Ghost movie review: Shivarajkumar excels in a gripping heist drama

Ghost kicks off with an inauguration ceremony in a prison tower, where they’re celebrating the passing of a bill to privatise a prison in the city. However, as the story unfolds, we find out the decision is driven by greed. In a unique twist, this heist isn’t targeting a bank or an educational institution; it’s all about stealing from the prison itself, with no demands made to the government. The heist becomes a real conundrum for the criminals, as they find themselves needing to locate the very thing they came to steal.

The mastermind behind the heist, referred to as Ghost and played by Shivarajkumar, sets on a mysterious mission whose true purpose is only revealed in the last 20 minutes of the film. He seizes control of the prison on the day of inauguration, infiltrates it with his team, but during the process, his primary target, Vaaman, gets shot. To protect Vaaman and ensure his survival, Ghost must fend off the outside forces led by Jayaram.

The rapport between Jayaram, who essays the role of Chengappa, and Shivarajkumar is an interesting aspect of the film, especially when they engage in their cat-and-mouse game as a cop and criminal, respectively. In a surprise twist, Jayaram realises that the person impersonating Ghost was someone he had killed years ago. What unfolds next is a series of flashbacks and a glimpse into the world of Dalavayi gang, who previously killed the chief minister and his son. 

The revenge plot is skillfully executed, but it keeps you constantly thinking, trying to piece together what happened just a few minutes ago. The story is brimming with subplots and involves a lot of characters. In the end, the movie offers a triple dose of entertainment, and it showcases Shivanna in his element and the film promises a lot of action and high-octane sequences.

The scenes and plans for their escape towards the end are carefully designed, although it feels like the director attempted to fit too many ideas into a single scene. Ghost’s storyline contains multiple subplots, while Shivarajkumar delivers several slow-motion walks, swagger moments, action sequences, and a multitude of crowd-pleasing dialogues for his fans. As the film nears its conclusion, a fresh twist emerges, altering the course of the story.

Anupam Kher’s entry sheds light on the real mastermind behind the heist. Nevertheless, once Anupam’s role is revealed, it would have been satisfying to understand his involvement in the heist, considering he plays a crucial part in the entire story. The time he spends on screen doesn’t quite match his importance.

In summary, a man with a quest for justice enters the prison, assuming the identity of a powerful figure who is believed to be dead. Opening this chapter unveils entirely new narratives, and this is where the movie leaves off, hinting that the story of Dalavayi is far from over.

Ghost movie cast: Shivarajkumar, Jayaram, Anupam Kher, Prashant Narayanan, Satya Prakash, and Archana Jois.

Ghost movie director: MG Srinivas

Ghost movie rating: 3.5 stars