KGF: 7 reasons why Yash’s period gangster film is scoring with the Hindi audience

It is a heady concoction of emotions, attitude and intensity that you just cannot ignore

By Urmimala Banerjee
Published: December 24, 2018 8:54 PM IST

Kannada hunk Yash has beaten Shah Rukh Khan at the box office. KGF, the action entertainer has made Rs 59.70 crore at the ticket windows this weekend while Zero’s collection stands at Rs 59.07 crore. The Hindi version of the film has grossed 9.20 crore. The film is set in the period from the 1950’s to 80’s with the backdrop of Karnataka’s mining hub of Kolar Gold Fields. This is the first part of the film and we are keenly awaiting the second part as we want to know what happens to Rocky Bhai. Yash powers the film with his presence, charisma and endless swag. After Baahubali and 2.0, KGF is the third regional film from South India to win over Bollywood buffs. Honestly, it is understandable why the audience is liking KGF so much. It has all the elements of a commercial potboiler and heroism that the aam junta loves. Here is a look at the factors that is making KGF tick at the Hindi box office…

KGF box office collection day 3: Yash's gangsta action-drama crosses the $300K mark in the USA

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Mother-son story
We might be in 2018 but let us accept that Hindi film buffs always melt whenever they see a touching mom-son story. In KGF, we have a man who is ruthless but softens whenever he thinks about his mother. And he lives by what his dying mom said. It is classic Manmohan Desai stuff but something that connects with Hindi heartland folks. Also Read - South news weekly rewind: RRR wins the Oscar 2023 for Naatu Naatu, Yash to join Prabhas in Salaar, and more

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Heroism
Yash as Rocky Bhai is infallible. He can take down 80 people single-handedly without any stress. While it seems unrealistic, but Yash makes it work with his imposing presence and swag. The actor retains that intensity throughout the film and it is laudable. Now, Bollywood loves a hero whose one look can make the villain’s blood curdle. The makers too present him as this all-powerful assassin whom we love to love. The built up to the climax is stirring. Also Read - Salaar: KGF star Yash to join Prabhas in the action thriller? Details of their scene OUT

Action
There is no doubt that KGF is high on violence. From guns to big butcher knives and shovels, Yash as Rocky Bhai spares no weapons to bring down his enemies. But it is not as gory as it seems. The beautifully and stylishly shot action sequences are captivating and not cringe-worthy. The retro milieu is recreated with great detailing. There is also a bit of realism especially when the fights are shot in small spaces.

KGF box office day one: Yash's film gets a record-breaking start at the Indian box office by minting Rs 18.1 crore net; Hindi version rakes in Rs 2.1 cr

Dialogues
It is true that the Hindi dialogues of KGF are extremely cheesy. However, they match Rocky Bhai’s cocky, overconfident and egoistic persona. One of my favourites is the one where he tells the female lead that he’s never seen a girl like her who smokes and boozes like a man. He wishes that they get hitched as they are the perfect pair. And he did make her break beer bottles at the doorstep instead of the customary Kalash. It might sound crude but is as contemporary as it can be. Mind you, this happens in the 70’s when a typical hero’s job would be to straighten a wayward heroine.

Story
Yes, KGF has a story, which is sufficiently intriguing. All our great action flicks are mostly centered around good cop-villains, spy stories or twisted thrillers like the Race series. KGF is one of the few tales woven around mining and gold smuggling. Though it is fictionalized, some of the incidents and places do exist in real, which raises the suspense factor. Kudos to the director for incorporating those real developments and layering the narrative. The non-linear narrative makes sure you follow the story closely. KGF is a bit lengthy by Prashanth Neel ensures that you stay engrossed.

Quality product
Though KGF is made a far lesser budget than many Bollywood biggies, the quality of production is top notch. From the vintage cars to costumes and background score, there is a lot of attention to detail. The Piece De Resistance is the creation of the mining concentration camp of Narachi. You will rarely see something like that. Hats off to Shivakumar and Bhuvan Gowda for the production design and cinematography.

Yash
It would be criminal to talk about why the film is a winner without a mention of the leading man, Rocking Star Yash. Swag, raw intensity and a badass attitude define the character and he lives it throughout. There is a line, "Gang lekar aane wale hote hain...Gangster.....Vo akelaa aata tha...ha..ha...! Monster". With the film being centered on him, he has carried it off wonderfully.

For movie buffs, the biggest high is getting to see superlative talent from other industries. Surely, Yash is being adored by many Hindi film buffs too. Stay tuned for more updates!

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ByUrmimala Banerjee
Published: December 24, 2018 8:54 PM IST