Case of Kondana trailer: Vijay Raghavendra’s on the trail of an elusive criminal

Vijay Raghavendra’s milestone 50th film was Seetharam Benoy: Case No. 18, by then debutant director Devi Prasad Shetty. The film had promise, lacking in finesse that probably came from the inexperience of the relatively new crew. They’ve reunited yet again with Vijay on an investigative thriller the trailer of which came out moments ago. Called Case of Kondana, the film has Vijay as a police officer yet again. This time, he is chasing a criminal, who seems to be one step ahead all the time and proving difficult to catch. Devi Prasad’s film, which releases on January 26, will be quite action-packed, as per the trailer. The film also stars Bhavana Menon, Kushee Ravi, Rangayana Raghu, among others.

Case of Kondana: Vijay Raghavendra reunites with Seetharam Benoy director Devi Prasad Shetty for an investigative thriller

At first look what strikes one about the trailer is the production quality. Devi Prasad’s sophomore flick has a richer and more nuanced look and feel to it, while the subject also feels intriguing. In fact, the opening shot of a police jeep in flames and another of cops trying to escape a blaze, points to the story being about a culprit who is targeting the force. Speaking during the launch of the film, Vijay had said that it is his good fortune that he is able to collaborate with a good crew yet again. Shot in and around Bengaluru, the crime thriller follows a hyper-link narrative pattern. “The situation becomes the villain in the tale,” Devi Prasad had explained. Vijay is paired with Kushee in the film, with Bhavana also on the investigative team tracking the killer.

Case of Kondana is one of several Kannada films releasing on January 26. Right now, there’s Bachelor Party, Upadyaksha, Hadinelentu, Alexa, Koli Esru, and Moorane Krishnappa, as per ticket aggregating sites. How many of these will retain the January 26, given that Hrithik Roshan’s Fighter releases a day earlier on January 25, remains to be seen.

Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18 review: Vijay Raghavendra's 50th film falters in execution