45 (2025) Review: A Composer's Bold, Uneven Directing Debut

This 45 review covers the directorial debut of Arjun Janya, a name Kannada music fans know well as a composer. The film is a fantasy action drama led by three big stars, and it arrives with plenty of ambition. Here is how it holds up, without spoilers.

45 Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The 45 plot starts from a simple, intriguing hook: a mysterious number that shapes the lives of three central characters. From there the film weaves action, drama and philosophical ideas into one story. The tagline, "Face the fear," hints at the emotional core.

Janya wrote the script with Anil Kumar. The film leans on mythological flavour and big set pieces rather than a tightly plotted mystery. Its first act sets up the characters and the central idea, then asks you to trust the journey.

The film was released on 25 December 2025 in Kannada and runs 144 minutes. The trailer premiered on 16 December 2025 at a launch event at Kempegowda Ground in Bengaluru. If you like this kind of story, browse more Fantasy movie reviews on our site.

What Works in 45

The biggest strength is the sheer scale of the idea. Janya aims for something larger than a standard star vehicle, and the mix of myth and modern action gives the film a distinct identity.

Audience reviews also single out the colour grading, especially in the action and mythological moments. Those scenes have a heightened, painterly look that suits the fantasy tone. For a first-time director, the visual ambition stands out.

• A premise with real philosophical hooks

• Striking colour work in the action and mythological sequences

• A star-heavy lineup that gives the film weight

45 Cast and Performances

The 45 cast brings together Raj B Shetty, Upendra and Shiva Rajkumar, three of Kannada cinema's best-known faces. They are joined by Kaustubha Mani, Jaffer Sadiq and Pramod Shetty in supporting roles.

Viewer feedback describes the performances as solid across the board, though not especially memorable. That matches the general mood. The leads carry their scenes with presence and conviction, but the writing does not always hand them moments that stay with you.

Still, watching these actors share one story is a draw in itself. Fans of any of the three will find plenty to enjoy.

Where 45 Stumbles

The main complaint is the visual effects. Some viewers call the VFX inconsistent, with certain scenes looking artificial. In a film that depends on fantasy imagery, that weakens the spell.

Direction is the other sore spot. Janya has a clear vision, but the pacing and the screenplay feel uneven over 144 minutes. User opinion is split: some call the script weak, while others call the film a must-watch. Treat those as audience views rather than critical consensus, since no major critic scores are available yet.

The film sits at 6.0 on IMDb, which fits the "promising but flawed" picture. If you prefer tighter, more grounded action, check our Action movie reviews for alternatives.

Is 45 Worth Watching?

Yes, 45 is worth watching if you are curious about Kannada fantasy action and want to see three stars share the screen. It is an ambitious debut with clear flaws rather than a polished triumph.

The cast and the central idea carry most of the load. The shaky effects and uneven script keep it from the top tier. If you go in expecting a bold swing rather than a masterpiece, it should satisfy. You can read the film's background on Wikipedia) before deciding.

For a similar regional-cinema experience, see our take on Devagudi, another Kannada-language drama.

Who Will Enjoy 45

• Fans of Upendra, Shiva Rajkumar or Raj B Shetty who want to see them together

• Viewers who like mythology-tinged fantasy and philosophical themes in their action

• Audiences curious about Arjun Janya's first step from music into directing