Kothalavadi, a Kannada film with an environmental soul and a political twist, has sparked a mixed response from critics and audiences alike. It features Gopalkrishna Deshpande in a powerful role that seems to be the film’s anchor, while the rest of the ship battles choppy cinematic waters.
🎬 Critic Reviews and Ratings
Let’s break down what the critics had to say about this rural drama:
⭐ The Hindu
- Called Kothalavadi a “bland village drama” but praised Gopalkrishna Deshpande as the show-stealer.
- Criticized the slow start and said the second half lacked depth, juggling too many subplots.
⭐ The Times of India : ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
- Described the film as “well-meant, well-made, though not flawless.”
- Applauded the performances and cinematography.
- Felt the film loses focus in the second half by turning into a political drama instead of staying with its environmental theme.
⭐ India Today : ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5)
- Liked the film’s core idea and commitment to social causes.
- Found the old-school screenplay sluggish.
- Pointed out inconsistencies in the dialect and storytelling flow.
⭐ Deccan Herald
- Criticized the film for “lacking focus despite masala mix.”
- Mentioned that the narrative shifts gears too often, leaving the audience unsure of the director’s vision.
- Said the film “fails to deliver a cinematic experience.”
💬 User Reviews and Reactions
While critics pulled no punches, general viewers had a more forgiving take:
📊 BookMyShow Ratings:
- 7.3/10 based on 34 votes
- 2.5/5 from 25 reviews
👥 Viewer Comments:
- “Time pass entertainer with loads of action.”
- “Rooted story about farmers hits the right emotional chords.”
- “The BGM is great.”
- “Worst movie I’ve seen this month.”
- “Watch it once for Gopalkrishna’s performance.”
In short, Gopalkrishna Deshpande seems to be the fan-favorite across the board, even among those who found the film underwhelming.
🎭 Final Verdict
Kothalavadi delivers, where it matters most a strong social message and committed performances. But it stumbles in execution. If you’re into grounded village dramas with a mix of politics, nature, and morality, this might be a one-time watch for you. Just don’t go in expecting a cinematic revolution.