Inspector Vikram (1989 film)

Inspector Vikram is a 1989 Indian Kannada-language comedy thriller film directed and filmed by Dinesh Baboo, written by Chi. Udaya Shankar and produced by Raghavendra Rajkumar under the banner of Nikhileshwari Cine Combines.The film stars Shivarajkumar in the title role with Kavya, Chi Guru Dutt, Aparna and K. S. Ashwath in other supporting roles. It revolves around an undisciplined, but intelligent police inspector, Vikram. It is regarded as the first Kannada film of the comedy thriller genre and the first cop-comedy movie of Kannada cinema.

Inspector Vikram was the second film produced by Raghavendra Rajkumar under the production banner, Nikhileshwari Cine Combines. after Shruthi Seridaaga. It was distributed by Parvathamma Rajkumar's Vajreshwari Combines. The film marks the first collaboration between scriptwriter Chi. Udaya Shankar and Shivarajkumar and also the first collaboration between Dinesh Baboo and Shivarajkumar. It was predominantly shot in Bangalore (now Bengaluru). The film features original songs composed by Vijay Anand. The editing of the film was done by P. Bhakthavatsalam.

Inspector Vikram was released on 25 May 1989. It was an average grosser at the box office at the time of release, but has over the years accumulated a cult following. The film has been praised for incorporating an element of recklessness and humor to the cop role, as by then cop roles where portrayed in a serious tone. A spiritual successor of the same name was released in 2021. The core plot was loosely based on the 1983 American movie Eddie Macon's Run. Shiva Rajkumar is set to reprise the character of Inspector Vikram in IV - Returns.