Powder review: A caper that entertains you, especially in the second half

Janardhan Chikkanna’s latest movie, Powder, which is front-lined by Diganth, Dhanya Ramkumar, Sharmiela Mandre, and Anirudh Acharya, is a typical caper that unfolds in Mysuru.

When a consignment of ‘powder’ from China goes missing from the peddlers and cartel heads and ends up in a different batch headed to a supermarket. What unfolds thereafter forms the gist of the story that forms a major part of this entertainer.

There has been a lot of expectation from the Powder movie as this is not just from KRG Studios but also sees them collaborate with Mumbai-based TVF, where the latter have made their first entry into the South Indian film market.

Thus, there has been an increased level of interest. Does this film match up to that? It mostly does. The second half of the film, especially, is a fun ride that keeps one in splits.

A clinically well-knitted tale

One of the highlights of Powder is the fact that the movie boasts a clinically well-knitted tale. Every little loophole or plot twist is accounted for and the writing is mindful and leaves nothing unconnected.

This has to be, in that sense, one of the better screenplays to have come out from the Kannada film industry in recent times.

At the same time, this clinical precision might also seem a little new for the ones who want more time for the jokes to land and then savour them, or wait for some extra moments for breathing space between the parallel storylines.

In that sense, this is both the biggest boon and bane for the film, as the first half could leave some wondering why everything is moving at such a brisk pace with barely any space to register things.

But the same pace works as the plus point for the second half, where one gets to be on a fun ride that keeps one entertained and laughing.

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Top-notch performances

The biggest highlight in a film has to be perfect casting and top-notch performances by everyone. Diganth gets a role that he takes to it like a fish to water and impresses with his comic timing.

Anirudh Acharya plays the perfect partner in crime to Diganth, and the chemistry between the duo, especially one scene set in their living room, is hilariously good.

Both Dhanya and Sharmiela get to play more than just props and are an intrinsic part of the caper. And they do that with aplomb.

Sharmiela’s action sequences could just nudge her to pivot towards an “Action Queen” image.

Veterans Rangayana Raghu, Gopalkrishna Deshpande and Ravishankar Gowda are in top form.

Nagabhushana is entertaining as always, while Jaggesh’s narration lends its little magic.

Technically strong

Powder has a solid technical team that has ensured the movie remains an audio-visual treat. Vasuki Vaibhav’s music is complementary to the storyline and does not play hindrance at any point.

The visuals by Advaitha Gurumurthy and Shanthi Sagar are a treat to the eyes.

Also noteworthy are the production design and the visual effects, especially in the interval and climax portions. The insertions of tags for the different characters highlighting their character traits too are funny and well thought out.

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Final take

Powder is a fun watch, with not too much baggage of a message or anything to preach. It entertains, especially in the latter half of the film. It is worth an outing for people who like good capers with their gang of friends.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)