BOTTOM LINE
King Of Lag
OUR RATING
2.25/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 45m
What Is the Film About?
Raju (Dulquer Salman) and Kannan (Shabeer Kallarakkal) are close friends who slowly rise to the mafia ranks in Kotha. What are the differences they have, and how do they eventually separate? What is their flashback and especially Raju’s conflict with him form the movie’s overall plot.
Performances
Dulquer Salman plays a subdued gangster kind of role in King Of Kotha with a huge age span. The starting portions, with a considerably slim-looking Dulquer, might remind Telugu hero Nani. However, he settles into the grove and proceeds in his typical calm yet intense style.
Despite the subject offering the scope, there is no ferociousness or aggression in Dulquer Salman’s character. It goes about things calmly with few emotional moments. He does well, as one expects. However, nothing makes one go wow or the role memorable.
Aishwarya Lekshmi isn’t a heroine in a typical sense. She is the hero’s love interest and is vital to the story taking a turn, but Aishwarya doesn’t have much to do as an actor. She does well in the little scope given, and that’s it.
Analysis
Abhilash Joshiy directs King Of Kotha. It is a gangster drama with some thriller elements thrown in. The period setting and detailing in the space show his effort.
The beginning makes some things clear. First, we are in for a lengthy ride, and it will be a slow one simultaneously. Secondly, story-wise, there might be nothing new here.
And still, what makes one interested in the proceedings is the slick mounting and execution. The effort in the making is visible from the start. The set work, the period feel, and the visuals generally grab the attention. The actors further make one ignore the predictable beats the narrative follows.
Coming to the actual narrative it is a busy one with multiple subplots. The worldbuilding and multiple characters keep the proceedings packed, but nothing looks chaotic. Everything goes smoothly but very slowly.
By the time one reaches the interval, it feels like an eternity. With the characters too shown grown up, it adds to the effect quite literally.
One hopes there will be a momentum change in the second half. It feels that way initially, and one of the blocks raises the expectations, but things return to normalcy immediately. The narrative follows the first half’s pace, but this time with a revenge drama theme.
The lack of freshness storywise is clearly evident, but the technical details and casting mask it again. Despite all the predictability, one is still curious to know where it all leads due to the actor’s presence.
The ending is long and stretched but gives an alright feel like the rest. It is the kind that one knows offers nothing new but makes for a passable viewing due to the visible effort from the cast and crew. The lively background score and eclectic casting make the difference.
Overall, King Of Kotha is a predictable and routine gangster drama with neat execution. If the technicalities like BGM, artwork, casting, etc. are enough and length isn’t an issue, it is a decent watch.
Performances by Others Actors
Shabeer Kallarakkal is the most crucial actor apart from the movie’s face, Dulquer Salman. His character progresses from being a supporting role to an antagonist. Needless to say, he must succeed for the film to work (at any level). Well. Shabeer doesn’t disappoint and delivers the required. While the acting is good, what is also impressive is the physical transformation from a young age to a raw and brute older version.
There is a vast casting in King Of Kotha, with many doing bits and pieces role fitting the space. Among them, Chemban Vinod Jose registers as long as he lasts. His entertaining plus menacing act, along with the rest, sparkles the narrative even in dull portions. Nyla Usha is another one who grabs attention. It isn’t unique, but she does well in whatever is given. Prasanna is right, playing a police officer.
Music and Other Departments?
Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman (one song) provide the music. The former also gives the background score. The songs are alright as standalone, but they have no impact on the narrative, whereas the BGM shines. It has a fresh ring and gives the movie its current vibe.
The movie is technically slick, as one expects from such productions. Nimish Ravi neatly captures and presents the nineties look and feel aided by excellent artwork. The editing should have been tighter, though. King Of Kotha feels lengthy and certainly would have done well with some trimming. The writing is decent.
Highlights?
Setting
Casting
BGM
Technical Work
Drawbacks?
Length
Slow Paced Narrative
No Real Twists Or Turns
Did I Enjoy It?
Not much, due to its length
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, but with huge reservations
Final Report:
Final Report:
King Of Kotha is technically good, with superb BGM, visuals, and other aspects. However, the key departments of the story fall flat, with no real surprises for the genre. The length is a huge bummer, making it passable fare.
First half Report:
King Of Kotha is a technically well-shot gangster drama but at a very slow pace. Multiple threads lead to predictable conclusions giving an average impression. The second half is crucial now to see if things turn racy and exciting or remain the same.
— King Of Kotha show kicked off in the town of Kotha, with a brief historical background about the criminal town. Stay tuned for the first half report.
Stay tuned for King of Kotha Review, USA Premiere Report.
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Dancing Rose Shabeer, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Chemban Vinod, Gokul Suresh, Shammi Thilakn, Shanthi Krishna, Vada Chennai Saran, and Anikha Surendran
Directed by: Abhilash Joshiy
Writer: Abhilash N Chandran
Cinematography: Nimish Ravi
Music: Jakes Bejoy
Editor: Shyam Sasidharan
Production Design: Nimesh M Thanoor
Editing Team: Newton Prabhu and Srihari
Music Composed & Arranged by JAKES BEJOY
Production Banner: Wayfarer Films, Zee Studios
King of Kotha Movie Review by M9
