Zee Studios and Wayfarer Films’ King Of Kotha (dubbed from the Malayalam film of the same name; UA) is an action-drama film.
The story is about gang wars and killings in Kotha. Police officer Shahul Hassan (Prasanna) is transferred to Kotha, where teenagers are addicted to drugs. The place is ‘ruled’ by drug lord Kannanbhai (Shabeer Kallarakkal). Shahul tries to investigate along with police inspector Tony Titus (Gokul Suresh). It emerges that Raju alias King of Kotha (Dulquer Salmaan) holds the key to many a thing of the past. However, Raju is missing. How Shahul tracks down Raju and enlists his support to cleanse Kotha is the crux of the story.
Abhilash N. Chandran has written a very long-drawn and convoluted story by adding so many characters that the end result is only confusion in the viewer’s mind. His screenplay is, therefore, boring at several places. Too many characters dilute the impact of the proceedings as the audience’s mind wanders unnecessarily. Even that may not have been a problem had the end result of the drama been something unique or sensational. But since the story is oft-repeated, the end also does not justify the means. Climax is full of action but the impact is ordinary.
Dulquer Salmaan is endearing in the title role and shines with a wonderful performance. Shabeer Kallarakkal is good as Kannanbhai. Prasanna does a fair job as Shahul Hassan. Gokul Suresh is okay as Tony Titus. Aishwarya Lekshmi looks beautiful and acts ably as Tara. Saran Shakthi is alright as Jinu. Chemban Vinod Jose has his moments as Ranjithbhai. Anikha Surendran makes her presence felt as Raju’s sister, Rithu. Shammi Thilakan is average in the role of Raju and Rithu’s father, Kotha Ravi. Nyla Usha (as Manju) and Shanthi Krishna (as Malathi) provide decent support. Sudhi Koppa (as Rafi), Govind Krishna (as Katta), Senthil Krishna (as Billa), T.G. Ravi, Rajesh Sharma, Pramod Veliyanad (as Muthu), Prasant Murali, Adhri Joe, Midhun Venugopal, Madhan Mohan, Govind Pai (as Ranjit’s son), Manju Vani, Sachin Shyam and Soubin Shahir (in a cameo appearance as Suitcase Leslie) lend the necessary support. Ritika Singh adds value in a song-dance.
Abilash Joshiy’s direction is routine. Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman’s music is alright. Lyrics are ordinary. Song picturisations are eye-filling. Jakes Bejoy’s background music is fair. Camerawork (by Nimish Ravi) is quite nice. Nimesh Thanur’s production designing and Manoj Arakkal’s art direction are of good standard. Uma Shankar Satapathy’s editing ought to have been tighter. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, King Of Kotha will not be able to do much at the ticket windows — and this, not just because awareness about the film is missing.
Released on 1-9-’23 at Maratha Mandir (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay by Zee Studios. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over.