{{Short description|Drama thriller film}} {{use dmy dates|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox film | image = Kotee.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Parameshwar Gundkal | writer = Parameshwar Gundkal | producer = Jyoti Deshpande | starring = {{Plainlist| *Dhananjaya *Moksha Kushal *Ramesh Indira *Tara * Rangayana Raghu }} | cinematography = Arun Bhrama | editing = Pratheek Shetty | music = '''Songs:'''<br/>Vasuki Vaibhav<br/>'''Background Score:'''<br/>Nobin Paul | studio = Jio Studios<br/>Vaishno Studios | distributor = KRG Studios | released = {{Film date|2024|06|14|df=yes}} | runtime = 170 Minutes | language = Kannada | gross = }} '''''Kotee''''' ({{translation}} Crore) is a 2024 Indian Kannada-language drama thriller film<ref>{{Cite web |title='ಕೋಟಿ' ಟೀಸರ್ ರಿಲೀಸ್ ಜೊತೆ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ದಿನಾಂಕವೂ ಘೋಷಣೆ; ಪರಮ್ ಕನಸಿನ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾತ್ರವೇ ಆದ ಧನಂಜಯ |url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/kannada-actor-daali-dhananjaya-parameshwar-gundkal-kotee-kannada-movie-release-on-june-14/articleshow/109275395.cms |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Vijay Karnataka |language=kn |archive-date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514063859/https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/kannada-actor-daali-dhananjaya-parameshwar-gundkal-kotee-kannada-movie-release-on-june-14/articleshow/109275395.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> directed by debutant Parameshwar Gundkal and produced by Jyoti Deshpande under Jio Studios. The film stars Dhananjaya, alongside Moksha Kushal, Ramesh Indira, Rangayana Raghu and Tara. It marks the debut of Jio Studios in Kannada cinema.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=<!--staff byline; no author given--> |date=2024-04-09 |title=Kotee: Dhananjaya's next is with Jio Studios |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kotee-dhananjayas-next-is-with-jio-studios/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=The South First |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094502/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kotee-dhananjayas-next-is-with-jio-studios/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The soundtrack and score were composed by Vasuki Vaibhav and Nobin Paul, while cinematography and editing were handled by Arun Bhrama and Pratheek Shetty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ನಟ ಧನಂಜಯ ಜೊತೆ ಸಿನಿಮಾ; ಯುಗಾದಿಗೆ 'ಕೋಟಿ' ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸಿದ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರ್ ಗುಂಡ್ಕಲ್ |url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/kannada-actor-dhananjaya-parameshwar-gundkal-kotee-kannada-movie-poster/articleshow/109152064.cms |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Vijay Karnataka |language=kn |archive-date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514063901/https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/kannada-actor-dhananjaya-parameshwar-gundkal-kotee-kannada-movie-poster/articleshow/109152064.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-09 |title=Dhananjaya's next is 'Kotee', directed by Parameshwar Gundkal |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhananjayas-next-is-kotee-directed-by-parameshwar-gundkal/article68045800.ece |access-date=2024-05-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094501/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhananjayas-next-is-kotee-directed-by-parameshwar-gundkal/article68045800.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Kotee'' was released on 14 June 2024 to mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.
== Plot == The story follows Kotee (Dhananjaya), a lower-middle-class man who runs a small packers-and-movers business and doubles as a cab driver to support his family. His household includes his mother (Tara), his sister Mahathi (Thanuja Venkatesh), and his younger brother Nachchi (Pruthvi Shamanur). Despite financial struggles, Kotee is principled and avoids taking loans.
However, unforeseen circumstances—some deliberately engineered by Dinoo Saavkaar (Ramesh Indira), a ruthless local gangster—force Kotee to borrow money. What begins as a small loan spirals into a crushing debt of ₹31 lakh, trapping him in Saavkaar's web. Saavkaar soon discovers Kotee's hidden talent: exceptional shooting skills. Exploiting this, he offers Kotee a way out—commit a murder in exchange for clearing his debt. This proposition shakes Kotee's moral foundation. Torn between his principles and the survival of his family, Kotee faces an impossible choice: kill or be killed.
