King Nag’s Katana Can’t Slice Through a Paper-Thin Story: A Review of The Ghost (2022)

In Telugu cinema, Akkineni Nagarjuna is still a major draw. Fans call him “King” for a reason. For decades, he’s moved between gentle romance and tough action roles without losing his screen appeal. In 2022, he teamed up with director Praveen Sattaru (known for PSV Garuda Vega) for a neo-noir action thriller, The Ghost.

On the surface, the setup sounds strong. Global crime networks, sleek weapons, and a lead who handles a katana like it’s second nature. The film looks expensive and stylish, but the writing doesn’t carry the same weight. The result is a movie that shines on the outside and feels empty at the center.

The Man, the Myth, the Ghost

We meet Vikram (Nagarjuna), an Interpol officer stationed in Dubai. He’s sharp, guarded, and shaped by a grim past, which fits the modern action-hero mold. He works alongside Priya (Sonal Chauhan), his partner and love interest, and she’s no pushover. She can handle a rifle as well as he can.

The opening stretch tries to build Vikram’s “Ghost” reputation. The idea is simple: criminals across the world fear him, and his name alone rattles big syndicates. After a rescue mission goes wrong, Vikram spirals. PTSD, anger, and guilt push him away from his job and his relationship.

The main conflict begins when Vikram gets an urgent call from his estranged sister, Anu (Gul Panag). She’s a powerful businesswoman in Ooty, and she and her daughter, Aditi (Anikha Surendran), are in danger. Rival business forces and underworld goons close in fast. Vikram returns, not as a cop, but as a quiet protector, honoring a promise tied to his father.

Looks Great, Feels Light

Praveen Sattaru clearly enjoys the “John Wick” style of action filmmaking. The color palette, the staging, and the crisp fight design all show it. Cinematographer Mukesh G makes Dubai’s desert scenes pop and gives Ooty’s hills a moody, misty texture. Visually, The Ghost rarely slips.

The problem is the screenplay. For a movie that runs over two hours, the emotional pull stays weak. The shift from an Interpol-based setup to a personal bodyguard story feels uneven. The corporate feud angle, filled with shares, boardrooms, and bland villains, never becomes gripping. It fills time without building real tension.

Critics’ Take: Several major publications pointed out the same issue: the action works, but the “wafer-thin plot” holds the film back.

Performances: Mostly Nagarjuna’s Show

Nagarjuna is the clear anchor. Even in his 60s, he moves with confidence. Whether he’s in hand-to-hand combat or working with his blade, he sells the role with ease. He plays Vikram as controlled and damaged, but the script doesn’t give him much range beyond intense stares and sudden violence.

Sonal Chauhan brings effort, especially in action scenes. It’s nice to see a female lead who isn’t written as helpless. Still, her relationship arc with Nagarjuna feels rushed. A romantic song placed early also slows the momentum and dulls the edge that the film tries to build.

Gul Panag and Anikha Surendran do what they can. Anikha starts in the familiar “bratty teen” lane, then settles into the role. Her scenes with Nagarjuna have moments, but their bonding often feels like it belongs in a more traditional family drama, not a gritty action thriller.

Action Scenes: The Best Reason to Watch

If you’re here for the stunts, The Ghost delivers. Action directors Dinesh Subbarayan and Kecha Khamphakdee keep the fights sharp and well-timed. The pre-climax and climax stretch is where the movie finally finds its pulse.

The katana work stands out. Telugu “mass” action often ignores physics, but the swordplay here feels more grounded and brutal. There’s a specific gory sequence in the second half that reminds you why Vikram’s name carries fear.

Stacked Up Against Other 2022 Action Films

Indian action films had a packed 2022, and The Ghost got compared to Kamal Haasan’s Vikram often. Both feature veteran stars stepping back into violence. The difference is that Vikram builds bigger stakes and a world that feels connected and alive. The Ghost feels more like a chain of polished action scenes held together by a familiar, easy-to-predict plot.

Technical Notes

• Background Score: Mark K. Robin brings strong energy. The music keeps scenes tense, even when the writing goes thin.
• Editing: The pacing is uneven. Some scenes drag, and the “five years later” jump lands too fast. It leaves gaps that the film doesn’t fill well.
• Direction: Sattaru knows how to stage stylish moments and frame his lead like an icon. The film needed that same focus on motivation and story logic, not just presentation.

Verdict

The Ghost feels like a missed chance. It has Nagarjuna in a bold action mode, slick direction, and strong production values. But it forgets the basic rule: action hits harder when you care about the people in it.

The film also struggled to find the right audience. It’s too violent for a typical family crowd, yet the story is too thin for viewers who expect tight writing like John Wick or The Raid.

If you’re a loyal Nagarjuna fan, you’ll enjoy seeing him go full force, especially in the final stretch. For everyone else, The Ghost is stylish, loud, and easy to forget once the credits roll.

iBomma Rating: 2.5/5 Stars**

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