Pepe is a 2024 Indian Kannada-language action drama film written and directed by Shreelesh S. Nair in his directorial debut. The film stars Vinay Rajkumar in the titular role, alongside an ensemble cast including Mayur Patel, Naveen D. Padil, Yash Shetty, Kaajal Kunder, Medini Kelamane, Raviprasad Mandya, Kitty Sridhar, Shashidhar Bhat, Bala Rajwadi, Aruna Balraj, Sandya Arekere, and Shivu Kabbanahalli.[3][4]
| Pepe | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Shreelesh S. Nair |
| Written by | Shreelesh S. Nair |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Abhishek G Kasaragod |
| Edited by | Manu Shedgar |
| Music by | Poornachandra Tejaswi |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | KRG Studios[1] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 126 minutes[2] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
Cast
edit- Vinay Rajkumar as Pepe aka Pradeep
- Mayur Patel as Guna
- Naveen D. Padil as Rayappa
- Yash Shetty
- Kaajal Kunder
- Medini Kelamane
- Raviprasad Mandya
- Kitty Sridhar
- Shashidhar Bhat
- Bala Rajwadi
- Aruna Balraj as Sunitha
- Sandya Arekere
- Shivu Kabbanahalli
Production
editDevelopment
editShreelesh S. Nair got the idea to approach Vinay Rajkumar for the lead role after watching the teaser of the film Gramayana, in which the latter stars in the lead role.[5] Stunt master Chethan D'Souza also recommended Shreelesh to narrate the story to Vinay.[6] Upon hearing the narration, Vinay was drawn to the film due to its touch on social themes, specifically communalism and women's abuse, so he agreed to do it. They finalized the story, after which Shreelesh requested specific shots, including lifting the panche and wiping the face. Despite expectations of a longer session, the photoshoot was completed in just 15 minutes.[5] The film was announced in April 2021.[7] Mayur Patel was chosen to portray the role Guna.[8] The film was produced by Uday Shankar S and B.M. Sriram Kolar under the banners of Uday Cine Venture and Deepa Films.[9]
Filming
editOn 19 April 2021, Kaajal Kunder was reported to have joined the cast as the female lead,[10] with filming commencing in Coorg.[11][12] As of 18 January 2022, the makers had finished sixty percent of shooting, and reportedly planned to complete the rest once the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic eased up.[13] The filming was wrapped up on 17 November 2022.[14] The action sequences were choreographed by Ravi Verma, Chetan D'Souza, Different Danny, and Narsimha.[15] The cinematography was by Abhishek G Kasaragod, while the editing was handled by Manu Shedgar.[citation needed] The film received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.[16][17]
Soundtrack
edit| Pepe | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 2024 | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 3:30 | |||
| Language | Kannada | |||
| Label | PRK audio | |||
| Poornachandra Tejaswi chronology | ||||
| ||||
| External music video | ||||
| Pepe - Preset on YouTube | ||||
The soundtrack was composed by Poornachandra Tejaswi.[18][19]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Pepe - Preset" | JG Kumara, Girijana Samagra Abhivruddhi Kala Samsthe | JG Kumara, Girijana Samagra Abhivruddhi Kala Samsthe | 3:30 |
| Total length: | 3:30 | |||
Release
editTheatrical
editThe film was released theatrically on 30 August 2024.[1]
Home media
editThe digital rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.[20]
Reception
editA Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express rated the film three out of five stars and wrote that "Pepe demands full attention as it navigates a complex web of storylines with an uneven narrative. The film’s experimental editing and non-linear approach, including the black-and-white versus colour technique for past and present scenes, add flair but can disrupt the flow."[21] Y Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that "It is worth a watch only if you have the stomach for too much action."[22]
Sridevi S of The Times of India gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that "Shreelesh Nair has tried a very unconventional film in his debut attempt, but the movie keeps oscillating between an 'art film' that wants to be preachy and a commercial film that wants to entertain. However, it ends up being disappointing in both aspects."[23] Shashiprasad SM of Times Now gave it two out of five stars and wrote, "Beyond appreciating Vinay Rajkumar's performance, the background score and the work of the action choreographers, Pepe is not an ordinary commercial entertainer. Maybe a classic work of art that is way beyond the understanding of ordinary and sane minds."[24]
Pranati A S of Deccan Herald gave it two out of five stars and opined that "interesting visuals and powerful dialogues are diluted by blood and gore."[25]
