth fails to resonate, further diminishing the film’s impact.
Ultimately, Bagheera stands as a significant disappointment, even among Prashanth Neel’s dedicated fanbase, leaving many shocked by the lackluster execution of what could have been a compelling story.
