Kota Bommali PS is a thought-provoking crime thriller that exposes the dark underbelly of the Indian democratic system, and Aditya Taksh’s review effectively captures the film’s essence
Why is the latest Telugu release Kota Bommali PS a worth watching? Of course, the original work of Malayalam superhit film Nayattu was raved for its brilliant writing and “inconclusive” ending although it evoked a mixed feeling of awe and shock. Kota Bommali on the other hand has been tweaked to give the taste of nativity and you may call ‘Telugu sensibilities’.
Story
Ramakrishna (Srikanth Meka) is a short-tempered veteran with over 20 years of service in maoist infested region of Andhra Pradesh-Odissa border. He along with newly recruited constable Ravi (played by Rahul Vijay) and Kumari (Shivani Rajasekhar) from a backward community — all serving at Kota Bommali police station, an interior of north Andhra region.
On their way back after attending a marriage reception, the vehicle in which they were travelling hits a party worker of the ruling government. Things flared up following the death of the victim at the nearby hospital. While the driver escapes from the crime scene, Ramakrishna along with his deputies set on the run. Politician Jayaraj (Murali Sharma) who is at the hustings, gets pulled up by the people for the murder of their community and demands justice. What’s the fate of Ramakrishna and co.? Will they ever be caught? — is the story.
Analysis
Events happening in the story have a span of two days. How this veteran police official Ramakrishna gets implicated in a false case that he has not committed. His deputies, who are new to the job, are wrongly booked in the case. The depth that the script goes to show how lopsided the department functions taking pressures from political babus at the same time battling its own department setbacks — has been presented in a very neat manner.
Once the story gets into the main plot, events escalate in an extremely swift manner giving a jolt to the viewer about the system. The politics surrounding the case at a time when elections are around the corner. How the ruling incumbent leader of Kota Bommali constituency has the onus of bringing the culprits to book. And the opposition has enough fodder to make hue and cry over the murder of the dalit. The pace at which the film is carried throughout the first time is decent.
However the things fall apart slightly after the interval. Srikanth who played the role of veteran police Ramakrishna, has delivered another fabulous performance. An alcohol addict, Ramakrishna undergoes personal pain while balancing his professional work. Bearing a few contradicting elements in the second half, director Teja Marni tried his best to steer the ship leaving audiences with mixed feelings.
Performances
Actor Srikanth, who reprised the role of Joju George, has given a brilliant performance. The layers with which his character transforms are depicted well. Rahul Vijay as a young recruit and Shivani Rajasekhar put up a decent effort. The dilemma and angst in the faces of the characters during the proceedings were conveyed convincingly. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as a senior woman police officer is a well-developed character.
Music
Fans’ favourite Lingdi Lingdi is inserted forcibly into a story which actually doesn’t need singles. The background score and tunes for the three songs, which were composed by Ranjin Raj and Midhun Mukundan, have been entertaining. Forest landscapes were well picturised and camera work was reasonably good.
How the three pillars of the government — legislative, executive and judiciary are taken by granted by the leaders who rule people — has been depicted well. Corruption, vote bank politics and how the shady compromises within the system affect the common public as well as police were convincing.
Rating: 2/5
