Last updated: 8 May 2026
It Took 10 Years To Kill Osama Bin Laden, It Took 20 Years To Kill Veerappan
Kannada · Action, Biography, Crime
2h 5m · 1 Jan 2016
DOP: Rammy | Writer: Balaji
Ratings
Our Rating
3.25
Killing Veerappan is a biographical crime drama based on the true story of the operation to capture and kill the notorious bandit Veerappan, who terrorized the forests of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades. The film follows the efforts of the Special Task Force led by K.S. Sridhar and the challenges they face in tracking down the elusive outlaw. It portrays the cat-and-mouse game between the police and Veerappan, highlighting the complexities of law enforcement in dense forest terrains and the political and social ramifications of the operation.
Killing Veerappan attempts to deliver a gritty and realistic portrayal of one of India's most infamous criminals and the police operation that ended his reign. The content is intense and grounded in reality, focusing on the procedural aspects rather than dramatized heroism. The story is straightforward but sometimes suffers from a lack of emotional depth, making it feel more like a documentary than a cinematic experience.
The screenplay is methodical and detailed, which adds authenticity but affects the pacing, especially in the first half where the narrative is slow and heavily procedural. The second half picks up momentum as the hunt intensifies, providing more tension and engagement. However, the film's pacing remains uneven throughout.
The film does not feature songs, which aligns with its serious tone. The background score is subtle and functional, supporting the tense atmosphere without overpowering the scenes. Cinematography by Rammy captures the dense forest landscapes effectively, adding to the immersive experience.
Overall, Killing Veerappan is a niche film that appeals more to viewers interested in true crime and police procedurals rather than mainstream entertainment. Its realistic approach is commendable, but the lack of emotional connect and slow pacing may deter some audiences.
Shiva Rajkumar: Strong and restrained portrayal of the lead police officer, bringing gravitas to the role.
Sandeep Bharadwaj: Effective in supporting role, adding depth to the police team dynamics.
Yagna Shetty: Limited screen time but delivers a convincing performance.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Ram Gopal Varma directs with a focus on realism and procedural detail, avoiding melodrama. His approach is clinical and restrained, which suits the subject but may not engage all viewers emotionally.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 |
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 30% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics appreciated the film's realistic approach and Shiva Rajkumar's performance but pointed out the slow pacing and lack of emotional engagement as major drawbacks. The film was noted for its documentary-like style and authenticity but was seen as less entertaining for a general audience.
Final Box-Office Result
Killing Veerappan released on 1 January 2016 (2016).
Killing Veerappan is declared a HIT at the box office.
Killing Veerappan is available on Sun Nxt. OTT date will be updated soon.
Killing Veerappan directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Produced by Raina Sachiin Joshi, Suresh Basant.
Killing Veerappan stars Shiva Rajkumar, Sandeep Bharadwaj, Sadh Orhan, Yagna Shetty, K.S. Sridhar.
Tollybo rates Killing Veerappan 3.25/5. Verdict: HIT.
Killing Veerappan — Genre: Action, Biography, Crime, Runtime: 125 minutes, Language: Kannada.
