‘Bheema’ Movie Review: A Bold Exploration of Bengaluru’s Hidden Shadows

The film’s gritty directorial approach, paired with Charan Raj’s compelling soundtrack, creates a deeply impactful and immersive experience.

Bengaluru, often celebrated for its lush gardens, thriving IT industry, and lively pub culture, also harbors a darker side that rarely gets attention: the grim realities of drug abuse and slum life. In his latest film *Bheema*, director Vijay Kumar, known for his gritty style in his debut *Salaga*, delves deep into the hidden struggles of the city’s shantytowns with an unflinching lens.

The film’s raw direction, combined with Charan Raj’s powerful soundtrack, creates a gripping and immersive experience. Shiv Sena’s cinematography employs striking aerial shots that vividly capture the brutal violence and chaos, making it feel as though the screen is drenched in blood. The inclusion of engaging Kannada rap tracks by MC Bijju and Rahul Ditto amplifies the intensity, while Maasthi’s impactful dialogues further elevate the film’s emotional weight.

A particularly striking dialogue in *Bheema* likens teenage children to matchsticks, setting the tone for the story that reveals the harsh realities of a struggling neighborhood. Here, illegal activities among young people highlight the dire circumstances they endure.

The narrative centers on Ramanna (Achyuth Kumar), whose life shatters when his son falls victim to the pervasive drug trade. In Ramanna’s home, Bheema (Vijay Kumar), an orphan raised in his mechanic shop, transforms into a passionate anti-drug activist. As he evolves into a courageous leader, Bheema confronts the powerful drug lord, Dragon Manju, in his quest to rid his community of addiction.

The film sheds light on how marijuana infiltrates the city, illustrating its widespread impact while exposing the exploitation of slum families and youth forced into the drug trade. Through a series of compelling scenes, *Bheema* reveals the complex web of challenges faced by those caught in this harsh reality.

In sharp contrast, Dragon Manju emerges as a formidable villain within the story. His larger-than-life presence in the criminal underworld, complemented by enforcers such as Jayasurya and Cockroach Sudhi—a privileged individual ensnared in the criminal web—adds significant depth to the film’s darker themes. Ramesh Indira portrays an MLA, introducing intriguing political elements, while Rangyana Raghu makes a brief appearance as the operator of a de-addiction center. Raghu Shivammogga plays a police officer who undergoes a significant transformation, shifting from corruption to integrity. Gopal Krishna Deshpande infuses emotional weight into the narrative, and Priya Shatamarshan stands out as Inspector Girija, embodying strength and determination as a fearless law enforcer.

As *Bheema* builds toward its climax, the film’s intense and brutal violence marks a pivotal moment in the protagonist’s journey. Bheema, having taken justice into his own hands, must confront the repercussions of his actions when the police finally catch up to him. This dramatic twist underscores the personal toll of his vigilante pursuits and sets the stage for new possibilities.

**Director:** Vijay Kumar

**Cast:** Vijay Kumar, Ashwini Ambarish, Priya Shatamarshan, Dragon Manju, Achyuth Kumar, Gopal Krishna Deshpande, and Shuddhi

**Rating:** 3/5 stars