Last updated: 8 May 2026


You cannot be a hero without being a coward
Kannada · Action, Comedy
2h 5m · 5 Mar 2021
Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath | DOP: Arvind Kashyap | Writer: Anirudh Mahesh, M Bharath Raj
Ratings
Our Rating
2.75
Hero is a Kannada-language action drama that revolves around the life of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances. The narrative explores themes of courage, justice, and personal transformation as the protagonist navigates complex social and emotional challenges. The story unfolds with a blend of intense action sequences and emotional moments, highlighting the protagonist's journey from vulnerability to heroism.
Hero presents a compelling storyline that balances action and emotional depth effectively. The screenplay is tightly woven, maintaining audience engagement through well-placed twists and character development. The pacing is generally consistent, with the first half setting up the characters and conflicts efficiently, while the second half delivers a satisfying resolution with heightened tension and drama.
The film's music, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, complements the narrative well. The songs are melodious and situational, enhancing the emotional quotient without disrupting the flow. The background score (BGM) is impactful, particularly during action sequences and emotional highs, adding to the overall cinematic experience.
Cinematography by Arvind Kashyap captures the locales and action scenes vividly, contributing to the immersive feel of the movie. The blend of technical finesse and narrative strength makes Hero a noteworthy addition to Kannada cinema, though some moments could have benefited from tighter editing to avoid minor lulls.
Rishab Shetty: Strong and convincing portrayal of the protagonist, carrying the emotional and action elements with ease.
Ganavi Laxman: Offers a subtle and effective performance, providing emotional support to the lead character.
Pramod Shetty: Delivers a memorable performance as the antagonist, adding intensity to the conflict.
Strengths
Weaknesses
M Bharath Raj's direction is confident and focused, successfully blending action and drama. The writing supports character arcs well, though occasional pacing issues slightly affect the narrative momentum.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 65% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 15% |
Critics generally praised Hero for its engaging narrative, strong performances, and technical finesse. The film was noted for its balanced mix of action and emotional depth, though some pointed out pacing issues in the second half. Overall, the reception was positive with appreciation for the director's vision and the lead actor's portrayal.
Final Box-Office Result
Hero released on 5 March 2021 (2021).
Hero is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Hero is available on aha from 23 July 2021.
Hero directed by M Bharath Raj. Produced by Rishab Shetty.
Hero stars Rishab Shetty, Ganavi Laxman, Pramod Shetty, Manjunatha Gowda, Anirudh Mahesh.
Tollybo rates Hero 2.75/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
Music for Hero composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
Hero — Genre: Action, Comedy, Runtime: 125 minutes, Language: Kannada.