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8MM Bullet
8MM Bullet
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8MM Bullet
Directed byHarikrishna
Written bySri Ganesh
Based on8 Thottakkal
by Sri Ganesh
Produced byNarayan Babu
StarringVasishta N. Simha
Mayuri Kyatari
CinematographyAntony R. Vincent
Edited bySuresh Armugam
Music byJudah Sandhy
Release date
  • 16 November 2018 (2018-11-16)
Running time
146 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

8MM Bullet is a 2018 Kannada language crime thriller film directed by Harikrishna. It stars Vasishta N. Simha and Mayuri Kyatari. The film was a remake of Tamil film 8 Thottakkal (2017) which itself was loosely inspired by the 1949 Japanese movie Stray Dog.[1][2]

Plot

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An orphaned Karthik gets framed by the employer for the murder of his wife and is sent to juvenile prison. He befriends the warden, who helps him become an SI.

Karthik remembers his warden's words to be honest in his profession. Unlike the other police at his station, he refuses to be involved in bribes and is made an outcast. One day, Karthik helps a writer who is beaten by his corrupt Inspector Devaraj. Due to ego issues, Devaraj plans to shame Karthik by arranging him to shadow a dangerous gangster. While shadowing the gangster, he loses his gun, fully loaded with 8 bullets. Devaraj gives him a day to find his lost gun or face disciplinary consequences. With the help of a reporter friend Smitha, Karthik nabs the boy who pickpocketed his gun, but the boy has sold the gun to a dealer. The dealer tells that he had sold the gun to a middle-aged man. The man attempts a bank robbery along with two accomplices, and in the process, he accidentally shoots and kills a little girl. Smitha, in danger of losing her job tells her superiors about the case, it goes viral, due to which Karthik is suspended from duty.

Karthik hides from the police as he will be arrested, and is tracked down by Pandian, the new handler of the case, Pandian motivates Karthik to retrieve his lost gun and joins him in his search. Meanwhile, one of the robbers tries to buy his girlfriend a necklace for her birthday and takes all the fresh notes available, despite the boss's opposition. In the jewelry shop, he is exposed as the police kept track of the serial number of the fresh notes. He escapes the arrest and goes to get his share. After a confrontation with the boss, he tries to steal all the money and the leader shoots and kills him. The remaining two dispose of the body. The second robber fearing he also will be shot dead by the boss, contacts the police. When the police attempt to arrest the boss with a ploy, the boss shoots and kills the second robber and made sure there is no one left to connect him with the robber.

Karthik meets an old police man, Srinivas Murthy, who was suspended for letting a naxalite slip away as a constable. It turns out that Devaraj accepted a bribe from the naxalite and had helped him escape, but this has already ruined Murthy's profession. Karthik talks to Murthy about life and how things have changed. After this, Murthy sees the man who sold him the gun and leaves. Murthy kills him with the same gun when he follows Murthy to an isolated road. Murthy is actually the leader of the robbery, and he kills the officer who didn't sanction his Provident Fund. Karthik, looking for clues in the murder, finds Murthy's application sanctioned and goes to his house to give it to him. However, Murthy's son tells him that the application got sanctioned earlier, and Murthy gave the money to the family, by connecting the murder of the guy who sold the gun and Murthy's son's statement, Karthik figures out that Murthy is the robber.

Meanwhile, Murthy follows Devaraj to a bank and attempts another robbery and kills him, after which he throws the money on the street. When Murthy returns home, he finds out that the police have surrounded him. Pandian takes Murthy's grandson hostage. Pandian, with his gun on Murthy's grandsons head, slips, and a shot is fired. In shock, Murthy shoots and kills Pandian, but realize that Pandian's shot had missed and did not hit Murthy's grandson. Murthy grabs the gun and tells Karthik to shoot him. He explains that he did not revealed his cancer to his family, because he heard the family speaking about why God didn't take him instead of his wife. After hearing this, He robbed the bank for them and wanted to live his last days like a king. Murthy tells that he did not mean to shoot that child and felt guilty. Murthy grabs Karthik's hands, puts the gun to his forehead and says he doesn't want to put the family in shame by going to prison then shoots himself dead with the last bullet when Karthik hesitates.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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The soundtrack was composed by Judah Sandhy.[3]

  • "Haniye Haniye" - Judah Sandhy, Shreya Sundar
  • "Duniya" - Anthony Daasan
  • "Jagava Ghora" - Vasishta Simha, Narayan Sharma
  • "Title Track" - Judah Sandhy
  • "Ardha Chandra" - Abhinandan Mahshale, Supriya Lohith

