Bell Bottom Review
Bell Bottom Review

Bell Bottom Review: Thrilling whodunit that gets most things right

TK Dayanand's well-written story has been faithfully executed by director Jayatheertha
Rating:(3.5 / 5)

Bell Bottom would not have shaped up the way it has, if writer TK Dayanand and director Jayatheertha were not on the same page. Dayanand’s efforts to delve deep into the story, give it real-life twists and supply ample suspense is evident. Jayatheertha, on the other hand, has stuck to the elements assembled by the writer, blended them into a different era, packaged it convincingly, and showcased it with a pat-worthy screenplay.

Cast: Rishab Shetty, Hariprriya, Pramod Shetty
Director: Jayatheertha

Set in the 1980s, the story revolves around Diwakar (Rishab Shetty), a constable popular as Defective Diwakar, for not proving his ‘efficiency’ in his job. However, that impression changes when he actually solves a murder case. His superior, Sahadeva (Pramod Shetty) assigns him to solve a case of theft in the police station itself. With many twists and a romantic angle, the big question is whether Diwakar will be able to prove his mettle.

The title of the film has a deep meaning in this thriller, which plays the emotional card at the right times. Jayatheertha is more of a writer’s director, who has faithfully transformed the story onto the silver screen. With the film set in the 1980s, he has carefully maintained the authenticity of the era.

Despite being a thriller, Bell Bottom does turn casual in parts, especially the first half. Just when he gets the audience to the edge, the director diverts our attention to other matters. Perhaps this was a strategy; to keep the guessing going.

Rishab, in his first outing as a full-fledged hero, scorches the screen from start to end, but also gives ample screen space to other actors, who make their appearances at important points. Rishab, being a director himself, has understood Diwakar’s character as well as the story, and it shows.

Hariprriya fits her character as the innocent, but intelligent love interest. While Yogaraj Bhat makes his presence felt, the rest of cast — Shivamani, PD Sathsih, Sujay Shastry — become key for the story, with the highlight being Achyuth Kumar, who plays Rishab’s father. Even carrots and kavde (cowry shells) are important characters in the film.

As for the music, Yethake Bogase Tumba Aase... is a certified chartbuster, and Ajaneesh B Loknath’s background score lifts the film. Aravind Kashyap has brought in authenticity--bringing in every detail of 80s--with his camerawork.

On the whole, Bell Bottom is worth a watch, and hopefully, marks the beginning of a summer filled with thrill.

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