Pepe (2024 Indian film)

• Vinay Rajkumar as Pepe aka Pradeep
• Mayur Patel as Guna
• Naveen D. Padil as Rayappa
• Yash Shetty
• Kaajal Kunder
• Medini Kelamane
• Raviprasad Mandya
• Kitty Sridhar
• Shashidhar Bhat
• Bala Rajwadi
• Aruna Balraj as Sunitha
• Sandya Arekere
• Shivu Kabbanahalli

Shreelesh S. Nair got the idea to approach Vinay Rajkumar for the lead role after watching the teaser of the film Gramayana, in which the latter stars in the lead role.{{cite news |title=Every movie is a work of art and helps me grow as an actor, says Vinay Rajkumar |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2024/Aug/29/every-movie-is-a-work-of-art-and-helps-me-grow-as-an-actor-says-vinay-rajkumar |work=The New Indian Express |date=10 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906193233/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2024/Aug/29/every-movie-is-a-work-of-art-and-helps-me-grow-as-an-actor-says-vinay-rajkumar |url-status=live }} Stunt master Chethan D'Souza also recommended Shreelesh to narrate the story to Vinay.{{cite news |title=I don't like to spoon-feed the audience: Shreelesh Nair |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2024/Aug/28/i-dont-like-to-spoon-feed-the-audience-shreelesh-nair |work=The New Indian Express |date=12 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=5 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905154941/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2024/Aug/28/i-dont-like-to-spoon-feed-the-audience-shreelesh-nair |url-status=live }} Upon hearing the narration, Vinay was drawn to the film due to its touch on social themes, specifically communalism and women's abuse, so he agreed to do it. They finalized the story, after which Shreelesh requested specific shots, including lifting the panche and wiping the face. Despite expectations of a longer session, the photoshoot was completed in just 15 minutes. The film was announced in April 2021.{{cite news |title='Pepe' first look: Vinay Rajkumar shows his ominous side with machete in hand and a bloodied face |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/pepe-first-look-vinay-rajkumar-shows-his-ominous-side-with-machete-in-hand-and-blood-all-over-the-face/amp_articleshow/82063861.cms |work=The Times of India |date=14 April 2021}} Mayur Patel was chosen to portray the role Guna.{{cite news |title=Mayur Patel: Cinema didn't love me as much as I loved it |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/kannada/interviews/2024/Aug/26/mayur-patel-cinema-didnt-love-me-as-much-as-i-loved-it |work=Cinema Express |date=11 August 2024 |language=en}} The film was produced by Uday Shankar S and B.M. Sriram Kolar under the banners of Uday Cine Venture and Deepa Films.{{cite news |title=Curious about Pepe - Bangalore Mirror |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/curious-about-pepe/amp_articleshow/112088934.cms |work=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |date=29 July 2024}}