Critical reception

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Times of India gave 3.5 stars stating, "If cinema noir is your type and you enjoy narratives that try to break the stereotypes, 8MM Bullet is well up your alley."[4] Bangalore Mirror wrote "There are not many flaws in the film except for the unwanted songs, [..] But otherwise, 8MM Bullet is an engaging crime thriller that shows Jaggesh in a never-before-role".[1]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The 8mm bullet refers to the component of the cartridge, a rimless, bottlenecked round renowned for its heritage and ballistic performance. Developed in by the German Rifle Testing Commission at as the M/88 cartridge, it originally featured a .318-inch (8.08 mm) bullet weighing 225 grains with a round-nose profile, propelled to approximately 2,000 feet per second (fps) using . In 1894–1895, the barrel groove diameter was increased to .323 inches (8.20 mm) to enhance accuracy and extend barrel life in preparation for future bullet designs, but the bullet remained .318 inches until the 1905 redesign known as the 8×57mm IS (Infanterie Spitzgeschoss) or "spitzer" variant. This updated cartridge utilized a lighter 154-grain pointed spitzer bullet achieving muzzle velocities up to 2,880 fps, making it one of the first military rounds optimized for flat trajectory and long-range effectiveness. During World War I and II, it served as the standard German service cartridge, chambered in iconic rifles like the Gewehr 98 and Karabiner 98k (K98k), as well as machine guns such as the MG42; surplus ammunition from these conflicts often featured a 198-grain bullet at 2,500 fps. Adopted by other nations including Poland, China, and even British forces in the Besa machine gun, the cartridge's influence extended beyond Germany, powering bolt-action rifles in various conflicts from the Spanish-American War onward through related 7×57mm variants. Importantly, early M/88 rifles and some surplus firearms have bores chambered for .318-inch bullets; attempting to fire .323-inch bullets in these can cause excessive pressure and dangerous malfunctions. Always verify bore diameter before loading. As of 2025, the 8mm Mauser remains popular among collectors, hunters, and surplus firearm enthusiasts worldwide, with commercial ammunition produced by manufacturers such as Prvi Partizan and Sellier & Bellot in both .318- and .323-inch variants, though its availability in the United States is somewhat limited compared to cartridges like the .30-06 Springfield due to fewer commercial bullet options. Modern loadings typically range from 150 to 250 grains, with 200-grain projectiles like the Nosler AccuBond (ballistic coefficient of .450) favored for big-game hunting; handloading is common to achieve velocities around 2,500–2,700 fps from rifles with 24-inch barrels. Variants such as the 8mm-06 and .325 WSM continue its legacy in civilian applications, underscoring its enduring reputation as an underrated yet versatile rifle caliber.

Production

Development

The project for 8MM Bullet was launched in September 2017 as a Kannada-language remake of the 2017 Tamil crime thriller 8 Thottakkal. Directed by Harikrishna S., who also wrote the screenplay adaptation from the original story by Sri Ganesh, the film reimagines the narrative of a lost police service pistol and its chain of consequences in an Indian context. Although officially described as inspired by Akira Kurosawa's 1949 film Stray Dog, the storyline and structure closely mirror 8 Thottakkal, with Harikrishna tailoring elements to suit Kannada audiences through urban Bengaluru settings and local policing scenarios. The production was jointly undertaken by Narayan Swamy, Infant Pradeep, and Saleem Shah under the banners of Saanvi Productions and Hari Charan Arts, with a focus on crafting tense action sequences and thriller elements around the central theme of traceability. Dialogues were penned by Ghouse Peer, underscoring motifs of and as the passes through various hands, highlighting societal impacts of unregulated weaponry.

Casting

Vasishta N. Simha was selected for the lead of Karthik, an honest and incorruptible police , marking a shift from his typical antagonistic characters in previous films. His casting aligned with director Harikrishna's vision for a subdued yet intense performance in a positive . Jaggesh was cast as the antagonist Murthi, a complex character responsible for multiple murders, representing a departure from his usual comedic portrayals into a serious negative shade. Harikrishna chose him unanimously for this challenging role, emphasizing a single-take sequence with extensive dialogue to showcase depth. This selection drew on 's versatility, though it avoided his signature humor entirely. Mayuri Kyatari portrayed the female lead, Smitha, serving as Karthik's romantic interest in a prominent role that highlighted her rising presence in . Her character featured limited but pivotal scenes integral to the narrative. Supporting roles included Adi Lokesh as the gangster Blade Babu, adding intensity to criminal elements; Shobhraj as a key inspector figure, delivering a strong performance in authoritative scenes; and in a special appearance as a senior , contributing to pivotal plot moments. The ensemble was assembled to support Harikrishna's emphasis on character authenticity in this crime thriller adaptation.

Filming

Principal photography for 8MM Bullet took place primarily in Bengaluru, , . The film's technical aspects included by Antony R. Vincent, who captured the urban environments central to the story. Editing was handled by Arumugam, with resulting in a final runtime of 146 minutes.

