Dulquer Salmaan has solidified his status as a nationwide star with recent film successes, and his latest venture, the gangster action drama “King Of Kotha,” directed by Abhilash Joshiy, features a stellar cast including Dancing Rose Shabeer, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Anika Surendran, and Chemban Vinod. Released today, let’s delve into the film’s narrative and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Plot Overview:
In the town of Kotha, drug lord Khanna Bhai (Dancing Rose Shabeer) holds sway. C.I. Shahul Haasan (Prasanna) endeavors to eliminate the drug mafia but faces obstacles. Discovering that Kotha was once under the control of Raju (Dulquer Salmaan), who was closely associated with Khanna Bhai, Shahul sets out to uncover the reasons behind their separation. The film explores the intricacies of their relationship and Shahul’s pursuit of justice.
Highlights:
Dulquer Salmaan’s performance steals the spotlight throughout the film. His portrayal of Raju, a character determined to eradicate the drug mafia, is both compelling and effortless. The actor excels in the action sequences, showcasing his versatility.
Dancing Rose, also known as Shabeer Kallarakkal, delivers a convincing performance as a gangster, effectively executing his substantial role. Chemban Vinod injects humor into the film with his amusing English diction, eliciting decent laughs. The background score by Jakes Bejoy adds a layer of depth to the overall cinematic experience.
Drawbacks:
The storyline deviates from the expectations associated with a Dulquer Salmaan film, presenting a conventional gangster drama. Despite the commendable efforts of Dulquer and Dancing Rose, the weak narrative significantly diminishes the film’s impact.
The pacing of the narrative is sluggish, demanding considerable patience from the audience. Suboptimal editing contributes to the film’s lengthy sequences, and the predictability of the plot, coupled with an unnecessarily stretched climax, detracts from the overall viewing experience.
With the exception of Dulquer, Dancing Rose, and to some extent, Chemban Vinod, other characters lack impact. While the film’s production values are commendable, more attention to the writing was necessary for a more cohesive result.
Technical Aspects:
The songs by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman are passable, but Jakes Bejoy’s background score stands out as a highlight. The film’s period setting is effectively captured through Nimish Ravi’s excellent cinematography, complemented by the skilled art direction team. However, poor editing diminishes the film’s overall quality.
Directorial Critique:
Director Abhilash Joshiy falls short in bringing innovation to the routine storyline. Despite the potential for magic in the narrative, the film succumbs to predictability and a lack of creative direction. The extended runtime further detracts from the film’s overall impact, highlighting the importance of a well-crafted screenplay.
Verdict:
“King Of Kotha” emerges as a lengthy and uninspiring gangster drama. While Dulquer Salmaan’s performance shines, supported by Dancing Rose, the film falters due to its routine storyline and sluggish pacing. Ultimately, “King Of Kotha” proves to be a disappointing watch this weekend.