King of Kotha Story:-
In the crime-infested realm of Kotha, Kannan Bhai and his K-team reign supreme, enforcing their rule through fear and violence. However, when chaos escalates beyond control, it beckons the return of the OG King of Kotha to restore order.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 24 August 2023 |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Thriller |
| Duration | 2h 45min |
| Cast | Dulquer Salmaan, Gokul Suresh, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Chemban Vinod Jose, Prasanna, Shammi Thilakan, Anikha Surendran, Nyla Usha, Shanthi Krishna, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Sudhi Koppa, Senthil Krishna, Saran Shakthi, Rajesh Sharma, Manju Vani, Ritika Singh |
| Director | Abhilash Joshiy |
| Writer | Abhilash N. Chandran |
| Cinematography | Nimish Ravi |
| Music | Jakes Bejoy, Shaan Rahman |
| Producer | Dulquer Salmaan |
| Production | Wayfarer Films, Zee Studios |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Raju follows the narrative of Raju and Kannan, childhood companions whose unbreakable bond is shattered by betrayal and the intrusion of Raju’s love interest, Tara. The once inseparable friends find themselves on opposing ends, plunging Kotha into chaos and bloodshed.
Directed by Abhilash Joshiy and Abhilash N. Chandran, the film unfolds as a classic gangster saga, brimming with swagger, brutality, and intense action sequences. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Kotha, the filmmakers craft a visually captivating world brought to life by Nimish Ravi’s striking cinematography and complemented by Jakes Bejoy’s pulsating background score. The retro aesthetic adds to the immersive experience, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative.
While the storyline may be predictable at times, the intricate interplay of friendship, love, and betrayal keeps the audience engaged. However, the film’s pacing suffers from lethargy, particularly in the initial stages, before gaining momentum with Dulquer Salmaan’s impactful entry. A tighter edit could have enhanced the overall viewing experience and mitigated this issue.
Dulquer Salmaan delivers a standout performance in a role that showcases his versatility and depth as an actor. His portrayal of Raju, a formidable force driven by loyalty and vengeance, leaves a lasting impression. Equally compelling is Shabeer Kallarakkal as the menacing Kannan Bhai, whose formidable presence adds layers to the antagonistic dynamic. The chemistry between Salmaan and Kallarakkal drives the narrative forward, supported by a talented ensemble cast including Aishwarya Lekshmi, Gokul Suresh, Prasanna, and Nyla Usha.
Despite its strengths, Raju falls short of achieving cult status within the gangster genre. It grapples with the age-old issue of knowing when to rein in its ambitions, occasionally succumbing to excess. Nonetheless, the film possesses mass appeal and holds the audience’s attention, albeit with a lingering sense of missed potential.