Vivek M. V. of The Hindu wrote that "Pepe is a violent film with plenty of action sequences. Some of the action scenes are choreographed creatively, yet, the gruesome fights don’t leave a lasting impact because of the sheer absence of drama in the second half. The blood-fest inevitably kills the intrigue in the movie."[2] Sunayana Suresh of The South First gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote, "Pepe is worth watching for those interested in seeing the Kannada film industry explore new territory and support innovative projects. The film offers a fresh style and unique content. However, be prepared for a less engaging narrative, as the emphasis on style does not translate into substantial storytelling."[26]
References
edit- ^ a b "Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' Set For Release, Distributed By KRG Studios". Times Now. 11 August 2024. Archived from the original on 12 August 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ a b M.V, Vivek (30 August 2024). "'Pepe' movie review: Vinay Rajkumar's action drama is stylish yet shallow". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' trailer unveils a raw and riveting saga; release date announced". The New Indian Express. 9 August 2024. Archived from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' Gets 'A' Certificate from Censor Board". Times Now. 28 July 2024. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Every movie is a work of art and helps me grow as an actor, says Vinay Rajkumar". The New Indian Express. 10 August 2024. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "I don't like to spoon-feed the audience: Shreelesh Nair". The New Indian Express. 12 August 2024. Archived from the original on 5 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "'Pepe' first look: Vinay Rajkumar shows his ominous side with machete in hand and a bloodied face". The Times of India. 14 April 2021.
- ^ "Mayur Patel: Cinema didn't love me as much as I loved it". Cinema Express. 11 August 2024.
- ^ "Curious about Pepe - Bangalore Mirror". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. 29 July 2024.
- ^ "Kaajal Kunder to star opposite Vinay Rajkumar in Pepe". Cinema Express. 9 April 2021.
- ^ "Kaajal Kunder to play the lead opposite Vinay Rajkumar in 'Pepe'". The Times of India. 21 April 2021.
- ^ "Kaajal Kunder to star opposite Vinay Rajkumar in Pepe". The New Indian Express. 4 April 2021.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (12 January 2022). "Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' is a gritty gangster drama". The New Indian Express.
- ^ "Vinay Rajkumar wraps up Pepe's climax with a gritty fight sequence". The New Indian Express. 8 November 2022.
- ^ "Pepe Trailer: This Vinay Rajkumar-starrer Film Is Full Of Gore And Action". News18. 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' receives 'A' certification from Censor Board". Deccan Herald. 27 July 2024. Archived from the original on 30 July 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Vinay Rajkumar's Pepe completes its censorship formalities". Cinema Express. 7 July 2024.
- ^ "Pepe-Preset (From "PEPE") Song Kannada Song by Poornachandra Tejaswi". Gaana. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "New Song From Vinay Rajkumar-starrer Pepe Out". News18. 10 August 2024. Archived from the original on 11 August 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "ಒಟಿಟಿಗೆ ಬಂತು ವಿನಯ್ ರಾಜ್ಕುಮಾರ್ ಪೆಪೆ ಸಿನಿಮಾ; ಆದ್ರೆ ನಿಮಗೆ ನೋಡೋಕೆ ಆಗೋದಿಲ್ಲ!". News18 ಕನ್ನಡ (in Kannada). 6 October 2024.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (9 August 2024). "'Pepe' sees Vinay Rajkumar in fresh light, stands out technically". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Kannada Movie Review-Pepe: Violent attack on the senses - Bangalore Mirror". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. 31 August 2024.
- ^ "Pepe Movie Review : Pepe review: Shreelesh Nair serves too much blood and meat on a platter". The Times of India. 30 August 2024. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ "Pepe Movie Review: Minus Vinay Rajkumar, BGM And Action, Rest Is Just Bloodbath In The Name Of Creativity!". Times Now. 30 August 2024. Archived from the original on 21 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ S, Pranati A. (30 August 2024). "'Pepe' movie review: Bogged down by blood and gore". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 25 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ Suresh, Sunayana (30 August 2024). "Pepe review: All gore and style but little substance in this Vinay Rajkumar film". The South First. Archived from the original on 2 September 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.