Kichcha 46 teaser review: Sudeep's depiction of violence raises concerns

Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep on Sunday unveiled the teaser of his upcoming movie, which has been tentatively titled Kichcha 46. The teaser opens with a voice-over suggesting that it's just a glimpse of a bigger story, telling viewers not to jump to conclusions about the excessive violence depicted. It's a way of asking critics to reserve judgement till they watch the full movie before unleashing a wave of criticism alleging how such a mindless depiction of violence desensitises impressionable minds to its impact. 

However, it's hard to ignore the concerning trend of the industry confusing barbarism with heroism, which is becoming increasingly nauseating. Heroism should not be equated with the ability to inflict violence, revel in bloodshed, or exhibit a desire for killing. The distinction between heroes and villains is blurring in mainstream movies, undermining the moral compass that traditionally separated them.

Maamannan composer AR Rahman slams filmmakers exploiting divisions: 'Our films should not divide'

Violence in movies itself is not inherently bad, as long as it serves a purpose within the context of the story and contributes to powerful storytelling. For example, the massacre portrayed by Travis Bickle in the climax of Taxi Driver prompts viewers to turn away from violence and acknowledge its consequences. However, the problem arises when a film glorifies violence without restraint, presenting it as an act of heroism. It is crucial to call out films that seem to celebrate violence and cruelty.

Does Kichcha 46 glorify violence? The teaser does not provide a definitive answer to that question. However, we must consider the immediate impact of such a grandiose portrayal of violence in movies. Given Sudeep's stardom, the teaser may be perceived by impressionable minds as worthy of admiration. Filmmakers must be mindful of this and actively avoid falling into the trap of promoting harmful ideals.

In the teaser, Sudeep is shown nonchalantly removing bullets from his body, dropping them into a beer mug mixed with blood, and later consuming it. The van he travels in becomes a grotesque scene of dismembered body parts, yet he remains unfazed. In a state of intoxication, he fires a flare gun, inviting more people to fight him. It seems he revels in brutally killing others and takes pride in ripping open his enemies' hearts.

To filmmaker Vijay Kartikeyaa's credit, he clarifies that Sudeep's character in the movie is "not a hero but a demon." However, it remains unclear how much nuance an impressionable teenager would grasp in that distinction. The violence portrayed in the teaser seems gratuitous and exploitative, lacking a meaningful context.

This portrayal of violence is not healthy, as it risks glorifying violence for its own sake without considering its consequences. Filmmakers should strive for a responsible balance, where violence is justified within the narrative and serves a larger purpose beyond mere spectacle.