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KGF-1 backdrop

KGF-1

Also known as K.G.F: Chapter 1

20 December 2018Kannada2h 36mPart 1 of the K.G.F series
ActionAdventureCrimeThriller
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 2 not rated

Visually grand but hollow at its core, KGF stumbles under a thin script.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: production design and background score
  • Criticised: weak hollow script and pacing

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Critic consensus

What 10 critics are saying

Critical reception for KGF: Chapter 1 was mixed to lukewarm, with the majority of reviewers acknowledging its ambitious visual scale while finding it ultimately hollow. The film's impressive production design, sets, and Ravi Basrur's background score were the most consistently praised elements across reviews. However, multiple critics independently flagged the same core weaknesses: a thin, soulless script, lack of meaningful character development, and a sluggish non-linear narrative that fails to justify its 155-minute runtime. A few reviewers found it sufficiently entertaining as a visual spectacle, but several concluded it fell short of the expectations its scale invited.

How the 8 scores spread

2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (10)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  2. Hindustan Times

    Film review

    KGF, overall, is a slow burner. The plot takes its own sweet time to take shape. While a tighter screenplay would have made for better film, the narration technique does try to make up for it.

  3. India Today

    Film review

    Director Prashanth Neel's KGF starring Yash is a riveting gangster drama that goes wrong in many places.

  4. Bangalore Mirror

    Film review

    KGF is a disappointment not only because it came with unusually high expectations but also because it lacks a soul. Visual wonderment and a stunning background score does not compensate for the absence of a plot with a soul. KGF Chapter 1 is a 155-minute-long trailer.

  5. Indian Express

    Film review

    The impressively-mounted sets make up for Prashanth Neel's flimsy storyline. Composer Ravi Basrur lifts up the scenes with his terrific background orchestra.

  6. TheQuint

    Film review

    Despite its shoddy script, lack of character development and uni-directional take on the world of men, KGF is entertaining enough to warrant a watch. The sets and scenes are terrific, with special effects and graphic design better than any recent Kannada movie, making a comparison to Baahubali understandable. Focus on the visual, cinematic experience. Expect any more, and you might be in for a disappointment.

  7. KoiMoi

    Film review

    When the style turns to stale in the second half, the non-linear storytelling falls flat at places. Prashanth Neel's direction is frail! In order to achieve something different, it just makes the story more complex.

  8. Scroll.in

    Film review

    The resultant 155-minute mixture is an over-the-top and prolonged saga that feels like an endless attempt to mine good material where there is none. Yash's performance rarely varies throughout the film: a slight head tilt, a deadpan expression and tufts of hair falling on his face as he stares grimly at the camera.

  10. The Hindu

    Film review

    All the pluses do not translate to an enjoyable experience. The film fails to live up to expectations, and it lacks soul, a believable story and a rounded protagonist. Yash goes about his task like a zombie, never rising above the poor script.

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