Case of Kondana

Case of Kondana is a 2024 Indian Kannada-language thriller film directed by Devi Prasad Shetty, starring Vijay Raghavendra and Bhavana Menon in lead roles. It marked the second collaboration between Raghavendra and Shetty after Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18 (2021). The film has cinematography by Vishwajith Rao and music by Gagan Baderiya.

The film was released on 26 January 2024 coinciding with the Republic day to positive reviews.

Plot
In the outskirts of Bangalore, a fiery ASI clashes with a gangster in a fictional outpost named Kondana. His love life faces hurdles while ACP Lakshmi hunts a criminal and Raju tries to save his ill son.

Production
Devi Prasad Shetty, who directed Vijay Raghavendra's 50th film, Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18 (2021), collaborated again with him for this film. It was reported that the film's story would take place over one night and is set in a fictional locality called Kondana in Bengaluru. When the film was announced, similar to Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18, the film was reported to be a crime thriller, and went with the tagline '09/2018' alluding to the film's timeline. Shetty and Sathwik Hebbar produced the film under the banner Flying Elephant Story Tellers. Kushee Ravi was cast opposite Raghavendra as the female lead. Jogi, a journalist, wrote the film's dialogue. It was reported that Poornachandra Tejaswi was first signed to score music for the film, Vishwajith Rao as cinematographer and Bhavani Shankar as art director. The film was launched in September 2022. The muhurat shot took place on 8 September in Bengaluru. The makers announced that filming would begin on 28 September.

It was reported that Raghavendra would reprise his role as a police officer, alongside Bhavana Menon, and that Kushee would play a doctor. However, Raghavendra stated that it would be a standalone film and had no link to Seetharam Benoy Case No. 18. He added that his character in the film, Wilson, was "honest and intense" and that he "is more impulsive than Seetharam". He noted that Wilson is also "brave, intelligent" and that his "aim is to nab criminals and restore peace in a place called Kondana." He stated that he drew inspiration from the cop roles portrayed by Devaraj and Shankar Nag in the past, and also his father-in-law, a former police officer. Rangayana Raghu was also cast for a prominent role.

Gagan Baderiya later replaced Tejaswi as the composer for the film. Speaking about the plot of the film, director Shetty stated that "eighty percent of the film is set during one night at a fictional place named Kondana in Bengaluru" and that "the events of that night, taking place in this mythical setting, promise answers to many questions." He added that the film had a hyperlink narrative, and expanded on the plot saying that it comprised "four layers to the story". He added, "Vijay Raghavendra as the cop, Bhavana Menon as Assistant Commissioner of Police and Kushee Ravi as a doctor at a government hospital fuel the storyline."

Soundtrack
Gagan Baderiya who previously scored for Seetharam Benoy (2021), composed the film's background and scored for its soundtrack. The Background was one of the highlights of the movie.

Theatrical
The film was released across Karnataka on 26 February 2024 in limited screens across Karnataka. The film had a slow start at the box office and had a decent run at the box office but could not make a mark.

Home media
The film made its digital debut on 28 March 2024 on Amazon Prime Video in Kannada and Malayalam languages.

Reception
The film opened to positive reviews with praise towards direction, music and cinematography. A critic from The Times of India rated the film 3 $1⁄2$ and wrote that "Case of Kondana is a finely crafted suspense thriller, executed to near perfection. The movie sure has its flaws, but this multi-dimensional story with interesting intercuts sure evokes intrigue".

A critic from Bangalore Mirror rated the film three out of five stars and wrote that "All in all, it is worth a watch for all audiences".

A critic from The New Indian Express wrote that "Devi Prasad Shetty excels in creating a gripping atmosphere, seamlessly intertwining multiple storylines within the plot contributing to the complexity of the case; Despite a few predictable moments, the overall strength of the film shines through in its robust performances".

A critic from Times Now wrote that "Devi Prasad Shetty's direction is commendable, creating a visually engaging experience with crisp cinematography that captures the essence of Kondana".

A critic from Deccan Herald wrote that "Case of Kondana is intense and realistic and handles a thriller with aplomb. Watch it for a fresh experience".

A critic from The Hindu wrote that "Case of Kondana may not become a classic, but you don’t mind as the pluses outweigh the minuses".