Kotigobba 3 review: Predictable affair for Sudeep's fan

Kotigobba 3

Kannada (Theatres)

Director: Shiva Karthik

Cast: Sudeep, Madonna Sebastian, Ravi Shankar, Aftab Shivdasani

3/5

Kotigobba 3 is the third film in a popular franchise inaugurated by Vishnuvardhan. After his passing, it stars Sudeep, and the third film in the series deals with monozygotic twins Sathya and Shiva, who believe in philanthropic deeds.

Circumstances force Sathya to land in Poland for the treatment of a baby girl and it coincides with a heist carried out by a criminal whom Interpol identifies as the Ghost. Sathya appears to help the police nab criminals.

Who is the Ghost? Are Sathya and Shiva the same person? Answers to these questions form the rest of the plot. The story is credited to Sudeep. The story is said to be original, but there are enough scenes borrowed from Bollywood hits such as Dhoom and Krrish.

When it comes to performances, Sudeep has done his best. The leading lady is Malayalam import Madonna Sabastian, and the cast also includes Aftab Shivdasani, P Ravi Shankar, Sharath and Nawab Shah, all of whom do justice to their roles. Madonna, Rangayana Raghu and Tabla Nani have limited screen presence. Ashika Ranganath sizzles in a special number as Chameli.

The underdeveloped characters and the background music by Arjun Janya are big letdowns. The lyrics are not worthy of mention either.

Many questions raised by the plot---such as what happens to the child---are left unanswered. Two songs are ill-timed, and humour is mostly absent. The plot becomes highly predictable in the second half.

Despite its flaws, Kotigobba 3 is a visual treat with its high-octane fights, and drifting and chasing sequences. The cinematography, by Shekar Chandru, deserves a special mention. The first half with its twists and the second half with its emotions keep fans engaged.

Directed by debutant Shiva Karthik, the multistarrer is a massy entertainer, as the hooting and whistling at the cinema showed. The plot defies logic as it relies heavily on formulaic commercial elements.