King of Kotha: Cast, Release Date, Budget & Reviews (2023)

Imagine a gritty, crime-infested town where power struggles and betrayal set the stage for a larger-than-life gangster drama. That’s the world of King of Kotha, a 2023 Malayalam action thriller that promised a lot but left audiences with mixed feelings. If you’re an Indian movie lover curious about this ambitious film, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the details—cast, release date, budget, reviews, and more—to uncover what makes King of Kotha a polarizing yet intriguing cinematic experience.

Why did this film generate so much buzz, only to stumble at the box office? Was it the star-studded cast, the grand production, or something else entirely? Let’s explore.

What Is King of Kotha All About?

King of Kotha is a Malayalam-language period action thriller directed by debutant Abhilash Joshiy, son of renowned filmmaker Joshiy. Set in the fictional town of Kotha, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, the story unfolds in 1996, painting a vivid picture of a town plagued by drugs and crime. At the heart of the narrative is Kotha Rajendran, aka “Raju Madrassi” (played by Dulquer Salmaan), a gangster entangled in a web of power, betrayal, and redemption. The plot thickens when Inspector Shahul Hassan (Prasanna) arrives, hatching a plan to resurrect the “King” to take down the ruthless drug lord Kannan Bhai (Shabeer Kallarakkal).

The film, produced by Wayfarer Films and Zee Studios, blends high-octane action with emotional drama, exploring themes of loyalty, love, and vengeance. With a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, it’s a sprawling tale that aims for epic status but doesn’t always hit the mark.

The Star-Studded Cast of King of Kotha

One of the film’s biggest draws is its ensemble cast, packed with talent from the Malayalam film industry and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:

• Dulquer Salmaan as Kotha Rajendran (“Raju Madrassi”): The titular “King,” Raju is a complex character—a gangster with a troubled past and a heart full of conflict. Dulquer’s charisma carries much of the film’s weight.
• Shabeer Kallarakkal as Kannan Bhai: The menacing antagonist, Kannan Bhai, rules Kotha with an iron fist. Shabeer’s intense performance adds grit to the story.
• Aishwarya Lekshmi as Tara: Playing Raju’s love interest, Aishwarya brings emotional depth to a role that ties into the film’s romantic subplot.
• Prasanna as CI Shahul Hassan: The cunning police inspector who drives the plot’s central conflict. Prasanna’s portrayal is both sharp and commanding.
• Gokul Suresh as SI Tony Titus: A supporting role that adds to the law enforcement dynamic.
• Chemban Vinod Jose as Ranjith Bhai: Manju’s husband, adding layers to the gangland drama.
• Anikha Surendran as Kotha Rithu: Raju’s sister, whose role ties into the family dynamics.
• Shanthi Krishna as Kotha Malathi: Raju and Rithu’s mother, delivering a grounded performance.
• Nyla Usha as Manju: Kannan’s wife, adding nuance to the antagonist’s world.
• Supporting Cast: Includes Shammi Thilakan as Kotha Ravi (Raju’s father), Saran Shakthi as Jinu, Soubin Shahir as Suitcase Leslie, and Ritika Singh in a special appearance as a dancer.

This ensemble brings a mix of star power and fresh faces, making King of Kotha a casting coup. However, some critics noted that the large cast occasionally diluted the focus on the main characters.

Release Date and Production Details

King of Kotha hit theaters worldwide on August 24, 2023, timed perfectly for the Onam weekend, a major festival in Kerala. The film was released in multiple languages—Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada—to capture a pan-Indian audience. Principal photography began on September 27, 2022, in Karaikudi, with additional filming in Rameswaram and Ramanathapuram. The shoot wrapped up on February 21, 2023, after an intensive production schedule.

The film’s cinematography, handled by Nimish Ravi, captures the gritty essence of Kotha with moody visuals and dynamic action sequences. Editing by Shyam Sasidharan keeps the pace brisk, though some felt the 174-minute runtime could’ve been tighter. The soundtrack, composed by Jakes Bejoy and Shaan Rahman, adds energy, with Bejoy also handling the film’s intense background score.

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Budget and Box Office Performance

With a reported budget of ₹50 crore, King of Kotha was a high-stakes venture for Wayfarer Films and Zee Studios. The investment went into lavish production values, a star-studded cast, and extensive action choreography. However, the film grossed only ₹38.08 crore worldwide, falling short of expectations and earning the unfortunate label of a box office bomb. Despite a strong opening, negative reviews and mixed word-of-mouth impacted its run.

Why didn’t the numbers add up? Some point to the overcrowded narrative, while others argue the film’s ambitious scope didn’t resonate with audiences expecting a tighter, more focused story.

King of Kotha Reviews: A Mixed Bag

The film’s reception was polarizing, to say the least. Critics and audiences had plenty to say, and not all of it was glowing. Here’s a balanced look at the feedback:

• What Worked:
  • Dulquer Salmaan’s Performance: Fans praised Dulquer’s commanding presence as Raju, with many calling him the film’s saving grace. His “mass” avatar, complete with swagger and intense dialogues, was a highlight.
  • Production Values: The cinematography and action sequences were lauded for their scale and polish, giving the film a grand, cinematic feel.
  • Music: Jakes Bejoy’s background score and the songs by Bejoy and Shaan Rahman added emotional and adrenaline-pumping moments.
• What Didn’t:
  • Narrative Clutter: Critics noted the story tried to juggle too many characters and subplots, leading to a lack of focus. The Indian Express called it “ambitious but overstuffed.”
  • Pacing Issues: At nearly three hours, some felt the film dragged, especially in the second half.
  • Unmet Expectations: Marketed as a “mass blockbuster,” King of Kotha didn’t fully deliver the commercial punch audiences expected, leading to disappointment.

Fans on social media, particularly on platforms like X, were more forgiving, with some calling it a “visual spectacle” and others appreciating its layered characters. However, the consensus leaned toward it being a missed opportunity.

Why King of Kotha Matters for Indian Movie Lovers

Despite its flaws, King of Kotha is a bold attempt at a pan-Indian gangster epic. It’s a film that swings for the fences, blending Malayalam cinema’s storytelling depth with the larger-than-life appeal of mainstream action thrillers. For intermediate movie lovers, it’s worth watching for:

• Dulquer’s Star Power: If you’re a fan, his performance alone justifies a watch.
• Cultural Context: The Onam release and Kerala-Tamil Nadu border setting ground the story in a unique cultural milieu.
• Ambitious Vision: Abhilash Joshiy’s debut shows promise, even if it doesn’t fully deliver.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About King of Kotha

Where to Watch and What’s Next

King of Kotha is available on Disney+ Hotstar, making it accessible for those who missed the theatrical release. If you’re intrigued by its premise but hesitant due to reviews, give it a shot for Dulquer’s performance and the film’s visual flair. For Indian movie lovers, it’s a chance to see Malayalam cinema’s attempt at a pan-Indian blockbuster.

Conclusion: Is King of Kotha Worth Your Time?

King of Kotha is a film of highs and lows—a bold, ambitious project that doesn’t always stick the landing but still offers moments of brilliance. Dulquer Salmaan’s magnetic presence, coupled with stunning visuals, makes it a must-watch for fans, even if the story stumbles. As an Indian movie lover, you’ll appreciate its attempt to bridge regional and mainstream cinema, even if it’s not a perfect crown.