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>Fad Ariff
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m refined page and fixed typos for accuracy
 
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{{EngvarB|date=February 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
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| image          = Chingari.jpeg
| image          = Chingari.jpeg
| alt            = <!-- see WP:ALT -->
| alt            = <!-- see WP:ALT -->
| caption        = Theatrical release poster  
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[Harsha (director)|Harsha]]
| director      = [[Harsha (director)|A. Harsha]]
| producer      = B. Mahadevu
| producer      = B. Mahadevu
| writer        = Yoganand Muddan (dialogues)<br/>A. Harsha
| writer        = A. Harsha
| starring      = [[Darshan (actor)|Darshan]]<br/>Deepika Kamaiah<br/>[[Bhavana (Kannada actress)|Bhavana Ramanna]]<br/>Srujan Lokesh<br/>YashasSuryaa
| starring      = [[Darshan (Kannada actor)|Darshan]]<br/>[[Deepika Kamaiah]]<br/>[[Bhavana (Kannada actress)|Bhavana]]<br/>[[Srujan Lokesh]]<br/>[[Yashas Surya]]
  <br/> Madhu Guruswamy
  <br/> [[Madhu Guruswamy]]
| music          = [[V. Harikrishna]]
| music          = [[V. Harikrishna]]
| cinematography = H. C. Venu
| cinematography = [[H. C. Venu]]
| editing        = Deepu. S. Kumar
| editing        = Deepu S. Kumar
| studio        = Mahashaila Cine Sankula
| studio        = Mahashaila Cine Sankula
| distributor    = Samarth Ventures
| distributor    = Samarth Ventures
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|2012|02|3}}<ref>{{cite web |title= Uppi first Darshan next! | url= http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/76947.html |date= 20 January 2012 }}</ref>
| released      = {{Film date|df=y|2012|02|03|ref1=<ref>{{cite web |title= Uppi first Darshan next! | url= http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/76947.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120128113352/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/76947.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= 28 January 2012 |date= 20 January 2012 }}</ref>}}
| runtime        = 163 minutes
| runtime        = 163 minutes
| country        = [[India]]
| country        = [[India]]
| language      = [[Kannada]]
| language      = Kannada
| budget        = {{INRConvert|8.5|c}}<ref>{{cite web |title= Chingari hits in 175 Screens |url= http://www.supergoodmovies.com/38581/sandalwood/chingari-sabse-badke-hits-in-205-screens-news-details |publisher= Supergoodmovies |date= 3 February 2012 |access-date= 22 June 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130627004329/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/38581/sandalwood/chingari-sabse-badke-hits-in-205-screens-news-details |archive-date= 27 June 2013 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Chingari RS. 8 crore film 2 crore TV rights audio on Jan 2 |url= http://www.chitratara.com/show-content.php?id=3314&ptype=News&title=%91CHINGARI%92%20RS.8%20CRORE%20FILM%202%20CRORE%20TV%20RIGHTS%20AUDIO%20ON%20JAN%202 |publisher= Chitratara |date= 23 November 2012}}</ref>
| budget        = ₹7 crore <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/sandalwood-progress-report-of-first-half-of-2012-485642.html|title=Sandalwood progress report of first half of 2012|work=[[News18 India]]|date=3 July 2012}}</ref>
| gross          =
| gross          = ₹12 crore <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2012/dec/22/sandalwood-hits-and-misses-of-2012-436213.html|title=Sandalwood: Hits and misses of 2012|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=22 December 2012}}</ref>
}}  
}}
'''''Chingari''''', alternatively spelled as '''''Chingaari''''', is a 2012 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[action thriller film]] starring [[Darshan (actor)|Darshan]], [[Bhavana (actress)|Bhavana Ramanna]] and [[Deepika Kamaiah]] in the lead roles. The film is directed by [[Harsha (director)|A. Harsha]] and the music is composed by [[V. Harikrishna]]. It is also dubbed into Hindi as ''Chingaara''.<ref>{{cite web
'''''Chingari''''', alternatively spelled as '''''Chingaari''''', is a 2012 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[action thriller film]] written and directed by [[Harsha (director)|A. Harsha]]. The film stars [[Darshan (Kannada actor)|Darshan]], [[Bhavana (Kannada actress)|Bhavana]] and [[Deepika Kamaiah]] in the lead roles. The soundtrack is composed by [[V. Harikrishna]].  It is an adaptation of the 2008 film ''[[Taken (film)|Taken]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Bypassing-copycats-Sandalwood-style/articleshow/21434657.cms|title=Bypassing copycats, Sandalwood style|website=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref> The film is also dubbed into Hindi as ''Chingaara''.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2011/11/20/chingaari-release-on-january-27
|url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2011/11/20/chingaari-release-on-january-27
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120302131527/http://www.chitraloka.com/2011/11/20/chingaari-release-on-january-27
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120302131527/http://www.chitraloka.com/2011/11/20/chingaari-release-on-january-27
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| date = 20 November 2011  
| date = 20 November 2011  
| access-date = 8 February 2013
| access-date = 8 February 2013
}}</ref> B. Mahadevu produced the film with a budget of {{INRConvert|8.5|c}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/38581/sandalwood/chingari-sabse-badke-hits-in-175-screens-news-details |title=Chingari Sabse Badke... Hits in 175 Screens |publisher=Supergoodmovies.com |date=3 February 2012 |access-date=8 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509052018/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/38581/sandalwood/chingari-sabse-badke-hits-in-175-screens-news-details |archive-date=9 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitratara.com/show-content.php?id=3314&ptype=News&title=%91CHINGARI%92%20RS.8%20CRORE%20FILM%202%20CRORE%20TV%20RIGHTS%20AUDIO%20ON%20JAN%202 |title='CHINGARI' RS.8 CRORE FILM 2 CRORE TV RIGHTS AUDIO ON JAN 2 |publisher=Chitratara.com |access-date=8 February 2013}}</ref> The film was reported to be inspired by the 2008 [[Cinema of France|French]]-[[Hollywood film|American]] film, ''[[Taken (film)|Taken]]'' <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-review-chingari-is-interesting-443813.html|title=Kannada Review: 'Chingari' is interesting|website=News18}}</ref> as well as the 2007 American film ''[[Trade (film)|Trade]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Bypassing-copycats-Sandalwood-style/articleshow/21434657.cms|title=Bypassing copycats, Sandalwood style|website=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref>
}}</ref>
 
