Forest (2025 film)

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Forest
Forest (2025 film).jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byChandra Mohan
Written bySatya Shaurya Sagar
Screenplay byChandra Mohan
Satya Shaurya Sagar
Story byChandra Mohan
Satya Shaurya Sagar
Produced byN M Kantharaj
Starring
CinematographyV. Ravikumar
Edited byArjun Kittu
Music bySongs:
Dharma Vish
Score:
Anand Rajavikram
Production
company
NMK Cinemas
Release date
  • 24 January 2025 (2025-01-24)
Running time
145 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Forest is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language comedy thriller film directed and co-written by Chandra Mohan. [1] It is produced by N. M. Kantharaj under his NMK Cinemas banner and features an ensemble cast of Chikkanna, Aniissh Tejeshwar, Gurunandan, Rangayana Raghu, Sooraj Pops, Sharanya Shetty and Archana Kottige. [2]

Contents

Principal photography commenced in April 2023 and continued till January 2025 where most of the film being shot in the forest regions of Madikere, Chikmagalur, MM Hills and few portions being canned in Bengaluru. [3] The film's cinematography was handled by V. Ravikumar and edited by Arjun Kittu. The music is composed by Veer Samarth and Dharma Vish. [4]

Forest was released on 24 January 2025. [5]

Cast

Production

Chandra Mohan, who previously directed Double Engine (2018) and Brahmachari (2019), announced his third film in April 2023. He roped in Chikkanna as one of the leads, with whom he worked in Double Engine previously. Rest of the cast was subsequently signed in. About 80% of the filming commenced in the forests of several districts in Karnataka. [7]

Soundtrack

The soundtrack consists of songs composed by Dharma Vish to the lyrics by Chetan Kumar and Puneeth Arya. [8]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Odo Odo Odo"Puneeth Arya Kailash Kher, Harsha Uppar2:22
2."Paisa Paisa" Chetan Kumar Chandan Shetty 3:28
Total length:6:20

Reception

The Movie received mixed reviews from critics, with a blend of positive and negative feedback on its humor and supernatural elements. The Times of India’s Sridevi S. wrote, “Forest is a decent attempt at blending comedy and supernatural thrills, with Chikkanna and R. Raghu’s chemistry standing out, though the narrative could have been tighter for a more impactful experience.” [9] A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express said, “Forest is a fun ride with comedy, thrills, and supernatural twists, keeping viewers hooked with lively characters, though parts feel predictable.” [10] Y. Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror noted, “Set in a dense forest, Forest delivers solid entertainment with humor and supernatural vibes, making it enjoyable despite small flaws.” [11] Shashiprasad S. M. of Times Now added, “Forest offers endless fun and laughs in a supernatural jungle setting, with strong performances making it a hit with audiences.” [12] In contrast, India Today’s Sanjay Ponnappa was critical, stating, “Forest aims for laughs but ends up disappointing, with a weak script and poor execution overshadowing its supernatural premise.” [13]

References

  1. "Chandramohan's multistarrer titled 'Forest'". The New Indian Express. 17 April 2024. Archived from the original on 20 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  2. "Anish, Gurunandan, and Chikkanna unite for a comedy thriller". The New Indian Express. 7 June 2023.
  3. "chandramohan-directional-movie-forest-shooting-to-start-soon-in-forest-locations". AsianetNews.com. 18 April 2024.
  4. "Into the Jungle". BangaloreMirror.com. 20 April 2024.
  5. "Multistarrer Forest sets January 2025 release date". Cinema Express . 4 December 2024. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  6. "A diverse ensemble carries this story of a heist gone wrong in the wilderness". The Times of India. 20 January 2025. Archived from the original on 19 January 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  7. "Chandramohan's multistarrer titled Forest". Cinema Express . 17 April 2024.
  8. "First Song Released from Chikkanna, Rangayana Raghu's Forest". timesnownews.com. 8 July 2024. Archived from the original on 8 July 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
  9. Sridevi, S. "Forest Movie Review". The Times of India . Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  10. Sharadhaa, A. "Forest movie review: A rollercoaster of comedy, thrills, and supernatural intrigue". The New Indian Express . Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  11. Reddy, Y. Maheswara. "Kannada Movie Review: Forest - Out and out entertainer set in a dense forest". Bangalore Mirror . Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  12. Shashiprasad, S. M. "Forest Movie Review: A Jungle Where Trespassers Are Treated to Unlimited Fun and Comedy". Times Now . Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  13. Ponnappa, Sanjay. "Forest Review: This Kannada supernatural film promises laughs, delivers disappointment". India Today . Retrieved 8 June 2025.