Dulquer Salmaan, having established himself as a PAN India star through recent films, now presents the gangster action drama “King Of Kotha.” Directed by Abhilash Joshiy, the movie features a stellar cast including Dancing Rose Shabeer, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Anika Surendran, and Chemban Vinod in key roles. As the film hits the screens today, let’s delve into its narrative.
Plot Summary:
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 Raju (Dulquer Salmaan) previously controlled Kotha and was once close to Khanna Bhai, Shahul investigates their separation. The film unfolds the reasons behind their parting and Shahul’s subsequent actions, forming the crux of the story.
Highlights:
Undoubtedly, Dulquer Salmaan dominates the screen from start to finish. His portrayal of Raju, a character determined to eradicate the drug mafia, showcases the actor’s versatility. Salmaan excels in action sequences, contributing significantly to the film’s appeal. Dancing Rose, alias Shabeer Kallarakkal, delivers a convincing performance as a gangster, while Chemban Vinod adds humor with his unique English diction. Jakes Bejoy’s background score proves to be a hidden gem in the film.
Drawbacks:
Contrary to expectations from a Dulquer Salmaan film, the storyline of “King Of Kotha” follows a conventional gangster drama. The narrative lacks innovation, and despite the efforts of Salmaan and Dancing Rose, the weak storyline diminishes the overall impact. The film’s pacing is slow for the most part, demanding considerable patience from the audience. Editing issues contribute to prolonged sequences, and predictability overshadows the climax, which feels unnecessarily stretched.
Beyond Dulquer, Dancing Rose, and Chemban Vinod, few characters leave a lasting impact. While evident effort went into the film’s production, more attention was needed in the writing department.
Technical Aspects:
The songs by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman are passable, but Jakes Bejoy’s background score stands out. Set against a period backdrop, the art direction team successfully recreates a bygone era. Nimish Ravi’s cinematography excels, showcasing excellent visuals. Despite fine production values, the editing falls short.
Director Abhilash Joishy’s handling of the film is questionable. Given the routine storyline, more creativity in the narrative could have elevated the film. The lengthy runtime proves a hindrance, and despite strong performances, a poorly executed script hampers the overall viewing experience.
Verdict:
In summary, “King Of Kotha” emerges as a lengthy and uninspiring gangster drama. While Dulquer Salmaan’s performance shines, supported by Dancing Rose, the routine storyline and sluggish pacing work against the film. Consequently, “King Of Kotha” disappoints as a weekend watch.