The Kannada film “I Am God” has recently arrived on Amazon Prime, following its theatrical release in November and a short streaming stint on Sun NXT. Directed by Ravi Gouda, who also stars as the lead, the movie is presented as a romantic crime thriller, combining love drama with chilling crime elements.
Plot Overview
The story unfolds on two parallel tracks.
Romantic Track: Deva (Ravi Gouda) is a hot-headed college student from a middle-class background. He shares a turbulent relationship with Bindu (Vijeta Fareek), marked by frequent fights and emotional insensitivity. Deva tends to pick arguments easily, while Bindu reacts sharply to any perceived hurt, creating tension from the outset.
Crime Track: The city faces a string of horrifying murders. A psycho killer targets young women, burning them alive and leaving the ominous signature “I Am God” at crime scenes. Special Officer Bharath (Ravi Shankar) is called to investigate the killings and apprehend the murderer.
Character Dynamics
Deva and Bindu’s romance diverges from traditional love stories. They are depicted as selfish, volatile, and impulsive, creating a dramatic tension meant to grip audiences. The narrative also adds subplots involving Deva’s conflict with Balaram, the son of a local goon, and the arrival of his cousin Tushar from abroad, which further complicates the story.
Technical Aspects and Direction
Production Team: Music by Ajaneesh Loknath, cinematography by Jithin, and editing by Arumugam.
Director’s Vision: The film begins with a focus on protecting and respecting women. However, it concludes with controversial dialogues about how modern girls should behave, which some viewers may find objectionable.
Critical Reception
The film has received largely negative reviews, earning a rating of 1.5 out of 5.
Key Points of Criticism:
Pacing Issues: The investigation led by Special Officer Bharath is slow, lacking strategy and thrilling chase sequences.
Characterisation: The romantic scenes appear exaggerated, and performances by the leads feel over the top at times.
Execution Flaws: Reviewers suggest that if Deva had been portrayed as a true, grounded lover, his opinions and actions might have resonated more. Instead, the movie struggles to clearly differentiate between mania and genuine romance.
Final Verdict
While “I Am God” attempts a unique blend of romance and crime, its execution undermines the concept. Slow pacing, forced character dynamics, and controversial dialogues leave the film struggling to leave an impact. Despite its intriguing premise, it falls short of delivering a gripping cinematic experience.
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