==Plot==
Dhanush is a [[Criminal Investigation Department (India)|CCB]] officer who attempts to rebuild his relationship with Geetha, who hates him due to a misunderstanding about her brother Vishwa's death without knowing that Vishwa was a drug addict. While overseeing security at a meeting for business tycoon Vineesh Malhotra, Dhanush and his team saves him from attackers, where Vineesh gives his phone number out of gratitude and tells him to ask for his help anytime. Dhanush learns that Geetha has flown to [[Switzerland]] with her friend Amrutha. Upon arriving at Switzerland, Geetha and Amrutha meet a handsome young stranger named Aravind who offers to share a taxi. Geetha and Amrutha go to Amrutha's cousins' apartment. After relucantly answering a call from Dhanush, Geetha sees men enter the apartment and abduct Amrutha.


== Synopsis ==
When Geetha is dragged out from hiding, she yells a description of her abductor, following Dhanush's instructions. Dhanush hears someone breathing on the phone and tells the listener that he will not pursue the kidnappers if they release his girlfriend, but warns them that refusing to accept his offer will result in their deaths. The listener only replies "good luck" and terminates the call. Srujan, Dhanush's colleague, deduces that the kidnappers are part of a sex trafficking ring and identifies the listener as mob boss Marko. Based on previous abductions, Geetha and Amrutha must be found within 96&nbsp;hours or they will likely be lost forever. With the help of Vineesh, Dhanush flies to Switzerland, where he breaks into the apartment and finds Aravind's reflection in a picture on Amrutha's phone.
The movie revolves around a Super cop C.C.B. officer, Dhanush (Darshan), as he sets out to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend in [[Switzerland]] who is about to be sold into [[Human trafficking|prostitution]].
 
