Story:
Kamal (Vishal) is an NRI who comes to his native town, Kakinada to wed his love interest, Malleshwari (Catherine Tresa). However once he is in town. a turbulent past of him in which he has a tussle with Samba (Madhu), a local leader and kingpin comes back to haunt him. When the marriage works are going on, the news of Samba’s murder comes to Kamal. And that murder, Kamal’s life where his family, his fiancé and friends are in danger. Rest of the story is all about how Vishal is linked to Samba’s murder and how he fights back for his family.
Performances:
This role played by Vishal is not the usual entertaining commercial hero but has that shade of a common man. He impresses us with a subtle performance in this role. Catherine Tresa gets a routine role where she is only confined to romancing the hero in songs. Chakravakam fame Madhusudhan Rao plays the baddie. His looks are good but the character is not etched well to exploit his potential. Malayalam actor, Srijith Ravi is impressive as a crooked police inspector. Rest of the characters are okay.
Technical Performances:
The first half of the film is totally wasted on a meaningless romantic angle with some forced comedy stuffed in. The second half is very racy when Kamal tries to prove his innocence. So director Pandiraj can be termed as only partial success in the film. Music by Hip hop Tamizha Aadhi is just average. Cinematographer Balasubramaniem came up with some good camera angles which compliments the ambiance lending pace to the narrative. Editing should have been better in the first half. Production Values are okay.
Plus Points:
1. Engaging Narration
2. Cinematography
Minus Points:
1. Bad romantic track
2. Forced Comedy in the first half
3. Not so effective music
Final Say:
Kathakali is an engaging thriller. The murder mystery is well scripted but the director let it down with a pointless romantic angle and mundane comedy.