As the tension escalates, Kotee navigates the dark underworld of Janatha City, encountering betrayal, violence, and emotional turmoil. His relationship with Navami (Moksha Kushal) adds a layer of vulnerability, contrasting the grim reality of his predicament. The narrative also highlights his mother's silent suffering and resilience, adding emotional depth to the story.<ref name=":0" />
== Cast == {{Cast listing| * Dhananjaya as Kotee * Moksha Kushal as Navami * Ramesh Indira as Dinoo Saavkaar * Tara as Kotee's mother * Rangayana Raghu as Ramanna * Pruthvi Shananur as Nachchi * Thanuja Venkatesh as Kotee's sister * Sardar Satya as Prabhakar * Abhishek Shrikanth as Shiva * Priya Shatasharman as Dinoo Saavkaar's wife *Duniya Vijay as Kotee's father (cameo appearance) }}
== Production == In April 2023, it was reported that Parameshwar Gundkal, renowned for his path breaking work in Kannada television as the business head for Viacom18 Kannada, was set to make his directorial debut in Kannada cinema.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-09 |title=Dhananjaya's next is 'Kotee', directed by Parameshwar Gundkal |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhananjayas-next-is-kotee-directed-by-parameshwar-gundkal/article68045800.ece |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094501/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhananjayas-next-is-kotee-directed-by-parameshwar-gundkal/article68045800.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharadhaa |first=A. |date=2023-05-29 |title='Fortunate to collaborate with Dhananjay in just my second film' |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/interviews/2023/May/29/fortunate-to-collaborate-with-dhananjay-in-just-my-second-film-43981.html |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Cinema Express |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507100005/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/interviews/2023/May/29/fortunate-to-collaborate-with-dhananjay-in-just-my-second-film-43981.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Parameshwar Gundkal joined hands with Jio Studios and Dhananjaya was chosen to headline the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=shruthi.gk |title=ಕಲರ್ಸ್ ಕನ್ನಡದಿಂದ ಹೊರ ಬಂದ ಬಳಿಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶನಕ್ಕೆ ಇಳಿದ ಪರಮ್; ಸ್ಟಾರ್ ಹೀರೋ ಜೊತೆ ಸಿನಿಮಾ |url=https://kannada.asianetnews.com/sandalwood/parameshwar-gundkal-directorial-debut-which-is-set-to-star-dhananjay-in-the-lead-sgk-rsy7tl |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=kn |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094502/https://kannada.asianetnews.com/sandalwood/parameshwar-gundkal-directorial-debut-which-is-set-to-star-dhananjay-in-the-lead-sgk-rsy7tl |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharadhaa |first=A. |date=2023-04-11 |title=Param joins hands with Jio Studios to bankroll a series of projects |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2023/Apr/11/param-joins-hands-with-jio-studios-to-bankroll-a-series-of-projects-2564644.html |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094501/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2023/Apr/11/param-joins-hands-with-jio-studios-to-bankroll-a-series-of-projects-2564644.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Dhananjaya – Kotee represents every common man and that's what fascinated me |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/dhananjaya-kotee-represents-every-common-man-and-thats-what-fascinated-me/d74df0fd73612 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094504/https://www.ottplay.com/news/dhananjaya-kotee-represents-every-common-man-and-thats-what-fascinated-me/d74df0fd73612 |url-status=live }}</ref> Though the title was initially kept under wraps, Dhananjaya accidentally revealed the title in one of his interviews. Debutant Moksha Kushal was selected as the female lead and Ramesh Indira, who impressed the audience in ''Sapta Sagaradaache Ello'', was cast as the antagonist in the film.
