Dulquer Salmaan, known for his charming lover-boy image, takes a bold step in the gangster drama ‘King of Kotha‘. Directed by Abhilash Joshiy, ‘King of Kotha’ is set in the fictitious village of Kotha, ruled by the influential Kannan Bhaiya (Shabeer Kallarakkal). The plot revolves around CI Shahul Hassan (Prasanna) and his plan to take down Kannan, involving Raju. While the film successfully captures the essence of a gangster story, it suffers from predictability and pacing issues. The story drags after the initial setup, and at nearly three hours long, some sequences could have been trimmed for a more engaging experience.
King of Kotha Plot & Story
Raju, portrayed by Dulquer Salmaan, strikes fear into the hearts of the villagers in the fictional town of Kotha. The village is currently under the rule of Kannan Bhaiya, played by Shabeer Kallarakkal, and his gang. The community is grappling with drug abuse among children, women caring for them, and men living in constant fear. When CI Shahul Hassan (Prasanna) arrives in Kotha with the intention of ending this menace, he quickly realizes Kannan’s immense influence as he faces resistance. Despite the challenges, Shahul remains determined to fulfill his duty as a police officer. He devises a strategic plan to dismantle Kannan’s power, and this plan involves Raju. The relationship between Raju and Kannan becomes pivotal in the story. The film unfolds the reasons behind Kannan’s rise to power and his status as the most influential figure in Kotha. Simultaneously, Raju’s backstory is revealed, shedding light on his journey and what drives him. As the narrative progresses, Raju takes a stand against Kannan, leading to an intense clash. In a span of three hours, the film “King of Kotha” answers these inquiries, encompassing the key elements of a gangster story: the protagonist’s origins, their ascent, a formidable adversary, and a climactic resolution.
Powerful Performances
Dulquer Salmaan delivers a compelling performance as Raju, seamlessly transitioning into the role of a rugged gangster. Salmaan’s charm shines through in the love and emotional sequences, adding depth to his character. Shabeer Kallarakkal impresses as Kannan, showcasing his acting prowess and establishing himself as a versatile talent. However, the supporting characters, such as Prasanna and Aishwarya Lekshmi, show promise but are underutilized, with the focus primarily on Raju and Kannan.
The Visual Marvel of ‘King of Kotha’
Cinematographer Nimish Ravi deserves recognition for his outstanding work in ‘King of Kotha’. His visually stunning frames and lighting effectively transport the audience into the village of Kotha, adding to the film’s overall allure. Composer Jakes Bejoy’s score enhances every mass sequence, elevating the on-screen action. The music also complements the emotional scenes, creating a captivating viewing experience.
Pacing Issues and Predictability
One of the main drawbacks of ‘King of Kotha’ is its pacing. The film starts off strong with an intriguing introduction and world-building. However, as the story progresses, the pacing falters, making certain sequences feel tedious. This is where the film could have benefited from tighter editing. Additionally, the predictability of the plot takes away from the overall excitement. The viewers can easily guess the proceedings, which dampens the impact of certain scenes.
Final Line
‘King of Kotha’ presents intriguing ideas and stylish visuals, but falls short in its execution due to predictability and pacing issues. Despite these drawbacks, Dulquer Salmaan’s exceptional performance as Raju and Shabeer Kallarakkal’s portrayal of Kannan make the film worth watching. The technical aspects, including Nimish Ravi’s cinematography and Jakes Bejoy’s music, contribute to the film’s appeal. While ‘King of Kotha’ may not reach its full potential, it manages to hold the viewer’s attention and serves as an entertaining gangster drama.