Soundtrack

Composition

The soundtrack for 8MM Bullet was composed by Judah Sandhy, marking his contribution to the film's audio landscape as a Kannada thriller. The composition includes a background score and six original songs designed to enhance the narrative's tension and emotional depth, with the full album released under . Recording for the took place in studios in , where Sandhy produced tracks blending high-energy elements for thriller sequences and melodic segments to provide emotional balance. The songs were crafted to integrate seamlessly with the story, particularly emphasizing electronic beats in action-oriented scenes to heighten pace and excitement. Singers recruited for the project included Shreya Sundar Iyer, who lent her voice to romantic interludes such as "Haniye Haniye"; , delivering powerful performances for intense tracks like "Duniya"; , who featured in a for "Jagave Ghora" alongside Narayan Sharma; and Abhinandan Mahishale and Supriya Lohith for "Ardha Chandra". The background score employs pulsating rhythms to amplify , especially in sequences involving firearms, utilizing synthesizers and percussion to create an immersive, tension-building atmosphere. Director Harikrishna S. provided input to ensure the synced effectively with key plot developments. The complete was released on September 6, 2018, ahead of the film's , helping to generate early buzz among audiences.

Track listing

The soundtrack of 8MM Bullet features six tracks composed by Judah Sandhy. The album has a total runtime of 16:02 minutes.
No.TitleSinger(s)DurationNotes
1Title TrackJudah Sandhy1:40Instrumental-heavy opener setting the thriller tone.
2Haniye HaniyeShreya Sundar Iyer, Judah Sandhy3:05Romantic duet picturized on the leads.
3DuniyaAnthony Daasan3:12High-energy track for the action montage.
4Jagave GhoraVasishta N. Simha, Narayan Sharma3:05Features the hero's introspective moments.
5Ardha ChandraSupriya Lohith, Abhinandan Mahishale3:05Romantic number.
6Theme MusicJudah Sandhy1:13Suspenseful instrumental piece.

Release

Premiere and distribution

The film had its world premiere in theaters across Bengaluru on November 16, 2018. It received a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, permitting unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance for viewers under 12 due to mild violence and thematic elements. The marketing efforts featured the official trailer, released on on November 9, 2018, which highlighted the central plot involving a lost service and garnered attention for the film's status as a of the 2017 Tamil thriller . Promotional posters focused on the "lost gun" , while social media teasers leveraged the remake's buzz to build anticipation among Kannada audiences.

Home media

Following its theatrical release on November 16, 2018, 8MM Bullet transitioned to home media formats for broader accessibility. The world television premiere aired on on March 24, 2019. As of November 2025, the film is available for digital streaming on platforms such as and VI Movies and TV, where viewers can watch the full movie with audio. Select promotional content, including the official trailer and individual songs from the soundtrack, is freely accessible on , while the complete feature remains limited to subscription-based services. For international audiences, particularly the diaspora, the film received a television broadcast on Vasantham TV in on July 6, 2020, as part of the Indian Panorama series.

Reception

Critical response

The critical reception to 8MM Bullet was generally positive among Kannada film reviewers, who appreciated its tense thriller elements and performances while noting some narrative inconsistencies. awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its edgy narrative that holds viewer attention through a linear tale of and a criminal chase, likening it to modern noir thrillers in Tamil and . The review highlighted director Harikrishna's taut handling of chase scenes and suspense, describing the story as novel and subversive compared to typical Kannada crime thrillers. Performances received particular acclaim, with Vasishta N. Simha's restrained portrayal of the honest Karthik noted as sincere and commendable, effectively conveying the character's desperation. Jaggesh's turn as the conniving Murthy was called a treat, marking a departure from his comic roles into . However, the same review criticized the forced romantic subplot, including two extended songs that act as speed breakers in the otherwise pacy narrative, along with an unnecessary commercialized fight sequence. Other regional critiques echoed these sentiments, with Bangalore Mirror pointing out strong action sequences but faulting the second half for being overly long by 15-20 minutes, unwanted songs, average dialogues, and a few predictable twists that dilute the tension. On IMDb, the film holds an average user rating of 6.7 out of 10 based on 97 votes, with reviewers commending the engaging first half's and action choreography while lamenting the weak climax, slower pacing in the latter portions due to superfluous fights and poorly timed songs. Overall, the consensus positioned 8MM Bullet as a decent mass-appeal thriller suitable for fans of genre conventions, bolstered by effective background score that enhances the moody atmosphere despite the soundtrack's integration issues.

Box office

8MM Bullet opened to moderate collections on November 16, 2018, across . Its performance was influenced by competition from other releases like on the same day, positive word-of-mouth among action fans, and limited broader appeal due to its status as a remake of the Tamil 8 . Overseas earnings were negligible. Long-term viability was enhanced by the sale of OTT rights, which provided additional through streaming availability on ZEE5. As of November 2025, the film remains available for streaming on the platform. The positive critical reception, including a 3.5/5 rating from , contributed to audience turnout.

References

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