Dhanush finds Aravind at the airport, trying to lure a female traveler. Dhanush gives chase in a stolen taxi. While fleeing, Aravind is suddenly killed by an oncoming truck. With his only lead dead, Dhanush turns to an old contact Yashas Surya, who is an officer in [[Law enforcement in Switzerland|Swiss Police Department]]. Yashas warns him not to get involved, but informs him of the local [[red-light district]] where Dhanush plants a listening device on a pimp. Dhanush searches a makeshift brothel in a construction yard and rescues a drugged young woman who has Geetha's jacket. After a gunfight and high-speed chase with the brothel's operators, Dhanush takes the woman to a hotel and improvises her detoxification. The next morning, the woman tells Dhanush about a house where she and Geetha were kept.
 
Posing as Yashas, Dhanush enters the house under the pretense of renegotiating the police protection rate. When Dhanush identifies Marko by tricking him into saying "good luck," the meeting erupts into a fight which results in the deaths of several gangsters. Searching the house, Dhanush finds several heavily drugged girls, including Amrutha, who died due to overdose. Dhanush then [[Parrilla (torture)|tortures Marko with electricity]], forcing him to confess that virgins like Geetha are quickly sold on the black market. Marko identifies the buyer as crime syndicate leader Bobby who is currently in President Palace. Dhanush leaves Marko to die from continuous electrocution and infiltrates a secret sex slave auction with his translator.
 
Dhanush finds that Geetha is the subject of the last sale, where he forces one of the bidders to purchase her, but is subsequently caught and knocked out. Learning about Dhanush's identity from Yashas (who is also involved in the trade), Bobby orders his henchmen to kill him, but the translator (who is also revealed to be a cop) helps Dhanush in killing Yashas and the henchman. Bobby reveals that Geetha was taken to a helipad before getting killed by the translator. Dhanush pursues the helipad and eliminates the bodyguards, where he finally finds Geetha, who later realizes her misunderstanding and reunites with Dhanush. In the aftermath, Dhanush and Geetha invites the translator to arrive and meet them at India as they greet her before leaving.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
* [[Darshan (actor)|Darshan]] as Dhanush
{{Cast listing|
* [[Darshan (Kannada actor)|Darshan]] as Dhanush
* [[Deepika Kamaiah]] as Geetha
* [[Deepika Kamaiah]] as Geetha
* [[Bhavana (Kannada actress)|Bhavana Ramanna]]
* [[Bhavana (Kannada actress)|Bhavana]] as a translator
* [[Srujan Lokesh]]
* [[Srujan Lokesh]] as Srujan
* Yashas Surya
* [[Yashas Surya]] as Yashas Surya
* Vera Prunn
* Vera Prunn
* Richard Cobill (actor) as Jamshem
* Richard Cobill as Jamshem
* [[Madhu Guruswamy]] as Vineesh Malhotra
* [[Madhu Guruswamy]] as Vineesh Malhotra
* Teju as Aishu<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/teju-lands-lead-role-in-mumbai/articleshow/56741591.cms|title=Teju lands lead role in 'Mumbai'|work=[[Bangalore Mirror]]}}</ref>
}}


==Release==
==Release==
The movie got released in over 180+ theaters on 3 February 2012.<ref>{{cite web
''Chingaari'' was released over more than 180 theaters on 3 February 2012, where it collected about {{INRConvert|10|m}} in its first day.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/03/chingari-darshans-biggest-multiplex-release/
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/03/chingari-darshans-biggest-multiplex-release/
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322225606/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/03/chingari-darshans-biggest-multiplex-release/
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322225606/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/03/chingari-darshans-biggest-multiplex-release/
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| publisher = chitraloka.com  
| publisher = chitraloka.com  
| access-date = 8 February 2013
| access-date = 8 February 2013
}}</ref> Chingaari collected about {{INRConvert|10|m}} gross in its first day,<ref>{{cite web
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/component/content/article/17-exclusive/577-chingaari-collects-two-crores-on-day-one.html  
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/component/content/article/17-exclusive/577-chingaari-collects-two-crores-on-day-one.html  
| title = Chingaari Collected Two Crores on Day One
| title = Chingaari Collected Two Crores on Day One  
| publisher = chitraloka.com  
| publisher = chitraloka.com  
| access-date = 8 February 2013
| access-date = 8 February 2013  
}}</ref> Chingari also released in some of the Bangalore theaters which were screening only non-Kannada films with a great success. The movie broadcasts in the suvarna Kannada on the occasion of May day 2013.<ref>{{cite web
| archive-date = 4 March 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193453/http://www.chitraloka.com/component/content/article/17-exclusive/577-chingaari-collects-two-crores-on-day-one.html
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> The film was also released in some of the Bangalore theaters which were screening only non-Kannada films with a great success.
 
