Sudeep: When I think of Kabzaa, R Chandru’s passion and dedication comes to mind

There are a lot of expectations surrounding Kannada filmmaker R Chandru’s upcoming film, Kabzaa. There is one section of audience that is eagerly awaiting it, while another wants to see if it is just a copy of KGF, after all. The film, which has Real Star Upendra in the lead, is the story of a gangster who ruled over India, which is pretty much what KGF was about. So far, every bit of the film that’s been released in the public domain screams KGF-inspiration, which the filmmaker has not denied, and, instead, takes great pride in. Kabzaa, he’s said, is his attempt at making another film like KGF from the Kannada film industry.

The film has Kiccha Sudeep in a pivotal cameo as commissioner Bhargav Bakshi. Chandru has not revealed details about the character, but a source tells us that it is a vital part of the narrative in the first instalment of Kabzaa. His character will not be seen in part 2. Recently, a news portal asked Sudeep about Kabzaa on the sidelines of a practice session for an upcoming celebrity cricket tournament. “When I think about Kabzaa, what comes to mind is R Chandru’s, innocence and his passion and dedication, as a result of which, Upendra looks fantastic in the film. I firmly believe that Kabzaa will be a major turning point in Upendra’s career and herald a lot of good things. Most importantly, Chandru is a good man, and I want him to do well in life. Kabzaa should do that for him,” the actor said.

Kabzaa, produced by R Chandru under his Sri Siddeshwara Combines and Alankar Pandian for Invenio Origins, releases in theatres on March 17. The film was initially in competition with Ganesh’s Baanadariyalli, but that’s been pushed ahead. It will still have to contend with the big Hollywood release for the week, Shazaam: Fury of the Gods, for a share of the box office.