Wikipedia

KGF (film series)

KGF is an Indian Kannada language period action film series set mostly in the Kolar Gold Fields, which gives the series its name, created by Prashanth Neel and produced by Hombale Films starring Yash in lead role with an ensemble supporting cast.[4] Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the series follows two narrators, Anand Ingalangi and his son Vijayendra Ingalangi, who gives an interview of a book written by Anand to a leading news channel, which tells the life story of Raja Krishnappa Bairya alias Rocky (Yash), a Mumbai-based high ranking mercenary born in poverty, and how he became the most dreaded person at that time.

KGF
Official KGF film series logo
Directed byPrashanth Neel
Written byStory and screenplay:
Prashanth Neel
Dialogue:
Prashanth Neel
M. Chandramouli
Vinay Shivangi
Dr. Suri
Produced byVijay Kiragandur
Starring
Narrated by
CinematographyBhuvan Gowda
Edited by
Music by
Production
company
Distributed by
Release dates
Running time
323 minutes (2 films)
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada
Budget₹180 crore (2 films)
Box officeest. ₹1,450 crore[1][2][3]

The first installment, Chapter 1, was released on 21 December 2018 and became the highest grossing Kannada film at the time. The sequel Chapter 2 was released on 14 April 2022. The sequel broke several opening day records and also overtook its predecessor as the highest grossing Kannada film, the first Kannada film to gross ₹500 crores and ₹1000 crores. It also went on to become the fourth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide and also the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2022.[5] A sequel to Chapter 2 titled KGF: Chapter 3, teased in the second film, is in early development.

Films

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KGF: Chapter 1

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Main article: KGF: Chapter 1

Rocky, a high-ranking mercenary in Mumbai seeks power and wealth to fulfill his mother's promise. Due to his high fame, his bosses hire him to assassinate Garuda, the son of the founder of Kolar Gold Fields.

KGF: Chapter 2

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Main article: KGF: Chapter 2

After having assassinated Garuda, Rocky establishes himself as the kingpin of K.G.F. He now has to deal with ruthless foes: Garuda's uncle Adheera, who wants to take control of K.G.F, and Ramika Sen, the Prime Minister of India and his bosses Andrews, Rajendra Desai, Kamal, Shetty, Daya, and Guru Pandian.

Development

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In March 2015, Yash signed for four projects which included one with Prashanth Neel.[6] The project was considered to be one of the most expensive film in Kannada cinema. Hombale Films, the production house led by Vijay Kiragandur, were announced to be bankrolling the project, and one of its production executives Karthik Gowda, stated that "KGF, which is set in the 70s, took a year and a half of pre-production, because they wanted to ensure they got every single detail right, be it the matchboxes, telephone, or the clothes people wore."[7][8] Neel, stated that the film would be launched in April 2016, and the shooting would begin in May 2016.[8] Ravi Basrur was also hired for the project, while Bhuvan Gowda handled the cinematography.

In an interview with The Times of India, Prashanth Neel stated that he planned to split the film in two parts, as the narration of the story is in a non-linear format. He further stated "The scale of the project is huge and we had a scope for a beginning, an interval, and an end for both parts, so it made sense for us to release it as two parts".[9][10]

In December 2020, during the making of its second installment, Neel denied rumours of a third installment in the KGF franchise, claiming that the story would conclude in its second part. However, at the end of the second film, it was hinted that the story would continue with a third part titled K.G.F: Chapter 3.[11][12]

Casting

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Yash grew his beard and long hair for his role as Rocky.[13] Yash's friend Ramachandra Raju was cast as Garuda after he was spotted by Neel.[14][15] In January 2017, Srinidhi Shetty was cast alongside Yash.[16] Neel offered the role of Rocky's mother to newcomer Archana Jois, who was apprehensive at first to act as a mother despite being in her twenties but later accepted the role.[17] In August 2017, Vasishta N. Simha was cast to play a pivotal role in the film, where he played the role of Srinidhi's step-brother.[18] For the second part, Sanjay Dutt was roped in for a pivotal role in February 2019, marking his Kannada debut.[19]

