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Kabzaa (2023 film)

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Kabzaa
Theatrical release poster
Directed byR. Chandru
Written byR. Chandru
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyArjun Shetty
Edited byMahesh S. Reddy
Music byRavi Basrur
Production
companies
Anand Pandit Motion Pictures
Sri Siddheshwara Enterprises
Invenio Origin
Distributed bysee below
Release date
  • 17 March 2023 (2023-03-17)
Running time
136 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada
Budget₹120 crore[1]
Box office₹30–45 crore[2][3]

Kabzaa (transl. Possession/Conquest) is a 2023 Indian Kannada-language period action gangster film written and directed by R. Chandru. The film featured an ensemble cast of Upendra, Shiva Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, Shriya Saran, Sudha, Murali Sharma, Nawab Shah, Suneel Puranik, John Kokken, Dev Gill, Kabir Duhan Singh, Danish Akhtar Saifi, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and Posani Krishna Murali.[4] In the film, Arkeshwara, an air force officer, enters the underworld due to unavoidable circumststances and revolves around his life between 1942 and 1986.

Kabzaa was theatrically released on 17 March 2023, coinciding with the 48th birth anniversary of Puneeth Rajkumar.[5] It received negative reviews from critics and emerged as a box-office bomb.[6] Despite its commercial failure, a sequel titled Kabzaa 2 was announced.[7]

Plot

[edit]

During the British rule in 1945, Amareshwara, a North Indian Maharaja and a freedom fighter, gets brutally killed by the British, where his wife Tulasi Devi (Sudha) and sons Arkeshwara and Sankeshwara, relocate to Amarapura and work as flag sellers. In 1971, Arkeshwara (Upendra) becomes an air force pilot, while Sankeshwara (Suneel Puranik) sacrifices his aspirations of joining the Air Force for his brother. Arkeshwara returns to Amarapura for a short holiday, where he spends time with his mother and girlfriend Princess Madhumati (Shriya Saran), who is the daughter of the head and maharaja of Amarapura, Veer Bahaddur (Murali Sharma).

Amarapura has always been involved in gang wars between three gangsters: Khaleed (M. Kamaraj), Bagheera (Nawab Shah) and Malik (John Kokken). When CM Ghanshyam Pandey (Lakki Lakshman) learns about Veer Bahaddur's plan to nominate himself as a candidate for the CM, to regain power over the people, he hires Khaleed to create chaos in Amarapura, along with his son Sartaaj (Taaha Shah). Sartaaj begins the chaos until Sankeshwara kills him for shooting an old woman. Enraged, Khaleed kills and beheads Sankeshwara, which disturbs Arkeshwara and Tulasi. An enraged Arkeshwara later kills a police officer for insulting his family, upon which he is sentenced to prison and expelled from the Air Force. Later, Khaleed hires a dreaded gangster Bali (Danish Akhtar Saifi) to kill Arkeshwara in prison, but Arkeshwara kills Bali.

Sensing an opportunity to get rid of Khaleed, Veer Bahaddur bails out Arkeshwara. Khaleed organises a hit against Arkeshwara, but Arkeshwara finishes Khaleed's men and kills Khaleed, thus seeking justice in Sankeshwara's death and marking his foray into becoming the next crime boss of the Bangalore crime syndicate. However, trouble ensues for Arkeshwara, as he has to deal with Malik and Bagheera. Veer Bahaddur wins the election and becomes the CM. Madhumati informs her decision to him on marrying Arkeshwara, but Veer Bahaddur disrespects her decision and Arkeshwara, leading her to elope with him. Arkeshwara kills Bagheera and Malik, and occupies their empire, where he becomes a dreaded gangster overnight.

In 1973, Arakeshwara leads a family life with Madhumati, their two children and Tulasi Devi, in a massive palace. On their wedding anniversary, Madhumati heads to Veer Bahaddur for reconciliation, but he holds her captive in a cell and tells her about how he used Arkeshwara as a weapon to destroy Bagheera, Khaleed and Malik. He also reveals to her that he tried to get DSP Vikram (Dev Gill) arrest Arkeshwara, but to no avail as he died at the hands of Arkeshwara. Veer Bahaddur then separates Madhumati from her sons and proceeds to burn them alive.

Meanwhile, Arkeshwara gets worried about Madhumati and their children. He calls up Veer Bahaddur to find about their whereabouts, but later gets surrounded by the ruthless cop Bhargava Bakshi (Kiccha Sudeepa), along with his battalion. Just as he is about to retaliate against them, a mysterious gangster named Siddhantha (Shiva Rajkumar) arrives with his gang and aims his weapons at both Bakshi and Arkeshwara, ordering them to be fired, thus hinting a sequel.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The film's shoot had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it resumed in March 2021.[10] Actor Nawab Shah joined the shoot in October 2021,[11] Sudeep in December 2021,[12] while Asha Bhat joined the cast in 2022.[13][14] The film marks the debut of Murali Sharma in Kannada films.[15] The team later announced that Shiva Rajkumar had done a cameo appearance in the film.[16]

