Known for his film portrayals of the underworld like Aa Dinagalu and Edegarike, Agni Sreedhar’s story (Kreem) had generated a lot of anticipation. But in this true-life-based narrative directed by Abhishek Basanth, which is also his debut film, there is no mistaking the fact that this story takes a different direction from Sreedhar’s usual style; it gives an even more dramatic outcome thereof. The whole essence of Kreem is rooted in its cryptic title- which happens to be a sacred chant invoking the presence of Lord Mahakali so powerful that all other gods combined cannot match Her power. This mystic invocation runs through every thread of the movie as we watch divine meets dirty sacrifices.
This movie could have made for a mega stage play, I thought to myself. At least on the big screen, Kreem combines mostly English dialogues with Kannada laced up with captivating cinematic visuals and trance beats. It starts off in darkness showing that sinister forces are at play here. While human sacrifices may seem unsettling especially when read about in papers or hinted through television; now they are brought alive on Kannada cinema screens thus giving us new perspectives.
Considering Agni Sreedhar’s diverse experiences, it is difficult to tell who this film was intended for because most scenes take place in dimly lit rooms suggesting secrecy around them involving bloodshed and strange rituals etc., hence my uncertainty about their target audience(s). The opening scenes begin with animation that introduces us to characters; here we meet Desmond Patel (played by Agni Sreedhar himself), who is what you can call ‘a character with grey shades.’
Desmond Patel, a liquor baron finds himself face to face with Guru one fateful night where he directed him to plant strange plant he got from nowhere but specifically told not put anywhere else except particular spot only then three mysterious beings appear dismissing all his monetary offers. As Desmond goes deeper into these mystics he comes across mightiest creature ever existed on earth and wishes to see them again but his baba refuses him that request, so Desmond in search of this supreme beings from the west known as ‘Abaddon’ meaning destruction in Hebrew brings them back here thus causing mayhem.
Others who join him are Jois (played by Arun Sagar), RudreGowda (played by Achyuth Kumar) among others. It’s through the evil practices that Pearl alias Aksha comes face to face with Rudregowda when she saves a girl from his hands which surprises him.
Why is Pearl defending a prostitute girl and what is her motive? This leads us to Pearl’s past; we go back where Pearl rises up from being brought up middle class into becoming survivor due to sacrifice rituals. She was under guidance caring guruji or baba, who trained hard Pearl/Aksha uses Kreem mantra for strength then with help Goddess Mahakali becomes light during darkest hours ready to take on any villain(s).
She fights them like skilled fighter in final showdown defeating all associates of Desmond will she fulfill last wish having cigar before dying?
The writer’s vision may not have found its realization in Abhishek Basanth’s attempt, but the elements of the story aren’t normal. Even if these are real events occurring among the upper class or simply a figment of imagination, this kind of crimes leaves one shaken. Still, he does not do it directly but in a circuitous way which could be better.
Samyuktha Hegde deserves praise for going beyond her usual roles and giving an excellent performance especially during fights scenes. However, there is too much killing and dying; why should we pay more attention to the problem than finding its solution? Whether it is reality hitting back at us hard or individuals being held accountable for their actions in high society settings I don’t know how relatable it will be for people who live normal lives outside those circles. Moreover, what does the sacred chant mean when it comes into view from nowhere then disappears again without any context provided; something about its hum just seems wrong with me? Is Kreem as a mantra really supposed to work magic on crowds? Only time can tell.
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