King of Kotha: Dulquer Salmaan’s cinematic prowess takes a national stage with the latest addition to his repertoire, the gangster action thriller “King of Kotha,” skillfully directed by Abhilash Joshiy. The film, featuring a stellar cast including Dancing Rose Shabeer, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Anika Surendran, and Chemban Vinod, hits the screens today. Let’s explore the film’s essence and deliver the verdict.
Synopsis:
In the town of Kotha, drug lord Khanna Bhai (Dancing Rose Shabeer) reigns supreme. C.I. Shahul Haasan (Prasanna) attempts to dismantle the drug empire, discovering that Raju (Dulquer Salmaan) once ruled Kotha, and Khanna Bhai was his close confidant. Yet, circumstances drove a wedge between Raju and Khanna Bhai. What caused their rift? How does C.I. Shahul Haasan intervene? These questions shape the core of the narrative.
High Points:
Dulquer Salmaan captivates the audience throughout, breathing life into the character of Raju with seamless finesse. His portrayal, showcasing a vigilante’s determination to eradicate the drug underworld, stands out. Salmaan’s versatility shines in the action sequences.
Dancing Rose, aka Shabeer Kallarakkal, delivers a compelling performance as a formidable gangster, with Chemban Vinod’s English diction adding a delightful touch of humor. The background score by Jakes Bejoy significantly elevates the film.
Drawbacks:
Regrettably, the storyline follows a conventional gangster drama trajectory, deviating from the expected uniqueness of a Dulquer Salmaan venture. Despite the commendable efforts of Salmaan and Dancing Rose, the weak storyline diminishes the overall impact.
The narrative unfolds at a sluggish pace, testing the audience’s patience. Editing lapses result in prolonged sequences that could have been trimmed for better pacing. The plot becomes predictably linear, culminating in an unnecessarily protracted climax.
With the exception of Dulquer Salmaan, Dancing Rose, and to some extent, Chemban Vinod, other characters fail to leave a lasting impact. While evident dedication is seen in the film’s production, more meticulous attention to the screenplay was warranted.
Technical Aspects:
The songs by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman are passable, but Jakes Bejoy’s background score stands out, greatly enhancing the viewing experience. The period setting is vividly brought to life by the art direction team, and Nimish Ravi’s cinematography is outstanding. While production values meet expectations, the editing leaves room for improvement.
Director’s Approach:
Abhilash Joishy’s direction falters in injecting freshness into a conventional narrative. Given the familiar plot, more imaginative storytelling was needed, especially in managing the film’s extended runtime. Even exceptional performances struggle to salvage a film with lackluster writing.
Verdict:
“King of Kotha” unfolds as a protracted and less engaging gangster drama. Dulquer Salmaan’s performance remains a highlight, complemented by Dancing Rose. However, the formulaic plot and sluggish pacing work against the film’s favor. Consequently, “King of Kotha” may disappoint as a weekend watch.”**