Music

[edit]
Kabzaa
Soundtrack album by
Ravi Basrur
Released22 February 2023
GenreFeature Film soundtrack
Length15:50
LanguageKannada
LabelAnand Audio
ProducerRavi Basrur
Ravi Basrur chronology
KGF: Chapter 2
(2022)		 Kabzaa
(2023)		 Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
(2023)
Official audio
Audio Jukebox on YouTube

The music of the film was composed by Ravi Basrur in his maiden collaboration with both Upendra and Kichcha Sudeepa. The soundtrack was released by Anand Audio. The first single, titled "Kabzaa Title Track", was released on 4 February 2023.[17] The second single, titled "Namaami Namaami", was released on 16 February 2023. The third single, titled "Chum Chum Chali Chali", was released on 26 February 2023.[18]

Kannada
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Kabzaa Title Track"Ravi BasrurSanthosh Venky, Bhavyashri Bandimata, Ravi Basrur, Sachin Basrur, Manish Dinakar3:59
2."Namaami Namaami"Kinnal RajAishwarya Rangarajan4:38
3."Chum Chum Chali Chali"Pramod MaravanteAira Udupi, Manish Dinakar, Santhosh Venky3:42
4."Radha Radha"Ravi BasrurVijayalaxmi Mettinahole3:31
Total length:15:50

Marketing

[edit]

The motion poster of the film was released on the birthday of Upendra on 18 September 2021.[19] The film's teaser was released in September 2022.[20]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Kabzaa was released theatrically on 17 March 2023 across 4,000 screens worldwide.[21][22] It was released in Kannada alongside dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

Distribution

[edit]

The Hindi version was distributed by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures in North India[23] while Lyca Productions acquired the theatrical rights for Tamil Nadu. Telugu rights were bagged by Sudhakar Reddy Ruchira Entertainments and N Cinemas banner.[24] Chandru himself distributed the Kannada version. Malayalam rights were bagged by LGF Studios and distributed through E4 Entertainments in Kerala.[25]

Home media

[edit]

The satellite rights of the film were acquired by Colors Kannada, while the digital streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video in a deal reportedly valued at ₹140 crore.[26][27] (US$15 million). The film premiered on Amazon Prime Video on 14 April 2023 in Kannada, along with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.[28]

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

Kabzaa received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics who praised the cinematography, action sequences, and Upendra's performance, but criticized its screenwriting, music, and similarities with K.G.F.[29]

Harish Basavarajaiah of The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "There are many one-liners and punching dialogues which play to the gallery. Shivarajkumar’s entry in the climax brings another twist in the tale and is one of the main points in the movie. The story, visual presentation, and ensemble cast makes the movie worth watching".[30] Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Upendra’s gangster drama is similar to ‘KGF’ in more than just the looks, flavour, and genre; it's a rip-off loaded with empty shells of everything that made Prashanth Neel's films enjoyable"[31]

Yatamanyu Narain of News 18 gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Kabzaa is the right film for you if you are craving to see an anti-hero like Rocky Bhai wreak havoc on the enemies in a full-fledged commercial set-up weaved with the help of adrenaline-pumping action sequences, edge-of-the-seat thrill, and larger than life characters. You’re bound to enjoy the twists and turns and the climax will leave you wanting for more".[32] Vivek M V of Deccan Herald gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Kabzaa' is a clueless film with little emphasis on emotional resonance. For all its showboating notwithstanding, it lacks a soul to make us care for it".[33] Saketh Reddy Eleti of ABP Desam gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "Kabzaa is a poor imitation of KGF where nothing works out. Climax has absurd ending and Telugu dubbing was bad".[34]

Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times wrote "The film has nearly half a dozen villain characters but not even one among them manages to impress. Even on the action front, the stunts are too exaggerated to even make us root for Upendra, who sleepwalks through a role that’s interesting on paper but isn’t written in a way that it could become as popular as Yash’s Rocky from the K.G.F franchise. Both the roles – which are about a common man’s rise to the top - have so much in common but Arkeshwara feels lifeless".[35]

Box office

[edit]

