Starring: 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
Cinematographer: Nimish Ravi
Editors: Shyam
Release Date : August 24, 2023
Dulquer Salmaan’s prominence in Telugu cinema is undeniable, and he returns with a fresh offering titled “King of Kotha,” which hit theaters today. Read our review to find out if the film has any juice in it or not.
Plot
“King Of Kotha” revolves around the intimate camaraderie shared between Raju (Dulquer Salman) and Kannan (Shabeer Kallarakkal), two individuals whose gradual ascent in the mafia ranks of the fictional village of Kotha serves as the crux of the narrative. The film probes into the contrasting paths their bond takes and the eventual divergence that befalls them.
Performances
Dulquer Salman dons the role of Raju, a subdued gangster with a broad age spectrum, effortlessly. He maintains a composed demeanor, punctuated by sporadic emotional instances. His performance is praiseworthy and the one in the climax is superb. Aishwarya Lekshmi’s role, distinct from the conventional heroine, revolves around being the love interest of the protagonist. She plays a pivotal role in steering the storyline, yet her character’s scope doesn’t fully explore her acting capabilities. Shabeer Kallarakkal stands out beyond being the film’s face.
What’s Good
Dulquer Salmaan’s performance
Background score
Network
What’s bad
Slow pace
Lack of novelty
Runtime
Dragged climax
Analysis
The craftsmanship invested in the film is palpable from the outset. Shifting to the storyline, it unfolds as a bustling saga interwoven with multiple subplots. The meticulously designed sets, period-specific ambiance, and captivating visuals together seize the audience’s attention. The actors contribute substantially, compensating for predictable narrative beats and infusing depth into their characters.
Director Abhilash Joshiy steers “King Of Kotha,” positioning it within the gangster drama genre infused with suspenseful elements. The film’s meticulous attention to historical context and intricate details is a testament to the director’s commitment. While the pace mirrors that of the first half, now entwined with a vengeance-driven theme, the absence of novelty is apparent.
The musical score is a joint effort by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman. Jakes Bejoy also crafts the background score, which radiates contemporary vibes, elevating the film. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography adeptly captures the essence of the 1990s, supported by impeccable production design. One of the biggest villains of the film is the pace and the editing department needs to be blamed big time.
Despite an initial surge, the narrative swiftly goes down in the second half. The climax is a letdown. One needs to have loads of time and patience to enjoy this film. The intricately crafted world and diverse cast maintain a captivating ambiance, although the deliberate pacing might perturb some viewers. But for the rest, King of Kotha is a slow and routine gangster drama narrated at a very slow pace.
Bottom Line – Too slow to digest
2/5
