1. King of Kotha
King of Kotha is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language gangster drama film directed by Abhilash Joshiy, marking his directorial debut. The film features Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, along with a stellar supporting cast including Aishwarya Lekshmi, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Gokul Suresh, Prasanna, Nyla Usha, Chemban Vinod Jose, Shanthi Krishna, and Anikha Surendran.
The movie is set in a fictional town called Kotha, known for its violent history and notorious gangs. The story revolves around the rise of Kotha Raju, a gangster who becomes a local legend in the underworld. The narrative explores themes of power, revenge, family, and the complex dynamics within the criminal underworld. The film portrays Raju’s journey from a feared gangster to someone who must face the consequences of his actions, both within the world of crime and in his personal life.
The film’s music is composed by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman, with the background score by Sushin Shyam. The soundtrack features a mix of songs that capture the intensity and drama of the story.
Nimish Ravi handles the cinematography, giving the film a gritty, raw look that complements its dark themes. The visuals are designed to immerse the audience in the world of Kotha, with attention to detail in depicting the era and the ambiance of the town.
“King of Kotha” was one of the most anticipated films of 2023, especially due to Dulquer Salmaan’s star power and the film’s intriguing premise. The film received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for Dulquer’s performance, the direction, and the technical aspects like cinematography and music. However, some critics pointed out that the film’s pacing and narrative structure could have been tighter.
The film performed well at the box office, particularly in Kerala and among Malayalam cinema enthusiasts. It also had a decent run in other South Indian states and was noted for its strong opening weekend collections.
After its theatrical run, “King of Kotha” is expected to be available on various OTT platforms, making it accessible to a global audience. The exact release date on streaming platforms might vary, and it is typically announced closer to or after the end of the theatrical run.
“King of Kotha” stands out as a significant film in Dulquer Salmaan’s career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and marking an impressive directorial debut for Abhilash Joshiy.