=== Home media ===
The satellite and digital rights were acquired by [[Star Suvarna]] and [[Disney+ Hotstar]].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/06/chingaari-in-majority-of-non-kannada-theatres
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/06/chingaari-in-majority-of-non-kannada-theatres
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120311014854/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/06/chingaari-in-majority-of-non-kannada-theatres
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120311014854/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/06/chingaari-in-majority-of-non-kannada-theatres
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| lyrics1 = [[Kaviraj (Lyricist)|Kaviraj]]
| lyrics1 = [[Kaviraj (Lyricist)|Kaviraj]]
| extra1        = [[Kailash Kher]]
| extra1        = [[Kailash Kher]]
| length1      =  
| length1      = 4:15
| title2        = Gamanava
| title2        = Gamanava
| lyrics2 = [[Jayanth Kaikini]]
| lyrics2 = [[Jayanth Kaikini]]
| extra2        = [[Javed Ali]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]]
| extra2        = [[Javed Ali]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]]
| length2      =  
| length2      = 4:18
| title3        = Kai Kaiyya
| title3        = Kai Kaiyya
| lyrics3      = [[Yogaraj Bhat]]
| lyrics3      = [[Yogaraj Bhat]]
| extra3 = [[V. Harikrishna]]
| extra3 = [[V. Harikrishna]]
| length3      =  
| length3      = 3:36
| title4        = Nee Midiyuve
| title4        = Nee Midiyuve
| extra4        = Soumya Mahadevan
| extra4        = Soumya Mahadevan
| lyrics4 = [[Kaviraj (Lyricist)|Kaviraj]]
| lyrics4 = [[Kaviraj (Lyricist)|Kaviraj]]
| length4      =  
| length4      = 3:56
| title5        = Chingari Theme
| title5        = Chingari Theme
| extra5        = Instrumental
| extra5        = Instrumental
| lyrics5 =  
| lyrics5 =  
| length5      =  
| length5      = 1:45
}}
}}
{{Album ratings
<!--DO NOT ADD UNNOTABLE SITES LIKE IDLEBRAIN, GREATANDHRA, NOWRUNNING AND SUPERGOODMOVIES IN THE TABLE.-->
| rev1 =[[Times of India]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}
| rev2 =[[CNN-IBN]]
| rev2Score ={{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=cibn>{{cite web |title= Kannada Review: Darshan's 'Chingari' is interesting |url= http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kannada-review-chingari-in-interesting/227409-62.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140306155617/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kannada-review-chingari-in-interesting/227409-62.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 6 March 2014 |publisher= IBN live |date= 7 February 2012}}</ref>
| rev3 =[[Rediff]]
| rev3Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=rediffreview>{{cite web |title= Review: Chingari is quite racy |url= http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-chingari-is-racy/20120203.htm |publisher= Rediff Movies |date= 3 February 2012}}</ref>
| rev4 =[[Bangalore Mirror]]
| rev4Score = {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|title= Chingari: Taken for granted|url= http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/76/2012020320120203193150626dd9142ed/iChingarii-Taken-for-granted.html|work= Bangalore Mirror|date= 3 February 2012|access-date= 3 February 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120207114046/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/76/2012020320120203193150626dd9142ed/iChingarii-Taken-for-granted.html|archive-date= 7 February 2012|url-status= dead}}</ref>
||}}