The film was shot in Bangalore and Mysore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=GN |first=Ramyashree |date=2023-04-11 |title=ಕಿರುತೆರೆಯಿಂದ ಬೆಳ್ಳಿತೆರೆಗೆ ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರ್ ಗುಂಡ್ಕಲ್; ಜಿಯೋ ಸ್ಟುಡಿಯೋಸ್ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನಿರ್ದೇಶನ |url=https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/2023/Apr/11/parameshwar-gundkal-joins-hands-with-jio-studios-to-bankroll-a-series-of-projects-491430.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Kannada Prabha |language=kn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2024-05-06 |title=Ramesh Indira to play the antagonist in 'Kotee' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/May/06/ramesh-indira-to-play-the-antagonist-in-kotee-2 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094502/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/May/06/ramesh-indira-to-play-the-antagonist-in-kotee-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Soundtrack == {{Infobox album | name = Kotee | type = soundtrack | artist = Vasuki Vaibhav | alt = | released = {{Start date|df=yes|2024|05|30}} | recorded = 2024 | venue = | studio = | genre = Soundtrack | length = {{Duration|m=18|s=00}} | label = Saregama | producer = Vasuki Vaibhav | prev_title = Tagaru Palya | prev_year = 2023 | misc = {{External media | audio1 = {{YouTube|bJeIb4j7bSQ|Official Audio Jukebox}} }} }} The songs of the film are composed by Vasuki Vaibhav while the background score is by Nobin Paul. The music rights of the film were acquired by Saregama.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Features |first=C. E. |date=2024-04-13 |title=I want all to discover the 'Kotee' in you: Dhananjay |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2024/Apr/13/i-want-all-to-discover-the-kotee-in-you-dhananjay |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Cinema Express |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094502/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2024/Apr/13/i-want-all-to-discover-the-kotee-in-you-dhananjay |url-status=live }}</ref> {{track listing | headline = Track list | extra_column = Singer(s) | title1 = Maathu Sothu | length1 = 03:23 | lyrics1 = Yogaraj Bhat | extra1 = Armaan Malik | title2 = Janatha City | length2 = 03:23 | lyrics2 = Vasuki Vaibhav | extra2 = Sanjith Hegde | title3 = Sobaane | length3 = 03:52 | lyrics3 = Yogaraj Bhat | extra3 = Vasuki Vaibhav, Madhuri Seshadri | title4 = Mana Mana | length4 = 03:25 | lyrics4 = Yogaraj Bhat | extra4 = Ananya Bhat, Siddarth Belmannu | title5 = Madhava Mamava | length5 = 03:57 | lyrics5 = Narayana Theertha | extra5 = Madhuri Seshadri | total_length = 18:00 }}
== Release ==
=== Theatrical === The film was theatrically released on 14 June 2024 across Karnataka and few select cities outside Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=B |first=Praveen Chandra |title=Kotee Movie: ಡಾಲಿ ಧನಂಜಯ್ ನಟನೆಯ ಕೋಟಿ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಜೂ 14ಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ; ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ ನೋಡಿ ಕೌತುಕ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸೋ ಟೀಸರ್ |url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-daali-dhananjay-kotee-movie-release-date-june-14-upcoming-kannada-film-kotee-movie-teaser-out-pcp-181713009073914.html |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Kannada Hindustan Times |language=kn |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507100004/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-daali-dhananjay-kotee-movie-release-date-june-14-upcoming-kannada-film-kotee-movie-teaser-out-pcp-181713009073914.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-15 |title=Daali Dhananjaya's Kotee To Release On June 14 |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/daali-dhananjayas-kotee-to-release-on-june-14-article-109319172 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Times Now |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507094503/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/daali-dhananjayas-kotee-to-release-on-june-14-article-109319172 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Reception == The film generally opened to positive reviews from critics and audience, however the pace and the length of the film was criticized along with few routine sequences in the film.