The film was reported to have collected ₹11.10 crore on its opening day domestically[21] though the makers claimed the first day worldwide gross collections to be ₹25 crore.[36] The first weekend gross was reported to be ₹20.60 crore.[37] The 5th day collection was reported to be ₹27.19 crore.[38] At the end of 8 days, the collections were reported to be ₹30–₹31 crore. The film grossed ₹34.5 crore in 11 days against a budget of ₹120 crore and became a box office flop.[39][40]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Kabzaa EXCLUSIVE: Trailer of Upendra and Kichcha Sudeepa film to release on THIS date, confirms Anand Pandit". PINKVILLA. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  2. ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (31 January 2024). "After a record 2022, Kannada cinema saw a STEEP decline in box office numbers in 2023; not a SINGLE film crossed even the Rs. 70 cr. mark; footfalls down from 8.1 cr. to 3.2 cr. :Bollywood Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  3. ↑ "Kabzaa director R Chandru urges Kannadigas to appreciate and stand with Yash and Toxic amid criticism". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "Kabzaa teaser sparks huge expectations". Cinema Express. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  5. ↑ Sharadhaa, A. (15 March 2023). "Kabzaa fever-The Pan Indian film to release in over 4500 screens worldwide". Cinema Express. Retrieved 22 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Kannada movie 'Kabzaa' set for World television premiere on July 16". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  7. ↑ "Flops Not Stopping The Two-Part Craze". Gulte. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  8. ↑ "Kabzaa Hindi teaser out! All guns go blazing in Upendra and Kichcha Sudeep's period actioner". India Today. December 2022. Archived from the original on 1 December 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  9. ↑ "Shivarajkumar joins hands with Upendra and Sudeep for Kabzaa". Indian Express. 3 March 2023. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  10. ↑ "Upendra to resume shooting for Kabzaa from March 3". Cinema Express. 26 February 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  11. ↑ "Nawab Shah joins Kabzaa cast". Cinema Express. 8 October 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  12. ↑ "Sudeep to enter Kabzaa sets on December 15". Cinema Express. 12 December 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  13. ↑ "Asha Bhat approached for Upendra-starrer Kabzaa?". Cinema Express. 7 April 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  14. ↑ "Upendra: I will announce my directorial venture depending on Covid situation". Cinema Express. 12 September 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  15. ↑ "Murli Sharma makes his Kannada debut with R Chandru's Kabzaa". Cinema Express. 19 April 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  16. ↑ "Shivarajkumar to make a guest appearance in R Chandru's Kabzaa". Cinema Express. 18 August 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  17. ↑ "Kabzaa title track: The first single from Upendra's gangster flick is here and it's everything netizens were hoping for". OTTPlay. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  18. ↑ "Kabzaa: 'Main Toh Chali Chali' song launched in front of 1.5 lakh people in Bangalore". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  19. ↑ "Kabzaa motion poster to be unveiled on Upendra's birthday". Cinema Express. 18 September 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  20. ↑ "Upendra's Kabzaa teaser out". Cinema Express. 17 September 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  21. 1 2 "Kabzaa box office day 1 early estimates: Upendra, Kiccha Sudeep film earns Rs 11.1 crore despite negative reviews". DNA India. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  22. ↑ "'Kabzaa' is all set to release in 10,000 screens all over the world". The Times of India. 15 March 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 July 2026.
  23. ↑ "Anand Pandit on backing Underworld Ka Kabzaa, "Today good content is language agnostic"". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  24. ↑ "Kabzaa overseas rights face great demand". The New Indian Express. 2 February 2023. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  25. ↑ India, The Hans (14 March 2023). "Pan-India film Kabzaa Runtime". www.thehansindia.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  26. ↑ "Kabzaa's OTT Rights Sold to Digital Streaming Platform for a Massive Sum". The Hans India. 16 March 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  27. ↑ "Kabzaa OTT Rights Sold To THIS Digital Streaming Platform For A Jaw-Dropping Amount: Reports". Jagran.com. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  28. ↑ "Kabzaa OTT release date: Check details here". The Economic Times. 10 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  29. ↑ "'Kabzaa' Box office Collection: Kichcha Sudeep, Upendra's film struggles to attract audience despite multi-lingual release". The Economic Times. 23 March 2023.
  30. ↑ "Kabzaa Review: Kabzaa: An underworld saga captivates with its twists and turns". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  31. ↑ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (17 March 2023). "Kabzaa' movie review: Upendra's action-drama is a dreary, tepid 'KGF' rehash". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  32. ↑ "Kabzaa Review: Upendra, Shriya Saran And Kiccha Sudeepa's Action Thriller Is A Mass Entertainer". News 18. 17 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  33. ↑ "'Kabzaa' movie review: Much ado about nothing". Deccan Herald. 17 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  34. ↑ Eleti, Saketh Reddy (17 March 2023). "కబ్జ రివ్యూ: ఉపేంద్ర పాన్ ఇండియా సినిమా ఎలా ఉంది? ఎవరు ఎవరిని 'కబ్జ' చేశారు?". telugu.abplive.com.
  35. ↑ "Kabzaa review: Upendra's film is KGF's poor cousin that's all style". Hindustan Times. 17 March 2023. Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  36. ↑ "Kabzaa Box Office Collection: ಕಬ್ಜ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಫಸ್ಟ್ ಡೇ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ಎಷ್ಟು? ಅಧಿಕೃತ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಕೊಟ್ರು ಆರ್‌. ಚಂದ್ರು". News18 Kannada. 18 March 2023.
  37. ↑ "Kabzaa box office collection Day 3: Upendra, Kichcha Sudeep's film fails to create magic". India Today. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  38. ↑ "Kabzaa Box Office Collection: 'Kabzaa' Box office Collection Day 5: Upendra's film struggles to attract audience, collects this much". The Economic Times. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  39. ↑ "'Kabzaa' box office collection day 9: Kichcha Sudeep and Upendra's film manages to mint Rs. 33 crores". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  40. ↑ "Kabzaa Box Office Collection: Upendra And Kiccha Sudeep's Film Struggles On Day 11, Collects THIS Much". The Daily Jagran. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
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