The audio release function of Chingaari is directed by dance director turned director [[Harsha.A (Director/Choreographer)|Harsha.A]]. Sudeep made the audio release on 2 January 2012. [[V. Harikrishna]] has composed 5 songs set to the lyrics of Kaviraj, [[Yogaraj Bhat]] and [[Jayanth Kaikini]]<ref>{{cite web
The audio release function was directed by A. Harsha. [[Sudeepa]] made the audio release on 2 January 2012. [[V. Harikrishna]] has composed 5 songs set to the lyrics of Kaviraj, [[Yogaraj Bhat]] and [[Jayanth Kaikini]].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/01/03/chingaari-audio-released/
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/01/03/chingaari-audio-released/
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120108072343/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/01/03/chingaari-audio-released/
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120108072343/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/01/03/chingaari-audio-released/
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Reception==
== Reception ==
=== Critical response ===
Srikanth Srinivasa from ''[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]'' gave 3/5 stars and wrote "The movie is quite racy and finishes quickly, leaving us little time to get bored. However, its portrayal of a serious issue such as human trafficking and flesh trade is superficial".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-chingari-is-racy/20120203.htm|title=Review: Chingari is quite racy|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=3 February 2012}}</ref> ''[[News18 India|News18]]'' gave 3/5 stars and wrote "''Chingari'' is a well-made film with rich production values and top rated technical work".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-review-chingari-is-interesting-443813.html|title=Kannada Review: 'Chingari' is interesting|work=[[News18 India]]|date=5 February 2012}}</ref> ''[[Bangalore Mirror]]'' gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Chingari is not even a non-brainy entertainer. A screenplay that takes obvious shortcuts to take the story forward kills the joy of the standard this film sets in terms of technical brilliance".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/chingari-taken-for-granted/articleshow/21430682.cms|title=Chingari: Taken for granted|work=[[Bangalore Mirror]]|date=3 February 2012}}</ref> B. S. Srivani from ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' wrote "This Chingari sputters out (for Darshan's mass fans) after a brief brilliance".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/content/224354/chingari.html|title=Chingari|work=[[Deccan Herald]]|date=3 February 2012}}</ref>


[[Rediff]] gave 3 stars for the movie and appreciated Venu's camerawork, and also appreciated Darshan and Deepika Kamaiah performance.<ref name=rediffreview /> [[CNN IBN]] gave it 3 stars and said, "Darshan impresses with his stylish looks, comical acts and breathtaking action sequences. He dominates the entire film with his superb screen presence."<ref name=cibn />
===Box office===
 
The film grossed {{INR}}6 crore according to the distributor. The distributor's share would be about {{INR}}5 crore in the first week of its release. The film completed 50 days in 10 theatres.<ref>{{cite web
==Box office==
Its first week gross collections crossed {{INR}} 60.7&nbsp;million, according to the distributor Prasad. The distributor’s share would be about {{INR}} 50&nbsp;million in the first week of its release. It completed 50 days in 10 theatres.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/10/samarth-ventures-happy-about-chingaari  
| url = http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/10/samarth-ventures-happy-about-chingaari  
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120318151546/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/10/samarth-ventures-happy-about-chingaari  
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120318151546/http://www.chitraloka.com/2012/02/10/samarth-ventures-happy-about-chingaari  
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| publisher = chitraloka.com  
| publisher = chitraloka.com  
| access-date = 8 February 2013
| access-date = 8 February 2013
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
}}</ref>
| author = Ramchander
| url = http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/darshan-chingari-upendra-arakshaka-100212.html
| title = Darshan starrer Chingari overpowers Upendra's Arakshaka – Oneindia Entertainment
| publisher = Entertainment.oneindia.in
| date = 10 February 2012
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.chitratara.com/show-content.php?id=3560&ptype=News&title=CHINGARI%20PRODUCER%20DEEP%20ANGUISH%20ON%20DARSHAN
| title = Chingari Producer Deep Anguish On Darshan!
| publisher = Chitratara.com
| date = 3 March 2012
| access-date = 8 February 2013
}}</ref><ref>[http://www.bangalorewishesh.com/business/movie/25995-anna-bond-is-not-worried.html?start=20 "Anna Bond is not worried"]. ''bangalorewishesh.com''.</ref>


