Kenner

Set against the dazzling backdrop of exotic India, Kenner, directed by famed director Steve Sekely, is a compelling crime drama and adventure movie released in 1968. Famously renowned for his sports accomplishments, Jim Brown makes a leap into the world of cinema, plunging into the leading role with charisma and charm that seldom fail to captivate the audience. He is joined by supporting actors Madlyn Rhue and Robert Coote who further boost the movie's appeal with their stellar performances.

Brown plays the role of Mike Kenner, a brooding mercenary with a past shrouded in mystery who finds himself in Bombay, India. As a man with a chest-full of unresolved past issues and a love for avoiding authority, Kenner exists on the fringes of society, earning his days as a mercenary with no particular affiliation or alliances. His life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a young, orphaned boy named Saji, portrayed by Ricky Cordell. He rescues Saji from a group of thugs, initiating their mutual journey of survival, discovery, and redemption.

As Kenner and Saji form a unique bond that softens Kenner's hardened exterior, the film shifts from an action-showcase to a richer, deeper journey. Like most picturesque Indian cities, Bombay is not just a background; it essentially acts as a character within the movie itself. Its bustling streets and contrasting peaceful rural areas lend the characters a sense of cultural immersion, and an intriguing puzzle to navigate, making the city eminently suitable for the plot's unfolding.

Madlyn Rhue plays Anasuya, a sincere and strong-willed woman with whom Kenner builds an amorous relationship. She complements Kenner's rugged exterior flawlessly, providing him with a semblance of stability amidst the chaos of his world. Robert Coote, on the other hand, portrays Inspector Warwick, a British officer determined to bring Kenner to justice. His relentless pursuit adds a thrilling edge to the story, keeping the audience on their toes.

Throughout the film, we follow Kenner navigating the complex maze of Bombay's underbelly, hustling his way through scrappy scenarios, and engaging in high-octane fist fights ensued by his vibrant personality and dubious professional conduct. Kenner's encounter with the crafty and merciless underworld don, Prem (played by Richard Angarola), as well as his constant run-ins with Inspector Warwick's stubborn lawmen, ignite stormy confrontation sequences, keeping audiences engaged.

However, the movie is so much more than just its action-packed sequences. At its core, Kenner digs into the depth of human bond and redemption. Jim Brown's chemistry with young Ricky Cordell adds a tender layer to the film that reaches beyond the boisterous clatter of beating bad guys and dodging bullets. It radiantly showcases the emotional flux that Kenner undergoes as he learns to value the ties of friendship over his lone-wolf lifestyle. His attachment with Anasuya and his evolving relationship with Saji create multi-faceted dimensions to his character.

Moreover, Kenner's packaging is as intriguing as its stimulating narrative. The cinematography beautifully captures the varied hues of India, from bustling street markets to serene temples, from chaotic chases through narrow alleys to the tranquility of river ghats. High-contrast scenes and noir-esque shadows only add to the movie's visual appeal. Also noteworthy is the movie's music, a symphonic fusion of Western orchestration and ethnic Indian music that provide a rhythm to Kenner's adventures.

Despite being set in an unfamiliar and vastly cultural country, the film never stereotypes or dilutes the country's cultural essence. Instead, it beautifully integrates the culture as an essential part of the narrative, making the film impressively authentic.

Kenner is an exciting blend of heart-stopping action, a tender exploration of relationships, and a breathtaking spectacle of varied Indian culture, highlighted by Jim Brown's dynamic performance. The movie doesn't just cater to action-thrill enthusiasts but also those craving a human story. With its engaging plot and high-voltage drama, Kenner undeniably provides a remarkable viewing experience.