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Inspector Vikram
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Wikipedia article
'Inspector Vikram' is a 1989 Indian Kannada-language comedy thriller film directed and filmed by Dinesh Baboo, written by Chi. Udaya Shankar and produced by Raghavendra Rajkumar under the banner of Nikhileshwari Cine Combines.The film stars Shivarajkumar in the title role with Kavya, Chi Guru Dutt, Aparna and K. S. Ashwath in other supporting roles. The film is regarded as the first Kannada film of the comedy thriller genre. The film went on to achieve a cult classic status in Karnataka.[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/movies/inspector-vikram/cast-crew.html - Cast and Crew]
The film was produced by the lead actor, Shivarajkumar's brother Raghavendra Rajkumar under the production house, Nikhileshwari Cine Combines. The film was his second production venture after 'Shruthi Seridaaga.' The film was also distributed by Vajreshwari Combines. The film marks the first collaboration between scriptwriter Chi. Udaya Shankar and Shivarajkumar and also the first and last collaboration between Dinesh Baboo and Shivarajkumar. The film features original songs composed by Vijay Anand. The editing of the film was done by P. Bhakthavatsalam.
The film was released on 25 May 1989 to mixed reviews from critics. The film was an average grosser at the box office at the time of release, but enjoys a cult status today. Modern reception of the film has often been more positive. The film has been praised for incorporating an element of recklessness and humor to the cop role, as by then cop roles where portrayed in a serious tone.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Z4o-TMWYe-o Ghostarchive] and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210506125647/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Z4o-TMWYe-o&feature=youtu.be Wayback Machine]:
Plot
Vikram aka 'Inspector Vikram' is a happy-go-lucky cop, who has no problem getting himself into trouble with his superiors, especially the police commissioner Chandrashekhar. Although accepted as a brilliant mind with a sharp intellect to solve crimes, he is often chided for his immature, casanova-personality. Much of misadventures, though leading to the solving of the crime, puts Vikram and Chandrashekhar (who is also his father's best friend) at opposite ends of the table. During the course of time, Vikram courts many brickbats and transfers in his career. He serves in the traffic department as well as the Law and order department. However, when an inmate Raja escapes from prison, Vikram is called back in to track him down.
It is revealed that Vikram had jailed Raja when he was caught killing his employer. In the meantime, to ensure that Vikram does his job, Chandrashekhar entrusts Krishnamurthy, a retired colonel in the INA to discipline Vikram. Despite the colonel's attempts to discipline Vikram, Vikram's attempts to fight that change is captured well in all its hilarity. Krishnamurthy's daughter Geetha and Vikram soon fall for each other. With Raja's escape on the large, and with no clues, Vikram decides to investigate Raja's lifestyle where he learns that Raja was actually an honest man, and it was his employer who set him up and got him arrested where he also meets his wife Vijaya and her ailing daughter.
Vikram meticulously retraces every step Raja has taken before his escape, and realizes that Raja had this so well planned that it would take years before anyone else got to him. Meanwhile, Geetha, who is a dance student goes on a dance tour across Karnataka. Vikram learns that Vijaya is also travelling with Geetha and Raja and Vijaya are meeting at a pre-discussed point and are planning to travel to Bombay from there. Vikram clandestinely follows Vijaya and soon ends up nabbing Raja. However, when Raja, seeing his opportunity to help his ailing daughter disappear, breaksdown in anguish where Vikram is now caught in a moral dilemma, agrees to let Raja escape, saying that his life won't change much even if he arrests him. Raja offers his gratitude and escapes, along with Vijaya and their daughter. Vikram joins Geetha and they drive away into the sunset.
Cast
Production
Shivarajkumar acted as a dupe for the villain (Tamil actor Narayan) in a car chase sequence towards the climax.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for the film was composed by Vijay Anand.[http://www.raaga.com/channels/kannada/moviedetail.asp?mid=k0000425 - Track listing] Dilip, credited now as A. R. Rehman worked as an orchestra arranger.
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Reception
The movie received mixed reviews upon release. However, over the time the film has gained a strong impression from critics and audience alike. Dinesh Baboo's efforts to induce an element of recklessness and humour without build-ups in the cop role was well received since till then the lead cop roles were always portrayed in a serious tone with strictness and heroism. The freshness towards such an approach without demeaning the cops was well appreciated.
References
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