On 29 July 2019,[20] Sanjay Dutt was revealed to be playing the role of the main antagonist Aditya.[21][22][23] Raveena Tandon was reported to play the role of Prime Minister Ramika Sen, and stated that "it was a difficult character to portray".[24]

Telugu actor Rao Ramesh was cast in a pivotal role in May 2019,[25] and Tamil actor Saran Shakthi was cast in August 2019.[26] On 26 August 2020, when the filming resumed, Prakash Raj was also revealed to be playing Anant Nag's son.[27]

Filming

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In July 2016, the filmmakers kick-started a 15-day schedule in North Karnataka, without Yash, as the actor was shooting for Santhu Straight Forward (2016). The first schedule of the film took place on a huge set, which took more than 35–40 days to construct.[28] The film was slated to take off earlier that year, but was pushed back because of problems surrounding the Kalasa Banduri issue, which meant the team had to cancel its initial shoot schedule plans. The film's shooting then began on mid-January after completing the final stages of pre-production.[29][30] The filmmakers erected huge sets at Badami, to recreate Kolar from the 1970–80s period, thereby filming extensively in the location.[31] In June, the project was 50 percent complete, and production had restarted after sets were rebuilt, following their destruction by heavy rains.[32][33]

Some sequences of the movie, which has Yash and Srinidhi Shetty in the lead roles, were also shot at the centenary clock tower located next to the University of Mysore campus.[34] Yash entered the final schedule of the film in April 2018.[35] As of May 2018, the filmmakers completed major portions of the film, except one song.[36] On 9 August 2018, Tamannaah was hired for a song number,[37] thus marking her second film appearance in Kannada, after Jaguar (2016).[38] On 17 August 2018, the filmmakers announced that shooting of the film had wrapped,[39] although another song shoot for the film's Hindi version, featuring Yash and Mouni Roy,[40] took place at the Goregaon Studio on December.[41]

Filming for K.G.F: Chapter 2 started on 13 March 2019 in Hyderabad, with a formal puja ceremony.[42][43] After an initial round of filming near Bangalore in May 2019,[44] Yash announced that he will join the sets only in June 2019.[45] The shoot at Cyanide Hills in Kolar Gold Fields was interrupted by a complaint from N Srinivas, president of the KGF's National Citizens Party who filed a petition against the makers and alleged that the film is being shot in a cyanide grounds area [46] In September 2019, the makers started shooting for the second schedule in Hyderabad where Sanjay Dutt joined the sets of the film in Hyderabad.[47][48][49][50] After a court stay order on 27 September, the makers returned to shoot the film at Kolar.[51][52] In October 2019, the makers returned to Karnataka, after filming the extensive schedule in Hyderabad.[53]

In January 2020, the makers completed 80% of the shoot.[54] With the schedule being filmed in Mysore, the last leg of shoot was expected to be held in Hyderabad, and then in Bangalore and Kolar.[55] In February 2020, Telugu actor Rao Ramesh joined the sets of the film.[56] Raveena Tandon joined the sets of the film in Mysore on 12 February.[57] [58] The makers completed major portions in March 2020, with post-production works being kickstarted, but filming came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India.[59] Prashanth Neel claimed that Sanjay Dutt had completed shooting for the film, with only dubbing for his portions, is pending,[60] after Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with lung cancer, and left US for immediate treatment on 12 August 2020.[61]

The film was resumed in August 2020 at Bangalore post a gap of 5 months.[62] Malavika Avinash and Prakash Raj joined the sets on this schedule.[63][64] On 7 October 2020, Yash and Srinidhi Shetty resumed the shoot at Mangalore,[65] with the team entering the final leg of shoot.[66] Sanjay Dutt confirmed that he will join the shooting of the film on November,[67] although he resumed the shooting only in December.[68] The climax action scenes were filmed in December 2020 at Hyderabad.[69][70][71]

Cast and Crew

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Cast

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List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in the K.G.F franchise.

