III Review: Hard-hitting third part of the Dandupalya series

For almost seven years, director Srinivas Raju delved in the world of evil. Chronicling evil is no easy task, but Raju did not let go of the story with just one film, instead choosing to make three parts, despite much opposition. The third part tells the tale of the Dandupalya gang from the point of view of the police. The earlier two were the director’s version and that of the gang members.

Cast: Pooja Gandhi, Makanand Deshpande
Director: Srinivas Raju

Connecting the previous two parts, police officer Chalapathi (Ravi Shankar) gives a stark explanation to journalist (Shruthi), who sympathises with the criminals. Going by Chalapathi’s version, crime is in their DNA as the history of Dandupalya gang goes back 80 years, looting gold from Kolar Gold Fields. The present lot belongs to the current generation and has blood on their hands.

Shifting base from the village to the city, their notorious crimes, especially the spine chilling murders and sexual abuse of women, long haunted the police. The film captures the struggle undergone by the law enforcement personnel and their strategy to capture the gang.

Srinivas Raju’s storytelling has disturbing elements. True, evil is never good looking, but he goes overboard in showing it, rather than focusing on the efforts made by the police. One has to appreciate his nerve to handle such a complex script that takes us away from a structured, liveable society.

As for the actors, Pooja Gandhi wins over the audience with her powerful performance, while Makarand Deshpande gets deep into the character's skin. Ravi Shankar is an all-rounder and makes no mistakes in getting into the police avatar. Shruthi, Kari Subbu, Ravi Kale, and Danny are all well chosen for their roles and do justice to them. Arjun Janya’s background score is haunting and complements the script well.

They say truth is bitter, and if you like it that way, go for Danduplaya.