James (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
James is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Chethan Kumar, starring Puneeth Rajkumar as James, Srikanth and Mukesh Rishi. It runs 2 hours 2 minutes and earned $39,232 worldwide on a $30 million budget. Its Echo Score is 59/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 2m (122 min)
- Director
- Chethan Kumar
- Original language
-
Kannada
- Studio
- Kishore Productions
- Budget
- $30M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is James About?
The premise of James without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Santhosh Kumar, known as James, runs a security agency and is hired to protect a family that controls a drug cartel. His speed, agility and skill earn him the gratitude of those around him, but questions linger about his true identity and hidden motives.
James Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- manager
James Cast & Characters
Puneeth Rajkumar leads the cast as James, with Srikanth and Mukesh Rishi. Directed by Chethan Kumar; 15 actors are credited in all.
- Director Chethan Kumar
- Puneeth Rajkumar as James
- Srikanth
- Mukesh Rishi
- Sadhu Kokila
Also Starring in James
· 11 moreMore from Chethan Kumar
More films directed by Chethan Kumar: Bharjari and Bahaddur.
James Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 59/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in story & flow (40).
James Echo Score Breakdown
The film delivers a heartfelt tribute to Puneeth Rajkumar, offering solid entertainment for his fan base while falling short of narrative originality. Reviewers commend the polished action choreography and competent technical execution, yet repeatedly note an over‑reliance on familiar commercial formulas and a stretched storyline. The soundtrack receives mixed reactions, and while the emotional resonance resonates with loyal viewers, the overall impact remains modest. Consequently, the movie registers as an average offering with strong appeal to dedicated fans.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates competent direction and well‑executed action sequences. Reviewers highlight precise editing and effective choreography that enhance the visual flow. Production values and VFX receive modest praise, though a few observers point out occasional technical inconsistencies. Overall, the technical execution is respectable, providing a solid foundation for the movie's presentation.
- Character & Emotion 65
When it comes to character and emotion, performances, particularly Puneeth Rajkumar's, are regarded as a central strength. Critics note his screen presence and voice work as engaging, while supporting actors receive neutral acknowledgments. However, depth of character development is largely absent, with most comments focusing on star power rather than nuanced portrayals. The net impression is a competent but surface‑level emotional impact.
- Story & Flow 40
Story and flow are identified as the film's weakest element. Reviewers describe the plot as a familiar commercial template lacking fresh twists, with pacing that feels stretched toward the end. The narrative fails to deliver originality or sustained engagement, leading to a perception of mediocrity. Consequently, the storyline registers as notably below average.
- Sensory Experience 55
Sensory experience receives mixed feedback. Action visuals and some VFX are praised for their style, while the soundtrack draws criticism for an uninspired background score despite a few decent songs. Sound design is not frequently highlighted, suggesting it neither excels nor detracts significantly. Overall, the sensory components sit in the middle of the rating spectrum.
- Rewatch Factor 65
Rewatch factor is buoyed by fan devotion, with many urging multiple viewings as a tribute to the late star. While some viewers deem the film average and advise caution, the emotional attachment and enjoyable action sequences encourage repeat attendance among loyal audiences. The overall replay value is therefore moderately positive.
James Plot Summary
What happens in James from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In India, there exists a complex web of crime syndicates, each carved out by distinct leaders. The Golden Horse, run by Joseph Anthony, operates from Miami, while Scorpion, helmed by Rathanlal, establishes its base in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the Gayakwad syndicate is led by Jayadev Gayakwad, alongside his son Vijay Gayakwad and Vijay’s close friend Pratap Aras, who are both positioned in Bangalore.
Full summary
The whole story of James, scene by scene
James Box Office & Budget
James grossed $39,232 worldwide on a $30 million budget.
Worldwide gross
$39.2K
- International
- $39.2K
- Budget
- $30M
How Well Do You Know James?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the leader of the Golden Horse syndicate?
Seen James?
Movies Like James
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including James, Jamesy Boy and The James Gang.
James FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of James, each answered in a sentence.
How long is James?
James runs 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).
When was James released?
James was released on March 17, 2022.
Who directed James?
James was directed by Chethan Kumar.
More films by Chethan Kumar Who is in the cast of James?
James stars Puneeth Rajkumar as James, Srikanth and Mukesh Rishi, among 15 credited actors.
How much did James make at the box office?
James grossed $39,232 worldwide on a budget of $30 million.
Does James have a post-credit scene?
No. James has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is James in?
The original language of James is Kannada.
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