  • An empty grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  C indicates a cameo role.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
  •  Y indicates a younger version of the character.
Character Films
K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018) K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022)
Raja Krishnappa Bairya "Rocky"(Rocky Bhai) Yash
Reena Desai Srinidhi Shetty
Garuda Ramachandra Raju Ramachandra RajuC
Adheera Sanjay Dutt
Ramika Sen Raveena Tandon
Kamal Vasishta N. Simha Vasishta N. SimhaC
Anand Inagalgi Anant Nag Anant NagC
Ashok SharmaY
Shanthamma Archana Jois
Deepa Hegde Malavika Avinash
Srinivas T. S. Nagabharana
Guru Pandian Achyuth Kumar
Vanaram Ayyappa P. Sharma
Vijayendra Inagalgi Prakash Raj
Kanneganti Raghavan Rao Ramesh
Suryavardhan Ramesh Indira Ramesh IndiraC
Andrews B. S. Avinash
Daya Tarak Ponnappa
Rajendra Desai Lakki Lakshman
Inayat Khalil BalakrishnaC Balakrishna

Crew

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Occupation Film
K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018) K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022)
Director Prashanth Neel
Producer Vijay Kiragandur
Writer Prashanth Neel
Dialogues Prashant Neel, M. Chandramouli, Dr. Suri and Vinay Shivangi
Cinematography Bhuvan Gowda
Editor Srikanth Gowda Ujwal Kulkarni
Music Ravi Basrur, Tanishk Bagchi (one song) Ravi Basrur

Box office

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Film Release date Budget Box office revenue
KGF: Chapter 1 21 December 2018[72] ₹80 crore (US$11.7 million)[73] ₹250 crore (US$36.56 million)[74]
KGF: Chapter 2 14 April 2022[75] ₹100 crore (US$12 million)[76] ₹1,200 crore (US$140 million) - ₹1,250 crore (US$150 million)[77][3]
Total ₹180 crore (US$22 million) ₹1,450 crore (US$170 million) - ₹1,500 crore (US$180 million)

Future

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In January 2023, Vijay Kiragandur stated in an interview that K.G.F Chapter 3 might start filming only in 2025 for a release in 2026 due to Prashanth Neel's commitments with Salaar and a film with Jr. N.T.R. He also added that another actor might play the role of Rocky in the future replacing Yash, akin to the James Bond franchise. Kirangandur also added "Going forward, we are going to create a Marvel kind of universe. We want to bring different characters from different movies and create something like Doctor Strange." On 14 April 2023, K.G.F Chapter 3 was confirmed with a hint video from the production company which is expected to release in 2025. [78]

