Kothalavadi

By Susmita Sameera

Set in the small village of Kothalavadi, nestled on the banks of the River Kaveri, this film explores how desperation can blur the lines between right and wrong. Faced with mounting debts and poor crop yields, villagers who had mortgaged their homes and farmland to a man named Lagori Kumara find themselves in a helpless situation.

Gujari Babu (Gopal Krishna Deshpande), a second-hand goods trader, convinces villagers that nature belongs to everyone and that they have a right to nature's resources, be it land or water in the village. This idea, though appealing, spirals into a dangerous path as he instigates villagers to begin sand mining, unknowingly becoming part of a growing sand mafia. The operation is managed by Mohana (Pruthvi Ambaar), a local worksite supervisor who sends people to work and ensures their daily wages. His love story with Manji (Kavya Shaiva), an Anganwadi school teacher, adds an emotional layer.

As the activity catches the attention of authorities, Inspector Balraj (Bala Rajwadi) identifies the issue, IPS officer Parashuram (Rajesh Nataranga) attempts to educate the villagers on the long-term dangers of their actions and his senior officer, played by Avinash in a strong cameo. Meanwhile, a political subplot involving MLA candidate Malini (Manasi Sudhir) adds further tension.

The film features several strong performances. Pruthvi Ambaar, seen for the first time in a mass-action role, handles the transition between grit and vulnerability. Gopal Krishna Deshpande is the clear standout as Gujari Babu, portraying a manipulative yet oddly charismatic figure with great conviction. Rajesh Nataranga and Avinash lend solid support in their police roles, while Kavya Shaiva and Manasi Sudhir are well suited and effective in their roles.

On the technical front, the film delivers well. Cinematography by Karthik captures the rural landscape impressively. The action sequences are well-choreographed. Background score complements the narrative, though the songs lack impact.

The film’s core message about protecting nature and resisting exploitation is well-intentioned and relevant. The first half sets the stage effectively, but the second half veers into political drama, diluting the environmental focus. The screenplay tries to handle too many threads, which affects its cohesion. With the lead characters aligned with the wrong side for most of the runtime, it becomes difficult to emotionally invest in their journey. Still, Raghu Niduvalli’s dialogues leave a strong impact and add weight to key moments.

In the end, the film raises important questions about survival, morality, and environmental responsibility. With powerful performances and technically grand execution, it impresses on several fronts. However, the lack of a compelling story and finesse in the screenplay holds it back from making a deeper impact.