In the movie “King of Kotha,” the story unfolds in the fictional town of Kotha in 1996, situated near the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. This town has gained notoriety due to its involvement in criminal activities. Upon his arrival in Kotha, CI Shahul Hassan (portrayed by Prasanna) is confronted with the harsh reality of the place, surpassing any tales he had heard beforehand. He becomes aware of the current ruler of Kotha, Kannan Bhai (portrayed by Shabeer Kallarakkal), who has established a destructive drug empire, wreaking havoc on the lives of numerous young individuals.
Shahul swiftly realizes that Kannan is an untouchable and formidable force. It is at this juncture that SI Tony Titus (portrayed by Gokul Suresh) acquaints Shahul with Raju (portrayed by Dulquer Salmaan) – the former King of Kotha who departed the town a decade ago. Shahul recognizes Raju as the sole individual capable of subduing Kannan. Motivated by this realization, Shahul formulates a plan to bring Raju back to Kotha and restore tranquility to the town.
Dulquer Salmaan showcased his impeccable acting skills in every frame of the movie. From effortlessly portraying the charming Raju to flawlessly executing the intense fight sequences, Dulquer mesmerized the audience with his sheer talent. His ability to bring depth and emotional vulnerability to his character is truly commendable.
Aishwarya Lekshmi, portraying Thara, delivered a strong and compelling performance. The chemistry between her and Dulquer is truly remarkable. Shabeer Kallarakkal, who played the character Kannan, was an absolute joy to watch. Nyla Usha, in the negative role of Manju, left a lasting impression. With her impeccable acting, she made us despise her character while also making us understand the complexities of her motivations.
Sajitha Madathil, as Kaalikutty, Kannan’s mother, made a powerful impact. Her final scene deeply moved everyone in the theater. Shammi Thilakan, portraying Raju’s father, shone in every scene, while Shanti Krishna had a decent role as Raju’s mother. Anikha Surendran delivered an outstanding performance as Raju’s sister. However, Prasanna and Gokul Suresh lack character consistency and come across as disjointed.
The movie is directed by Dulqer’s friend, Abhilash Joshiy. From the teasers and trailers, it’s clear that the film offers an exciting and action-packed experience. With ‘King of Kotha,’ Abhilash Joshiy demonstrates his ability to handle action while still delivering quality content, much like his father, the renowned director Joshiy. This gangster drama is filled with themes of friendship, betrayal, and revenge. The movie seamlessly incorporates the ‘mass’ sequences into its narrative, satisfying the expectations of many viewers.
However, the abundance of characters driving the story can sometimes make the plot feel overwhelming. The story begins in a familiar yet captivating way. Even though it may seem predictable, the actors bring life to the story. From the very beginning, it is clear that the movie will take its time, with a deliberate pace. Additionally, the plot may not be entirely original, but the ending, while not revolutionary, is still enjoyable thanks to the hard work of the cast and crew.
While it is true that the central storyline may not be entirely groundbreaking, it is the execution that truly matters. The skillful direction and impressive cinematography make even the familiar elements feel fresh and engaging. With his outstanding abilities as the production designer, Nimesh M. Thanoor unquestionably emerges as the movie’s leading man.
Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman provided the soundtrack. Jakes Bejoy’s BGM is pounding. The scenes were taken to a new level as a result. The cinematography by Nimish Ravi is superb.
Abhilash Joshiy takes a conventional cinematic approach that stays true to the formula of a ‘mass masala action movie. Overall “King of Kotha” may follow some familiar patterns and themes, it manages to captivate viewers through the compelling performances of its talented cast especially Dulquer Salmaan’s screen presence and the technical superiority.