Kabzaa (2023) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Kabzaa (2023) Review
Kabzaa (2023) (Kannada action, crime, thriller) — directed by R. Chandru. Starring Upendra, Shriya Saran, Murali Sharma. During the British rule in India, Arakeshwara, an air force soldier and son of a freedom fighter Amareshwara,due to unavoidable circumstances, kills Khaleed, the don of Amarapura and thus gets trapped in the mafia world and later becomes the king of the underworld. However, trouble ensues for Arakes... Our Rating: 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER. Released: 17 Mar 2023. Runtime: 2h 16m.
Kabzaa(2023)
The Rise of Gangsters in India
Kannada · Action, Crime, Thriller
2h 16m · 17 Mar 2023
Music: Ravi Basrur | DOP: A. J. Shetty | Writer: R. Chandru
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
📖 Story
Kabzaa is a period action drama that revolves around the life of a brave and ambitious protagonist who rises through the ranks in the underworld and power corridors of his time. Set against a backdrop of crime and politics, the story explores themes of loyalty, power struggles, and legacy. The narrative unfolds through a blend of intense action sequences and emotional moments, highlighting the protagonist's journey from obscurity to dominance.
Kabzaa offers a grand cinematic experience with its ambitious storyline and period setting. The content is rich with themes of power and ambition, though the screenplay occasionally struggles with pacing, especially in the first half where the exposition feels stretched. The second half picks up momentum with gripping action sequences and tighter narrative focus, delivering a satisfying climax. The songs are well-placed, complementing the mood without disrupting the flow, while Ravi Basrur's music and background score elevate the intensity of key scenes, adding emotional depth and grandeur. Cinematography by A. J. Shetty captures the period details effectively, enhancing the visual appeal.
The film’s pacing is uneven at times, with some scenes lingering longer than necessary, but the overall screenplay manages to keep the audience engaged through its strong character arcs and dramatic tension. The blend of action, drama, and music works well to maintain interest, though a leaner edit could have improved the narrative flow. The background score stands out as a highlight, intensifying the film’s dramatic moments and action sequences, making it a memorable auditory experience.
Kabzaa’s first half sets up the world and characters with a slow build, which might test the patience of some viewers, but the second half compensates with high-octane action and emotional payoffs. The songs, while not chartbusters, fit organically into the storyline and enhance the period ambiance. Overall, the film is a commendable effort with strong technical aspects and a compelling central performance, despite some pacing issues.
Upendra: Powerful and commanding portrayal of the protagonist, delivering a nuanced performance with intensity and charisma.
Shriya Saran: Strong presence with a graceful and emotive role, complementing the lead effectively.
Murali Sharma: Convincing antagonist with a menacing edge.
Sudha: Supportive role with emotional depth.
Sudeepa: Notable cameo with impactful screen presence.
Suneel Puranik: Solid supporting role adding to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong central performance by Upendra
- ✓Impressive background score and music by Ravi Basrur
- ✓Authentic period setting and cinematography
- ✓Engaging second half with intense action sequences
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing, especially in the first half
- ✕Lengthy runtime with some scenes dragging
- ✕Songs are situational but not very memorable
- ✕Screenplay could have been tighter
🎬 Direction & Writing
R. Chandru delivers a visually grand and ambitious film that balances action and drama well. His direction captures the period essence effectively, though the narrative pacing could have been improved with a tighter script. The writing attempts to blend multiple themes but occasionally falters in maintaining consistent momentum.
- - Cinematography by A. J. Shetty
- - Music and Background Score by Ravi Basrur
- - Production Design and Costumes
- - Editing and Visual Effects
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.50 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
Critics
Critics appreciated the film's scale, Upendra's performance, and Ravi Basrur's music, though many pointed out the uneven pacing and lengthy runtime as drawbacks. The second half and action sequences were generally praised for their execution and intensity, while the first half received mixed responses. Overall, the film was seen as an ambitious project with notable strengths in technical aspects and performances.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kabzaa release in theatres?▾
Kabzaa released on 17 March 2023 (2023).
Is Kabzaa a hit or flop?▾
Kabzaa is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Where to watch Kabzaa online? OTT release date?▾
Kabzaa is available on Prime Video from 13 April 2023.
Who directed Kabzaa?▾
Kabzaa directed by R. Chandru. Produced by R. Chandru, Anand Pandit.
Who are the main cast members of Kabzaa?▾
Kabzaa stars Upendra, Shriya Saran, Murali Sharma, Sudha, Sudeepa.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kabzaa?▾
Tollybo rates Kabzaa 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Who composed the music for Kabzaa?▾
Music for Kabzaa composed by Ravi Basrur.
What is the genre and runtime of Kabzaa?▾
Kabzaa — Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Runtime: 136 minutes, Language: Kannada.