‘Pepe’ showcases Vinay Rajkumar in a new perspective, excelling in technical aspects

Before diving into the storyline, it’s important to acknowledge the efforts of the film’s technical team.The main theme of the film focuses on the rivalry between two neighboring villages, Basti and Badanal, which are divided by a river.

“Pepe,” directed by Shreelesh Nair, seeks to distinguish itself from traditional mainstream masala films. Right from the beginning, it’s evident that this debut director aims to present something innovative, with Vinay Rajkumar stepping into a markedly different role as a mass hero. The film generated significant anticipation, especially after the trailer hinted at a serious and compelling storyline. The critical question now is whether Kannada audiences are prepared to embrace a film that explores themes such as communalism, untouchability, and social issues while keeping a dynamic pace of action.

Before delving into the storyline, it’s essential to recognize the contributions of the film’s technical team. The soundtrack, crafted by Poornachandra Tejaswi, is pivotal in establishing the film’s tone and atmosphere, aligning perfectly with key moments. Likewise, Abhishek Kasargod’s cinematography enriches the narrative, with each shot enhancing the overall ambiance and thematic resonance.

Manu Shedgar’s editing introduces an intriguing twist by employing different color tones to distinguish between various timelines and characters. This innovative approach may add layers of complexity to the film. Additionally, the creatively choreographed action sequences, coordinated by multiple stunt directors, enhance the film’s visual allure. However, the question lingers: will these elements come together to form a coherent narrative?

The film’s core theme centers on the conflict between two neighboring villages, Basti and Badanal, which are divided by a river. Basti is dominated by the wealthy upper class, led by Malabari, while Badanal is home to marginalized communities that settled there due to a plague. The upper-caste rulers exploit the oppressed for sand mining, resulting in severe oppression.

Rayappa, the leader of the marginalized in Badanal, rises against this exploitation, igniting a violent struggle that spans three generations. The bloodshed intensifies when Mal…

Pepe demands your full attention as it weaves through a complex tapestry of storylines, presenting an uneven narrative. The film employs experimental editing and a non-linear structure, utilizing a black-and-white versus color technique to distinguish between past and present scenes. While this adds a unique flair, it can occasionally disrupt the overall flow. The ensemble cast, along with their intricate backstories, can lead to confusion, and the relentless gore and graphic content heighten the sense of chaos. Each scene is densely packed with information, and just when you start to grasp one aspect, the story shifts abruptly. Character backgrounds are revealed in a fragmented manner, making it difficult to connect the dots.

As Raghavendran Rajkumar wisely remarks in his special appearance, life can be likened to a flowing river—constantly advancing and changing, irrespective of our intentions or desires. Stories are fundamentally meant to be shared, capturing the journeys and experiences that shape us. With Pepe concluding on a cliffhanger marked by “to be continued,” the narrative feels incomplete. It leaves us pondering whether the evolving saga will eventually offer the closure it seeks or if the river of Pepe’s story will continue to flow, waiting for the next chapter.

Pepe

Director: Shreelesh S Nair

Cast: Vinay Rajkumar, Kaajal Kunder, Medini Kelamane, Aruna Balraj, and Mayur Patel

Rating: 3/5