Pretty much every hero worth his salt has done a gangster flick in Kannada cinema, but the master of the genre is, without an iota of doubt, namma Shivanna.
Last Updated: 07.27 PM, Jul 10, 2023
From intense action to gripping narratives, over the last 36-odd years, Shivarajkumar has mesmerized audiences with his captivating performances in the realm of crime and underworld. Here, we'll explore five of his top gangster films that are absolute must-watches.
Om (1995):
Om is a cult classic directed by Upendra, featuring Shivarajkumar in the lead role. The film revolves around the life of Satya, a young man who becomes a gangster to avenge the death of his parents. Satya's journey takes him through a web of deceit, love, and betrayal. Shivarajkumar's portrayal of Satya is powerful and showcases his versatility as an actor. The film's dark and gritty atmosphere, coupled with its compelling narrative, established it as one of the finest gangster films in Kannada cinema.
Where to watch: YouTube
Jogi (2005):
The crime drama Jogi delves into the gritty underworld of Bengaluru and follows Jogi (Shivarajkumar), a rugged and feared gangster, whose heart is softened by love. Jogi's life takes a dramatic turn when he falls for a young woman named Preeti, played by Jennifer Kotwal. Their blossoming romance becomes the driving force for Jogi's transformation from a feared gangster to a protector and saviour.
Where to watch: MX Player
Kaddipudi (2013):
The riveting action film directed by Duniya Soori, features Shivarajkumar as Kaddipudi, a reformed gangster seeking redemption. The movie follows Kaddipudi's journey as he confronts his violent past and fights against the corrupt system. The film combines gritty action sequences, emotional depth, and social commentary, making it a compelling watch.
Where to watch: Sun NXT & YouTube
Mufti (2017):
Mufti, directed by Narthan, is a neo-noir crime thriller in which Shivarajkumar played Bhairati Ranagal, a ruthless gangster. The story follows an undercover cop, played by Sriimurali, who infiltrates Bhairati's gang to bring him to justice. Narthan and Shivarajkumar are now reuniting for a film called Bhairati Ranagal, which will be a prequel and sequel to the events of Mufti.
Where to watch: Zee5
Tagaru (2018):
Tagaru is an intense crime thriller in which Shivarajkumar plays a tough and righteous cop, DCP Shiva. The film delves into the dark underbelly of society, showcasing the clash between the law and the criminal world.
Where to watch: Sun NXT
*About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.