==References==
==References==
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* {{IMDb title|3058830|Chingari}}
* {{IMDb title|3058830|Chingari}}
{{Harsha (director)}}
{{Harsha (director)}}
[[Category:2012 films]]
[[Category:2012 films]]
[[Category:2010s Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:2012 Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2012 Indian films]]
[[Category:2012 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2012 action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films scored by V. Harikrishna]]
[[Category:Films scored by V. Harikrishna]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Films directed by Harsha]]
[[Category:Films directed by Harsha]]

Latest revision as of 02:52, 4 March 2026

Chingari
Theatrical release poster
Directed byA. Harsha
Produced byB. Mahadevu
Written byA. Harsha
StarringDarshan
Deepika Kamaiah
Bhavana
Srujan Lokesh
Yashas Surya
Madhu Guruswamy
Music byV. Harikrishna
CinematographyH. C. Venu
Edited byDeepu S. Kumar
Production
company
Mahashaila Cine Sankula
Distributed bySamarth Ventures
Release date
  • 3 February 2012 (2012-02-03)[1]
Running time
163 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada
Budget₹7 crore [2]
Box office₹12 crore [3]

Chingari, alternatively spelled as Chingaari, is a 2012 Indian Kannada-language action thriller film written and directed by A. Harsha. The film stars Darshan, Bhavana and Deepika Kamaiah in the lead roles. The soundtrack is composed by V. Harikrishna. It is an adaptation of the 2008 film Taken.[4] The film is also dubbed into Hindi as Chingaara.[5]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Dhanush is a CCB officer who attempts to rebuild his relationship with Geetha, who hates him due to a misunderstanding about her brother Vishwa's death without knowing that Vishwa was a drug addict. While overseeing security at a meeting for business tycoon Vineesh Malhotra, Dhanush and his team saves him from attackers, where Vineesh gives his phone number out of gratitude and tells him to ask for his help anytime. Dhanush learns that Geetha has flown to Switzerland with her friend Amrutha. Upon arriving at Switzerland, Geetha and Amrutha meet a handsome young stranger named Aravind who offers to share a taxi. Geetha and Amrutha go to Amrutha's cousins' apartment. After relucantly answering a call from Dhanush, Geetha sees men enter the apartment and abduct Amrutha.

When Geetha is dragged out from hiding, she yells a description of her abductor, following Dhanush's instructions. Dhanush hears someone breathing on the phone and tells the listener that he will not pursue the kidnappers if they release his girlfriend, but warns them that refusing to accept his offer will result in their deaths. The listener only replies "good luck" and terminates the call. Srujan, Dhanush's colleague, deduces that the kidnappers are part of a sex trafficking ring and identifies the listener as mob boss Marko. Based on previous abductions, Geetha and Amrutha must be found within 96 hours or they will likely be lost forever. With the help of Vineesh, Dhanush flies to Switzerland, where he breaks into the apartment and finds Aravind's reflection in a picture on Amrutha's phone.

Dhanush finds Aravind at the airport, trying to lure a female traveler. Dhanush gives chase in a stolen taxi. While fleeing, Aravind is suddenly killed by an oncoming truck. With his only lead dead, Dhanush turns to an old contact Yashas Surya, who is an officer in Swiss Police Department. Yashas warns him not to get involved, but informs him of the local red-light district where Dhanush plants a listening device on a pimp. Dhanush searches a makeshift brothel in a construction yard and rescues a drugged young woman who has Geetha's jacket. After a gunfight and high-speed chase with the brothel's operators, Dhanush takes the woman to a hotel and improvises her detoxification. The next morning, the woman tells Dhanush about a house where she and Geetha were kept.

Posing as Yashas, Dhanush enters the house under the pretense of renegotiating the police protection rate. When Dhanush identifies Marko by tricking him into saying "good luck," the meeting erupts into a fight which results in the deaths of several gangsters. Searching the house, Dhanush finds several heavily drugged girls, including Amrutha, who died due to overdose. Dhanush then tortures Marko with electricity, forcing him to confess that virgins like Geetha are quickly sold on the black market. Marko identifies the buyer as crime syndicate leader Bobby who is currently in President Palace. Dhanush leaves Marko to die from continuous electrocution and infiltrates a secret sex slave auction with his translator.