On 6 December 2023, Prashanth Neel confirmed that the script for the third installment is ready.[79] The team is planning for KGF to go for global reach of Indian Cinema.[80]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Yash's film KGF: Chapter 1 made Rs 250 crore at the box office worldwide and became a magnum-opus. Now, the makers are busy with pre-production work of KGF: Chapter 2.", indiatoday, 9 February 2019
  2. ^ "KGF Chapter 2 Closing Collections : యశ్ కేజీఎఫ్ ఛాప్టర్ 2 క్లోజింగ్ కలెక్షన్స్.. ఎన్ని వందల కోట్ల లాభం అంటే".
  3. ^ a b "Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 makes multiple records in Canada". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 29 May 2022.
  4. ^ Mitra, Shilajit (5 December 2018). "The story of KGF is fresh and special for Indian cinema: Yash". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  5. ^ Divya Bhonsale. "Exclusive: Blockbuster KGF makers all set to enter Bollywood". Newsable.asianetnews.com. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
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  7. ^ "Yash turns script doctor for his films - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Yash to shoot for most expensive film in July - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Yash's 'KGF' is about a gangster's rise and fall - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  10. ^ "KGF was always meant to be a Kannada film with Yash - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  11. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (14 April 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Yash starrer KGF – Chapter 2 reveals hint of follow up Chapter 3 in post-credit scene: Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  12. ^ "Prashanth Neel on KGF 3: 'If people love it, we could continue the franchise'". Hindustan Times. 14 April 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  13. ^ "Is Yash growing his hair for KGF? - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  14. ^ Johnson, David (23 January 2020). "How KGF changed the life of Yash's bodyguard to make him a busy bee in films". IB Times.
  15. ^ Sebastian R., Shilpa (28 July 2020). "Meet Ramachandra Raju, the 'KGF' villain". The Hindu.
  16. ^ "Hot pairs to look forward to in 2017 - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  17. ^ Anandraj, Shilpa (21 October 2021). "'Rocky Bhai's mother' Archana Jois: The 'KGF' star looks forward to more content-based films". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
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  25. ^ "Versatile actor Rao Ramesh lands a pivotal role in 'KGF: Chapter 2'". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  26. ^ "Tamil actor Saran to play the lead in 'KGF: Chapter 2'". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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  31. ^ "KGF to be shot in Badami - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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  34. ^ "KGF team gives heritage structure Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion a facelift - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  35. ^ "Yash heads to final schedule of KGF - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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  37. ^ "Tamannah Bhatia to make a return to Kannada cinema with a special appearance in 'KGF' - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  38. ^ "Tamannaah sizzles with Yash in a recreated classic in KGF - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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  43. ^ Aditya, Kadam (23 March 2022). "K.G.F: Chapter 2: Release Date, Songs, Cast KGF Chapter 2 trailer to come out on March 27". A Stars Untold. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
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  51. ^ "Team 'KGF: Chapter 2' returns to shoot on cyanide mound". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  52. ^ "KGF team wins case against the stay on shooting at Cyanide Hills". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  53. ^ "Team KGF heads back to Karnataka for shoot". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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  56. ^ "Versatile actor Rao Ramesh joins the ensemble star cast of KGF 2". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  57. ^ "Yash welcomes Raveena Tandon to Mysuru". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
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  61. ^ "Sanjay Dutt diagnosed with lung cancer; to fly to the US for immediate treatment". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  62. ^ "KGF2 in April 2020?". Bangalore Mirror.
  63. ^ "Malavika Avinash begins shoot for KGF: Chapter 2". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  64. ^ "Prakash Raj joins the set of the Yash-starrer KGF: Chapter 2, as shooting resumes". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  65. ^ "Rocky Bhai is back: Yash resumes shooting for KGF: Chapter 2". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  66. ^ "KGF Chapter 2: Rocky Bhai Yash joins final leg of shoot from today". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  67. ^ "Sanjay Dutt confirms he shoots for KGF Chapter 2 in November". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  68. ^ "Sanjay Dutt to resume shooting for KGF: Chapter 2 as Adheera in December". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  69. ^ "KGF Chapter 2: Prashanth Neel Starts Filming Climax Scene Between Yash & Sanjay Dutt; See Photo". Filmibeat. 7 December 2020.
  70. ^ "Exclusive! 'K.G.F: Chapter 2': Yash is all set to start the final leg of the shoot; read details". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  71. ^ "Team KGF completes Hyderabad schedule". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  72. ^ "'KGF' release postponed to December - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  73. ^ "KGF Box Office collection: Record! 1st Kannada movie to release in Pakistan; earns whopping Rs 200 cr worldwide". Zee Business. 17 January 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  74. ^ "Yash reveals he has approached Sanjay Dutt for KGF Chapter 2". India Today. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  75. ^ "KGF 2 to release in theatres on this date, Yash-Sanjay Dutt hype up the much-anticipated action film". The Indian Express. 23 August 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  76. ^ "Yash rocking star Upcoming Movies 2021, Release Date, Trailer and Budget". India Today. 20 January 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
  77. ^ "KGF Chapter 2 Closing Collections : యశ్ కేజీఎఫ్ ఛాప్టర్ 2 క్లోజింగ్ కలెక్షన్స్.. ఎన్ని వందల కోట్ల లాభం అంటే." News18 Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  78. ^ "KGF Chapter 3 confirmed with new video as KGF 2 clocks one year; Hombale Films hint at storyline; watch". odishatv.in. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  79. ^ "Prashanth Neel confirms 'KGF 3' with Yash, says 'script is ready'". India Today. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  80. ^ "Yash Teases 'K.G.F. 3,' Talks Global Reach of Indian Cinema". Variety. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
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