King of Kotha Review

Movie Review: "King of Kotha

"King of Kotha" thrusts viewers into a world of 1980s nostalgia, where the bond of friendship intertwines with the gritty underworld of Kotha. Directed by Abhilash Joshiy and script by Abhilash N. Chandran, the film presents a familiar yet engaging gangster saga, pulsating with swag, action, and unexpected twists.

The heart of the story revolves around the inseparable duo, Raju (Dulquer Salmaan) and Kannan, who rise to dominance in the underworld without trafficking drugs. The film's core strength lies in the duo's camaraderie, depicted brilliantly by Dulquer Salmaan and his co-star. Their reign, however, is threatened by a shocking betrayal, shattering their brotherly bond and triggering a series of catastrophic events. The entry of Tara (Aishwarya Lekshmi), Raju's love interest, further complicates matters, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.

Visually, "King of Kotha" shines with a meticulously recreated retro setting. Manoj Arakkal's art direction and Nimish Ravi's cinematography breathe life into the fictional town of Kotha. Jakes Bejoy's background score complements the visuals, heightening the impact of the action-packed sequences and lending the film an immersive quality.

While the film's thematic exploration of friendship, love, and betrayal is compelling, it is not immune to shortcomings. The pacing, in particular, starts off lethargically, only finding its rhythm upon the entry of Dulquer Salmaan's character. A tighter editing approach would have undoubtedly injected more momentum into the elaborate gangster thriller.

Dulquer Salmaan delivers a powerful performance that sets him apart from his previous roles. His transformation into Raju is convincing, and his chemistry with Aishwarya Lekshmi adds depth to their characters' relationship. The film's ensemble cast contributes to the authenticity of the narrative, effectively bringing the world of Kotha to life.

In summary, "King of Kotha" offers a stylized gangster narrative, where the threads of friendship, love, and betrayal are interwoven in a visually captivating manner. While the film grapples with pacing issues and certain predictable story elements, it compensates with strong performances, immersive visuals, and a resonant score. Fans of gangster sagas and those seeking a nostalgic cinematic experience are likely to find "King of Kotha" a worthwhile watch.