On 19 April 2021, Kaajal Kunder was reported to have joined the cast as the female lead,{{cite news |title=Kaajal Kunder to star opposite Vinay Rajkumar in Pepe |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/stories/news/2021/Apr/19/kaajal-kunder-to-star-opposite-vinay-rajkumar-in-pepe-24049.html |work=Cinema Express |date=9 April 2021 |language=en}} with filming commencing in Coorg.{{cite news |title=Kaajal Kunder to play the lead opposite Vinay Rajkumar in 'Pepe' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kaajal-kunder-to-play-the-lead-opposite-vinay-rajkumar-in-pepe/amp_articleshow/82175188.cms |work=The Times of India |date=21 April 2021}}{{cite news |title=Kaajal Kunder to star opposite Vinay Rajkumar in Pepe |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2021/Apr/20/kaajal-kunder-to-star-oppositevinay-rajkumar-in-pepe-2292097.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=4 April 2021 |language=en}} As of 18 January 2022, the makers had finished sixty percent of shooting, and reportedly planned to complete the rest once the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic eased up.{{cite news |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title=Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' is a gritty gangster drama |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2022/Jan/18/vinay-rajkumar-pepeis-a-gritty-gangster-drama-2407922.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=12 January 2022 |language=en}} The filming was wrapped up on 17 November 2022.{{cite news |title=Vinay Rajkumar wraps up Pepe's climax with a gritty fight sequence |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/kannada/2022/Nov/17/vinay-rajkumar-wraps-up-pepes-climax-with-a-gritty-fight-sequence-2518963.html |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 November 2022 |language=en}} The action sequences were choreographed by Ravi Verma, Chetan D'Souza, Different Danny, and Narsimha.{{cite news |title=Pepe Trailer: This Vinay Rajkumar-starrer Film Is Full Of Gore And Action |url=https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/pepe-trailer-this-vinay-rajkumar-starrer-film-is-full-of-gore-and-action-9020940.html |work=News18 |date=20 August 2024 |language=en}} The cinematography was by Abhishek G Kasaragod, while the editing was handled by Manu Shedgar.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The film received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification.{{cite news |title=Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' receives 'A' certification from Censor Board |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/vinay-rajkumars-pepe-receives-a-certification-from-censor-board-3124965 |work=Deccan Herald |date=27 July 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730132848/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/vinay-rajkumars-pepe-receives-a-certification-from-censor-board-3124965 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Vinay Rajkumar's Pepe completes its censorship formalities |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/amp/story/kannada/news/2024/Jul/27/vinay-rajkumars-pepe-completes-its-censorship-formalities |work=Cinema Express |date=7 July 2024 |language=en}}

{{Infobox album

| name = Pepe

| type = Soundtrack

| artist = Poornachandra Tejaswi

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 2024

| recorded =

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length = 3:30

| language = Kannada

| label = PRK audio

| producer =

| chronology = Poornachandra Tejaswi

| prev_title = Matinee

| prev_year = 2024

| next_title =

| next_year =

| misc = {{external music video| header = External music video

|{{YouTube|zSIcOeN3fDI|Pepe - Preset}}}}

}}

The soundtrack was composed by Poornachandra Tejaswi.{{cite web |title=Pepe-Preset (From "PEPE") Song Kannada Song by Poornachandra Tejaswi |url=https://gaana.com/album/pepe-preset-from-pepe |website=Gaana |access-date=10 October 2024 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=New Song From Vinay Rajkumar-starrer Pepe Out |url=https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/new-song-from-vinay-rajkumar-starrer-pepe-out-9011827.html |work=News18 |date=10 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=11 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811082045/https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/new-song-from-vinay-rajkumar-starrer-pepe-out-9011827.html |url-status=live }}

{{track listing

| headline = Track listing

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Pepe - Preset

| length1 = 3:30

| lyrics1 = JG Kumara, Girijana Samagra Abhivruddhi Kala Samsthe

| extra1 = JG Kumara, Girijana Samagra Abhivruddhi Kala Samsthe

| total_length = 3:30

}}

The film was released theatrically on 30 August 2024.{{cite news |title=Vinay Rajkumar's 'Pepe' Set For Release, Distributed By KRG Studios |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/vinay-rajkumar-s-pepe-set-for-release-distributed-by-krg-studios-article-112445067/amp |work=Times Now |date=11 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812055754/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/vinay-rajkumar-s-pepe-set-for-release-distributed-by-krg-studios-article-112445067/amp |url-status=live }}

The digital rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.{{cite news |title=ಒಟಿಟಿಗೆ ಬಂತು ವಿನಯ್‌ ರಾಜ್‌ಕುಮಾರ್‌ ಪೆಪೆ ಸಿನಿಮಾ; ಆದ್ರೆ ನಿಮಗೆ ನೋಡೋಕೆ ಆಗೋದಿಲ್ಲ! |url=https://kannada.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/vinay-rajkumar-pepe-kannada-cinema-in-ott-amazon-prime-yda-1881359-page-4.html |work=News18 ಕನ್ನಡ |date=6 October 2024 |language=kn}}

A Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express rated the film three out of five stars and wrote that "Pepe demands full attention as it navigates a complex web of storylines with an uneven narrative. The film’s experimental editing and non-linear approach, including the black-and-white versus colour technique for past and present scenes, add flair but can disrupt the flow."{{cite news |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title='Pepe' sees Vinay Rajkumar in fresh light, stands out technically |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/review/2024/Aug/31/pepe-sees-vinay-rajkumar-in-fresh-light-stands-out-technically |work=The New Indian Express |date=9 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=8 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908214402/https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/entertainment/review/2024/Aug/31/pepe-sees-vinay-rajkumar-in-fresh-light-stands-out-technically |url-status=live }} Y Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that "It is worth a watch only if you have the stomach for too much action."{{cite news |title=Kannada Movie Review-Pepe: Violent attack on the senses - Bangalore Mirror |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/kannada-movie-review-pepe-violent-attack-on-the-senses/amp_articleshow/112937482.cms |work=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |date=31 August 2024}}

Sridevi S of The Times of India gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote that "Shreelesh Nair has tried a very unconventional film in his debut attempt, but the movie keeps oscillating between an 'art film' that wants to be preachy and a commercial film that wants to entertain. However, it ends up being disappointing in both aspects."{{cite news |title=Pepe Movie Review : Pepe review: Shreelesh Nair serves too much blood and meat on a platter |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/pepe/movie-review/112930934.cms |work=The Times of India |date=30 August 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005130344/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/pepe/movie-review/112930934.cms |url-status=live }} Shashiprasad SM of Times Now gave it two out of five stars and wrote, "Beyond appreciating Vinay Rajkumar's performance, the background score and the work of the action choreographers, Pepe is not an ordinary commercial entertainer. Maybe a classic work of art that is way beyond the understanding of ordinary and sane minds."{{cite news |title=Pepe Movie Review: Minus Vinay Rajkumar, BGM And Action, Rest Is Just Bloodbath In The Name Of Creativity! |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/kannada/pepe-movie-review-minus-vinay-rajkumar-bgm-and-action-rest-is-just-bloodbath-in-the-name-of-creativity-review-112906343/amp |work=Times Now |date=30 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921175047/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/kannada/pepe-movie-review-minus-vinay-rajkumar-bgm-and-action-rest-is-just-bloodbath-in-the-name-of-creativity-review-112906343/amp |url-status=live }}

Pranati A S of Deccan Herald gave it two out of five stars and opined that "interesting visuals and powerful dialogues are diluted by blood and gore."{{cite news |last1=S |first1=Pranati A. |title='Pepe' movie review: Bogged down by blood and gore |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/pepe-movie-review-bogged-down-by-blood-and-gore-3171478 |work=Deccan Herald |date=30 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925115812/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/pepe-movie-review-bogged-down-by-blood-and-gore-3171478 |url-status=live }}

Vivek M. V. of The Hindu wrote that "Pepe is a violent film with plenty of action sequences. Some of the action scenes are choreographed creatively, yet, the gruesome fights don’t leave a lasting impact because of the sheer absence of drama in the second half. The blood-fest inevitably kills the intrigue in the movie."{{cite news |last1=M.V |first1=Vivek |title='Pepe' movie review: Vinay Rajkumar's action drama is stylish yet shallow |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/pepe-movie-review-vinay-rajkumars-action-drama-is-stylish-yet-shallow/article68585575.ece/amp/ |work=The Hindu |date=30 August 2024 |language=en-IN |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906233356/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/pepe-movie-review-vinay-rajkumars-action-drama-is-stylish-yet-shallow/article68585575.ece/amp/ |url-status=live }} Sunayana Suresh of The South First gave it two-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote, "Pepe is worth watching for those interested in seeing the Kannada film industry explore new territory and support innovative projects. The film offers a fresh style and unique content. However, be prepared for a less engaging narrative, as the emphasis on style does not translate into substantial storytelling."{{cite news |last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana |title=Pepe review: All gore and style but little substance in this Vinay Rajkumar film |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kannada/pepe-movie-review/ |work=The South First |date=30 August 2024 |language=en |access-date=10 October 2024 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902122341/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kannada/pepe-movie-review/ |url-status=live }}

{{reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|tt15516906}}

Category:2024 action drama films

Category:2024 directorial debut films

Category:2020s Kannada-language films

Category:Indian action drama films