186. James; movie review

JAMES

Cert 15

147 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong violence, infrequent drugs misuse

Blimey, if there was ever such a thing as going out with a bang this was it.

James was the last movie before the untimely death of its star, Puneeth Rajkumar, at the age of just 46.

To be honest, it is a bit over the top for my taste but the screen presence of the most revered star of Kannada cinema cannot be questioned.

Ironically, he was larger than life.

The body count in Chethan Kumar's film is very substantial and Puneeth's character, Santosh, is responsible for most of them.

It doesn't matter how many thugs are coming at him or the weapons they are wielding, he will see them off.

His charismatic performance holds the movie together. Frankly, otherwise, in all honesty it would have been a bit higgledy-piggledy.

James begins all-guns blazing and never lets up.

Puneeth's character is a security officer for a family which is involved in high-level crime and, therefore, has mortal enemies.

But it is rather perturbing to see an Indian movie hero who seems to have no conscience and is willing to kill for money.

However, it is as inevitable as night follows day that James will turn out as a power for good.

There are a few plot holes and other elements which I might have questioned but, ultimately, I will leave it at that out of respect for a movie legend.

James is an exciting legacy from Puneeth 

Reasons to watch: Fast-pace action thriller

Reasons to avoid: Huge body count

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? Puneeth was known as a philanthropist and supported 26 orphanages, 15 free schools, 16 old age homes for the poor. He also donated his eyes post death.

The final word. Chethan Kumar. "I don’t know whether to consider myself lucky that I managed to get an opportunity to direct the Powerstar or feel miserable that James will be his career’s last film. Leaving aside the film, Appu being no more is itself a huge loss to me, and will carry this pain to the grave." Cinema Express

 

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