PLOT
The movie looks into the seedy side of Thiruvananthapuram, where rival goondas engage in ruthless gang fights to control the slums and suburbs of the city.
In general, Shaji Kailas has successfully produced a satisfying gangster film that captures the never-ending cycle of crime and retribution. With Thiruvananthapuram as its setting, it offers a novel experience, yet its interpretation of the language fails.
REVIEW
The unapologetically brutal but unrepentant Kaapa starring Prithviraj, takes us on a voyage through the criminal-infested city of Thiruvananthapuram. This is an attempt to make a gangster movie that wants to remain at the top of its category rather than a mass entertainer.
The movie starts with technician Anand discovering that his wife Binu Trivikraman’s name was accidentally included in the Kaapa list. She was added to the list because the old gang of her brother used that name. Anand’s quest to keep his wife safe is followed throughout the story. He runs across the opposing gang’s boss, Kotta Madhu. For the elections for the city corporation of Thiruvananthapuram, he has his sights set on a seat. Despite his best efforts to avoid the crime scene, at least throughout the election, his history continues to follow him.
Kotta Madhu is not a hero in any way. He is frequently sneaky, vicious, and ruthless. However, Kailas and author G. R. Indu Gopan, whose story Shamghumughi served as the inspiration for the writing, did try to convey his more vulnerable side, where he is merely a man loving his wife and son, regretting his past mistakes. Latheef, a local journalist, assists the rival gang. The movie’s main plot revolves around the battle between the gangs.
Kotta Madhu, a local mobster, is portrayed by Prithviraj with style. Asif Ali, who plays the sturdy but little naive character Anand, also puts forth a standout performance. The role of Jabbar played by Jagadeesh will be memorable. As Latheef, Dileesh Pothan did a fantastic job. In her brief appearance as Kotta Madhu’s partner Prameela, Aparna Balamurali also performed well. However, Anna Ben’s character as Binu Trivikraman needed to be developed and a choice in casting would have been preferable.
The underlying message appears to be, “As you sow, so shall you reap.” With a lot of foreshadowing, the movie falls flat in the “suspense” department. A viewer can identify the scheme’s perpetrators before the end of the first half. It is simple to predict even Kotta Madhu’s demise. Some of the supporting cast members and extras could have been better chosen. However, the action sequences and the music give the movie points in its favor. The theme of Dawn Vincent provides the film with some flavor.
Rating – Four out of Five stars.
On December 22, 2022, Kaapa was presented in theaters. Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Anna Ben, and Prithviraj Sukumaran play the key characters. Produced by Dileesh Nair and Jinu V Abraham, the movie was directed by Shaji Kailas. From January 19, it was available for streaming on Netflix.
