The Kannada film industry welcomes a new romantic thriller titled Flirt, which hit theaters on November 28, 2025. Directed by and starring Chandan Kumar, this complex drama has generated significant buzz for its unconventional narrative structure and bold themes.
A Story of Conflicting Identities
Flirt opens with a dramatic premise: protagonist Krishna, played by Chandan Kumar, faces serious rape allegations. The legal battle forms the central framework of the story, with veteran actor Sadhu Kokila portraying senior lawyer Sadhu Simha, who takes this case as his final assignment before retirement. Opposing him is Manya, played by Akshitha Bopaiah, who presents substantial evidence including videos, photographs, and chat conversations that depict Krishna as a self-proclaimed flirt who targets women.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives as different witnesses present contrasting versions of Krishna's character. One portrayal shows him as a flamboyant gym trainer who enjoys partying, smoking, and freely flirting with women, constantly taking selfies with his conquests. This version highlights his close friendship with childhood buddy Bala, portrayed by Girish Shivanna, who becomes his roommate.
Dual Personalities and Emotional Depth
Another completely different version of Krishna emerges through the testimony of other characters. This Krishna appears as an honest, hardworking employee trusted by his boss, played by Vinay Gowda. He diligently saves money to buy a house for his auto-driver brother, portrayed by the seasoned Rangayana Raghu. In this timeline, Krishna develops a genuine romantic relationship with Saniha, played by Nimika Ratnakar, though their love story ends tragically.
The film's central mystery revolves around discovering which version of Krishna represents his true identity and what circumstances triggered his transformation from a committed, earnest man to someone facing serious criminal charges. The psychological angles and orchestrated situations create layers of complexity that keep viewers engaged, though sometimes confused.
Performance and Technical Excellence
Chandan Kumar delivers a compelling performance as Krishna, effectively capturing the character's multiple dimensions with conviction. His dual role as director and lead actor demonstrates his versatility and commitment to the project. Nimika Ratnakar as Saniha brings emotional depth to her role, while Girish Shivanna as Bala provides strong support.
The supporting cast adds significant value to the production. Akshitha Bopaiah as Manya and Vinay Gowda as Krishna's boss handle their dual-toned roles with skill. Seasoned actors including Rangayana Raghu, Sadhu Kokila, Shruthi, and Avinash lend their expertise to create memorable characters that enhance the narrative.
Technically, the film maintains high production values with polished cinematography and competent direction. A special cameo song featuring popular actor Kichcha Sudeep serves as an enjoyable surprise for his fans and adds commercial appeal to the otherwise intense drama.
Narrative Strengths and Weaknesses
The film attempts an ambitious blend of genres, combining elements of romance, thriller, courtroom drama, and psychological exploration. While the premise deals with serious subject matter, the tone occasionally shifts unexpectedly between intense drama and comedic exchanges, particularly in scenes involving the lawyers.
Multiple twists and revelations in the climax, while intended to keep audiences guessing, sometimes contradict earlier plot points and create confusion rather than clarity. The overload of emotional turns and narrative shifts may overwhelm some viewers, though others might appreciate the complexity.
Critics have noted similarities to Luv Ranjan's storytelling style, but Flirt expands this approach with heavier elements of conflict, loyalty issues, and legal tension. The film currently holds a 2.5-star rating from both critics and audiences on The Times of India platform.
Flirt represents an ambitious attempt to push the boundaries of conventional Kannada cinema. While it may not completely satisfy all viewers due to its complex narrative structure, it offers substantial food for thought and showcases strong performances from its ensemble cast. The film is likely to appeal most to audiences who enjoy psychologically complex relationship dramas that challenge traditional storytelling conventions.
