James (2022) is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year, blending action, thriller, and drama. Directed by Chethan Kumar, and starring the late Puneeth Rajkumar and Priya Anand, this Kannada-language film was released on March 17, 2022.
Movie Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | James |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Language | Kannada |
| Release Date | March 17, 2022 |
| Director | Chethan Kumar |
| Writer | Chethan Kumar |
Introduction
James is a pioneering addition to Kannada cinema—an action thriller that serves as the final film of superstar Puneeth Rajkumar. Directed and written by Chethan Kumar, the film is produced by Kishore Pathikonda under the banner Kishore Productions. Co-starring Priya Anand, it carries both an emotionally charged legacy and high-voltage storytelling. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Plot Summary
The film follows Santhosh Kumar, a security agency manager known simply as “James.” He is hired to protect a family entangled in the drug cartel under world crime syndicates. The plot takes an intense twist when James is revealed to have orchestrated key events—including the original crime—not to aid but to manipulate the family, ultimately exposing himself as the nemesis. A covert operation, codenamed MISSION NORC, unfolds as James strategically dismantles the syndicate from within—blending betrayal, vengeance, and undercover intrigue. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Cast & Crew
- Director & Writer: Chethan Kumar :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Producer: Kishore Pathikonda (Kishore Productions) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Starring: Puneeth Rajkumar (Santhosh Kumar/James), Priya Anand, R. Sarathkumar, Srikanth, Mukesh Rishi, Anu Prabhakar, Adithya Menon, Sadhu Kokila, Rangayana Raghu, and others :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Music: Songs by Charan Raj; Score by V. Harikrishna :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Cinematography: Swamy J. Gowda; Editing: Deepu S. Kumar :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Production Insights
Principal photography for James commenced on January 19, 2020, in Bengaluru, with a second schedule in October 2020 in Hampi, and critical segments filmed in Kashmir in early 2021. Following Puneeth Rajkumar’s untimely passing in October 2021, his brother Shiva Rajkumar stepped in to complete voice dubbing for the film. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Release & Box Office
The film premiered on March 17, 2022—Puneeth Rajkumar’s birthday—across Kannada theatres and dubbed versions in other South Indian languages. It made history with a record-setting opening, grossing ₹100 crore within 4 days and ultimately earning ₹151 crore, becoming one of the highest-grossing Kannada films. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Reception & Legacy
Critically and popularly celebrated, James was praised as a fitting, action-packed tribute to the late actor. The Times of India rated it 4/5 for its emotive impact and action choreography, while critics commended its slick presentation and heartfelt homage to Puneeth Rajkumar. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} The film also gained a 9.4/10 audience rating on BookMyShow, confirming its massive fan support. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
The film resonates not just as an action thriller but as a cultural capstone—the final testament to Puneeth Rajkumar’s legacy, encapsulating his charisma and mass appeal. Fans continue to honor the film as a farewell performance from “Power Star” in his signature, high-energy avatar. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Conclusion
James (2022) stands out as a landmark in contemporary Kannada cinema—an adrenaline-charged thriller that doubled as a heartfelt swansong. Directed by Chethan Kumar and starring the late Puneeth Rajkumar, the film blends spectacle and sentiment, delivering a cinematic tribute that honored a beloved star’s legacy while breaking box office records.
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