Sridevi S of ''The Times of India'' rated the movie 3.5/5 stars and wrote "At almost three hours, the run time is a bit excessive but the tug-of-war between Dhananjaya and Ramesh Indira makes this slow-burner a perfect family entertainer".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kotee Movie Review : Kotee review: Slow, steady, and wins the race |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/kotee/movie-review/110961993.cms |access-date=2024-06-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=18 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718080803/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/kotee/movie-review/110961993.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Shashiprasad of ''Times Now'' in his review wrote "Despite a few minor hiccups, Param’s writing along with Daali Dhananjaya’s brilliant performance help ''Kotee'' hit the bull’s eye".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Kotee Movie Review: Daali Dhananjaya 'Steals' The Show In This Perfect Thriller Drama |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/kannada/kotee-movie-review-daali-dhananjaya-steals-the-show-in-this-perfect-thriller-drama-review-110948170 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Times Now |language=en |archive-date=17 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617140953/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/kannada/kotee-movie-review-daali-dhananjaya-steals-the-show-in-this-perfect-thriller-drama-review-110948170 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sunayana Suresh of The South First rated the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars and described the movie as "A Kannada film for Kannadigas amidst the Pan Indian movies".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Sunayana |date=2024-06-13 |title=Kotee review: Finally a film made for Kannadigas amidst the pan-India hullabaloo |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kotee-movie-review/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=The South First |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901084938/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/kotee-movie-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Reviewing for ''The News Minute'', Subha J Rao wrote "<bdi>Dhananjaya shines in an earnest, well-rounded film about money".</bdi><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Subha J. |date=2024-06-14 |title=Kotee review: Dhananjaya shines in an earnest, well-rounded film about money |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/kotee-review-dhananjaya-shines-in-an-earnest-well-rounded-film-about-money |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=23 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723055954/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/kotee-review-dhananjaya-shines-in-an-earnest-well-rounded-film-about-money |url-status=live }}</ref> A Sharadhaa of ''The New Indian Express'' rated the movie 3/5 and wrote "Like its protagonist, the film strives for greatness, albeit not always achieving it, yet its sincerity resonates, making the journey worthwhile".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharadhaa |first=A. |date=2024-06-11 |title='Kotee' movie review: Dhananjaya shoulders this tale of sincerity and struggle |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2024/Jun/17/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-shoulders-this-tale-of-sincerity-and-struggle |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=17 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717101109/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2024/Jun/17/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-shoulders-this-tale-of-sincerity-and-struggle |url-status=live }}</ref>
On the Contrary Prathiba Joy of ''OTTplay'' rated the movie 3/5 and in her review wrote "Dhananjaya, Ramesh Indira in fine form, but Param’s debut directorial has massive soap opera hangover".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kotee review: Dhananjaya, Ramesh Indira excel; Param's film's like a serial |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-ramesh-indira-in-fine-form-params-debut-directorial-has-soap-opera-hangover/a10c197a35958 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=17 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617142458/https://www.ottplay.com/review/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-ramesh-indira-in-fine-form-params-debut-directorial-has-soap-opera-hangover/a10c197a35958 |url-status=live }}</ref> Latha Srinivasan of the ''Hindustan Times'' in her review wrote "Those who love soap operas where the common man is the victor will definitely enjoy Kotee and root for him. Param's film could've been pacy".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/kotee-review-dhananjaya-aces-the-role-of-an-honest-middle-class-man-in-this-drama-101718360779947.html | title=Kotee review: Dhananjaya aces the role of an honest middle-class man in this drama | date=14 June 2024 }}</ref> Vivek MV of ''The Hindu'' wrote "Playing a hard-working honest man, Dhananjaya excels in the titular character to become the saving grace in an otherwise bland film from Parameshwar Gundkal".<ref>{{Cite news |last=M.V |first=Vivek |date=2024-06-14 |title='Kotee' movie review: Dhananjaya gives it his all as an honest middle class man |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-gives-it-his-all-as-an-honest-middle-class-man/article68285824.ece |access-date=2024-06-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823130927/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-gives-it-his-all-as-an-honest-middle-class-man/article68285824.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Pranathi A S of the ''Deccan Herald'' rated the movie 2 out of 5 and described the movie as "Dhananjaya charms despite soap opera-paced storytelling".<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Pranati A. |title='Kotee' movie review: Dhananjaya charms despite soap opera-paced storytelling |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-charms-despite-soap-opera-paced-storytelling-3066771 |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=17 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717163707/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/kotee-movie-review-dhananjaya-charms-despite-soap-opera-paced-storytelling-3066771 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== References == <references responsive="1"></references>
== External links == {{IMDb title|27494630}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotee (2024 Film)}} Category:2024 films Category:2024 Kannada-language films Category:2024 Indian films Category:2024 directorial debut films Category:Films set in Karnataka Category:Films shot in Mysore Category:Indian drama films Category:Indian thriller films Category:Jio Studios films