Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Dancing Rose Shabeer, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Anika Surendran, Chemban Vinod, Gokul Suresh, Shanthi Krishna
Director: Abhilash Joshiy
Producers: Wayfarer Films & Zee Studios
Music Directors: Jakes Bejoy, Shaan Rahman
“Dulquer Salmaan’s star has transcended boundaries with recent films, and his latest venture, King Of Kotha, adds to his diverse portfolio. Directed by Abhilash Joshiy, the film also features Dancing Rose Shabeer, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Anika Surendran, and Chemban Vinod in pivotal roles. With its recent release, let’s delve into how it fares.”
Story:
“King Of Kotha centers around Khanna Bhai (Dancing Rose Shabeer), a formidable drug lord ruling over Kotha town. Despite efforts, C.I. Shahul Haasan (Prasanna) fails to dismantle the drug empire. The narrative unveils that Kotha was once under the sway of Raju (Dulquer Salmaan), who shared a close bond with Khanna Bhai. However, circumstances led to a bitter fallout between Raju and Khanna Bhai. The film unravels the reasons behind their separation and Shahul’s subsequent actions.”
Positives:
“The film undeniably belongs to Dulquer Salmaan, who seamlessly breathes life into the character of Raju. His portrayal as a resolute force against the drug trade is laudable, and he navigates action sequences with finesse. Dancing Rose (Shabeer Kallarakkal) delivers a compelling performance as a gangster, adding layers to the story. Chemban Vinod’s quirky English diction offers comedic relief, and Jakes Bejoy’s background score enhances the film’s impact.”
Negatives:
“However, King Of Kotha falls short in terms of its narrative and storyline, straying from the expectations associated with a Dulquer Salmaan film. The gangster drama unfolds predictably and at a sluggish pace, testing the audience’s patience. The editing neglects to trim extended sequences, contributing to the film’s lethargic rhythm. Moreover, the climax feels unnecessarily prolonged.”
“The film lacks depth in characters other than Dulquer, Dancing Rose, and Chemban Vinod. Despite evident production efforts, the writing emerges as a weak link.”
Technical Aspects:
“The musical compositions by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman are serviceable, with Jakes Bejoy’s background score standing out. The film’s period backdrop is well-captured by the art direction team, authentically recreating the bygone era. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography is outstanding, capturing the film’s essence effectively. Nonetheless, the editing could have been more judicious, given the film’s runtime.”
Director’s Approach:
“Director Abhilash Joishy’s direction is found lacking, particularly in light of the conventional storyline. The opportunity for creative narrative choices within the routine narrative is missed, resulting in lackluster execution. A tighter grip on the pacing would have enhanced the overall experience. While strong performances make an impact, they are insufficient to salvage a film with weak writing.”
Verdict:
“In conclusion, King Of Kotha disappoints as a protracted and uninspiring gangster drama. Dulquer Salmaan’s charisma and Dancing Rose’s dedication make an impression, yet the film’s formulaic plot and plodding tempo hinder its potential. King Of Kotha falls short as a captivating choice for this weekend’s watch.”