Dhanush finds that Geetha is the subject of the last sale, where he forces one of the bidders to purchase her, but is subsequently caught and knocked out. Learning about Dhanush's identity from Yashas (who is also involved in the trade), Bobby orders his henchmen to kill him, but the translator (who is also revealed to be a cop) helps Dhanush in killing Yashas and the henchman. Bobby reveals that Geetha was taken to a helipad before getting killed by the translator. Dhanush pursues the helipad and eliminates the bodyguards, where he finally finds Geetha, who later realizes her misunderstanding and reunites with Dhanush. In the aftermath, Dhanush and Geetha invites the translator to arrive and meet them at India as they greet her before leaving.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Release[edit | edit source]

Chingaari was released over more than 180 theaters on 3 February 2012, where it collected about 10 million (US$140,000) in its first day.[7][8] The film was also released in some of the Bangalore theaters which were screening only non-Kannada films with a great success.

Home media[edit | edit source]

The satellite and digital rights were acquired by Star Suvarna and Disney+ Hotstar.[9]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Chingari
Soundtrack album by
Released2 January 2012 (2012-01-02)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelAshwini Audio
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Baare Baare"KavirajKailash Kher4:15
2."Gamanava"Jayanth KaikiniJaved Ali, Shreya Ghoshal4:18
3."Kai Kaiyya"Yogaraj BhatV. Harikrishna3:36
4."Nee Midiyuve"KavirajSoumya Mahadevan3:56
5."Chingari Theme" Instrumental1:45

The audio release function was directed by A. Harsha. Sudeepa made the audio release on 2 January 2012. V. Harikrishna has composed 5 songs set to the lyrics of Kaviraj, Yogaraj Bhat and Jayanth Kaikini.[10]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Critical response[edit | edit source]

Srikanth Srinivasa from Rediff gave 3/5 stars and wrote "The movie is quite racy and finishes quickly, leaving us little time to get bored. However, its portrayal of a serious issue such as human trafficking and flesh trade is superficial".[11] News18 gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Chingari is a well-made film with rich production values and top rated technical work".[12] Bangalore Mirror gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Chingari is not even a non-brainy entertainer. A screenplay that takes obvious shortcuts to take the story forward kills the joy of the standard this film sets in terms of technical brilliance".[13] B. S. Srivani from Deccan Herald wrote "This Chingari sputters out (for Darshan's mass fans) after a brief brilliance".[14]

Box office[edit | edit source]

The film grossed 6 crore according to the distributor. The distributor's share would be about 5 crore in the first week of its release. The film completed 50 days in 10 theatres.[15]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Uppi first Darshan next!". 20 January 2012. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012.
  2. "Sandalwood progress report of first half of 2012". News18 India. 3 July 2012.
  3. "Sandalwood: Hits and misses of 2012". The New Indian Express. 22 December 2012.
  4. "Bypassing copycats, Sandalwood style". Bangalore Mirror.
  5. "Chingaari Release on January 27". chitraloka.com. 20 November 2011. Archived from the original on 2 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  6. "Teju lands lead role in 'Mumbai'". Bangalore Mirror.
  7. "Chingaari Darshan's Biggest Multiplex Release". chitraloka.com. 3 February 2012. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  8. "Chingaari Collected Two Crores on Day One". chitraloka.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  9. "Chingaari in Majority of Non-Kannada Theatres". chitraloka.com. 11 March 2012. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  10. "Chingaari Audio Released". chitraloka.com. 3 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  11. "Review: Chingari is quite racy". Rediff.com. 3 February 2012.
  12. "Kannada Review: 'Chingari' is interesting". News18 India. 5 February 2012.
  13. "Chingari: Taken for granted". Bangalore Mirror. 3 February 2012.
  14. "Chingari". Deccan Herald. 3 February 2012.
  15. "Samarth Ventures Happy about Chingaari". chitraloka.com. 10 February 2012. Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2013.

External links[edit | edit source]