45 Movie Review

Movie: 45

Release Date: January 1, 2026

CBFC Rating: UA

Runtime: 2h 30m

Cast: Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, Raj B. Shetty, Kaustubha Mani, Jisshu Sengupta & Others

Cinematography: Satya Hegde

Editing: K. M. Prakash

Producer: M. Ramesh Reddy

Music & Direction: Arjun Janya

Verdict at a Glance

A fantasy action drama with strong performances, striking visuals, and a powerful climax, 45 explores karma, fear, and redemption, though uneven pacing holds it back from greatness.

Story Overview

45 follows the life of Vinay (Raj B. Shetty), a software engineer whose world collapses after a single tragic mistake. An accidental incident involving the pet dog of a dreaded don, Rayappa (Upendra), seals Vinay’s fate—he is given just 45 days to live. As Vinay grapples with fear, guilt, and the inevitability of death, a mysterious figure named Shiva (Shiva Rajkumar) enters his life.

What unfolds is a journey that forces Vinay to confront his past actions, rediscover the value of human connections, and understand the deeper meaning of karma and devotion.

Already a success in Kannada, 45 arrives in Telugu as a dubbed release, aiming to reach a wider audience with its philosophical core wrapped in a fantasy-action narrative.

Performances

The performances are the film’s strongest pillar.

Shiva Rajkumar delivers a restrained yet impactful performance. His screen presence elevates the narrative, especially in the climax, where he appears in multiple avatars of Lord Shiva—a visually and emotionally powerful sequence that leaves a lasting impression.

Upendra, as Rayappa, brings a layered intensity to his role. Rather than portraying a conventional antagonist, he presents a character driven by devotion and belief, blending violence with faith. His stylish demeanor and action sequences cater well to his fan base.

Raj B. Shetty anchors the film emotionally. Amid larger-than-life characters, he brings relatability and innocence to Vinay. His portrayal of fear, confusion, and gradual transformation carries the philosophical weight of the story effectively.

Technical Aspects

Satya Hegde’s cinematography is impressive, capturing both grounded emotional moments and grand fantasy elements with finesse. The VFX, especially during the climax, are commendable and enhance the film’s mythological undertones.

Arjun Janya’s background score complements the narrative well, amplifying emotional beats and dramatic transitions. His direction reflects ambition, though the execution falters at times due to pacing issues.

What Works

Strong performances by the lead cast

Unique and thought-provoking concept

Striking visuals and VFX

Powerful climax sequence

What Doesn’t

Uneven pacing, especially in the first half

Several supporting characters lack depth

Narrative could have been tighter.

Final Analysis

45 is an ambitious fantasy action drama that attempts to blend philosophy, devotion, and human emotion within a commercial framework. While the film stumbles with pacing and character development, it makes up for it with compelling performances, stunning visuals, and a memorable climax.

For audiences who appreciate concept-driven cinema with mythological and philosophical layers, 45 offers a worthwhile theatrical experience.

Bottom Line: A Visually Grand Tale of Karma and Redemption

RATING: (3/5)