Anamadheya Ashok Kumar Movie Review : Anamadheya Ashok Kumar: A gripping whodunnit backed by powerful performances

Plot: While interviewing a retired senior lawyer (Anand Bhat) at his house, investigative journalist Praveen Rajashekhar (Kishore Kumar) hears commotion upstairs. Concerned, he rushes to check and is attacked by an intruder. In self-defence, he stabs the attacker and calls the police, only to find himself as the prime suspect. Is he a criminal, a witness, or a victim?

Review: Whodunnit cop dramas, if done right, with an element of mystery, always hit the bullseye. Strong performances only add to the intrigue. Anamadheya Ashok Kumar gets all of this right, and a little more. And a 104-minute runtime is an icing on the cake.

The movie opens with journalist Praveen Rajshekar(Kishore Kumar) confessing to the police about being involved in a murder and admitting that he committed the crime in self-defence. Because it is a high-profile murder, Praveen is kept under scrutiny. Police officer Athirath (Harshil Koushik) is assigned to this unique case where Praveen is both a prime suspect and a witness. Can Athirath solve the murder mystery?

A cop drama such as Anamadheya Ashok Kumar is a rarity in the Kannada film industry. The entire film takes place overnight, and between only 2 people, and the makers have made the right choice by bringing two performance powerhouses on board. While Kishore is in his element as a journalist who is facing an enquiry. Harshil Koushik of Achar and Co Fame has stepped up and delivered an equally impressive performance. It is a treat to watch them tease each other on screen.

Since the film takes place overnight, that too in a makeshift room, nothing is interesting to offer visually. Director Sagar Kumar shows off his story-telling skills with this film, which comes together skilfully in the last 20 minutes. Since it features only 2 actors, the film might find its place among the niche audience, too. The dialogue, however, could have been better.

All of the 104-minutes, Anamadheya Ashok Kumar is an intriguing whodunnit crime drama that keeps you hooked, especially towards the end and makes for a worthy theatre outing.