“Head Bush”, a Kannada-language gangster film directed by Shoonya in 2022, is based on Agnishridhar’s autobiography, My Days in the Underworld. The film, produced by Dhananjaya, Ramco Somanna, SD Manna Talkies and Zee Studios under Daali Pictures and Ramco Somanna, focuses on the rise of Bangalore’s underworld during the 1970s.
OTT Platform Release Date
Head Bush was available to stream on ZEE5 from January 13, 2023, after its theatrical release date of October 21, 2022. The Kannada version of the film caters to a broad audience that is interested in crime dramas based on real-life events.
Cast and crew
- Dhananjaya as M. P. Jayaraj
- Balu Nagendra as Samson
- Payal Rajput as Reshma (Kannada debut)
- Sruthi Hariharan as Rathna Prabha
- Yogesh as Ganga
- Vasishta N. Simha as Kotwal Ramachandra
- Raghu Mukherjee as M. D. Nataraj
- Devaraj Urs as Devaraj
- V. Ravichandran makes a guest appearance
- Prakash Belawadi in a supporting role
Director: Shoonya
Agni Sridhar, Writer
Producers: Dhananjaya, Ramco Somanna
Charan Raj, Composer
Cinematography: Sunoj Velayudhan
Editing : Joseph K. Raja and Harish Komme
Production companies: Daali Pictures SD Manna Talkies Zee Studios
Storyline
Head Bush, set in the late 1970s in Bangalore, charts the transformation of M. P. Jayaraj into a prominent figure in the underworld. Jayaraj is recruited to lead the “Indira Brigada” by political figures. His ascent through the ranks is marked by power struggle, internal gang conflict, and political entanglements. The film depicts Jayaraj’s complex relationships with both allies and enemies, and highlights the turbulent nature crime and politics in that era.
Reception
Head Bush was met with mixed reviews, ranging from positive to negative. Some critics praised its effort to portray a gritty, bleak chapter in Bangalore’s past. Others pointed out flaws with the character development and story execution. The film was a failure at the box-office, with no significant commercial impact.
Head Bush is a film that explores the relationship between crime and politics in 1970s Bangalore. The fact that it is available on ZEE5 allows viewers who are interested in historical narratives or crime dramas to interact with this portrayal.