'Naale Rajaa, Koli Majaa' movie review: A mouthwatering outing set in picturesque Malnad

Abhilash Shetty's second feature 'Naale Rajaa, Koli Majaa' follows an 11-year-old Sneha (Samrudhi Kundapura) who waits all week to enjoy a hearty meal of chicken curry on a Sunday. But one such Sunday happens to be Gandhi Jayanti. Since the slaughter and sale of meat is banned on the day, her father brings home a bag full of vegetables instead. Not only Sneha, even her father can’t enjoy this Sunday because October 2 is also a dry day. The two of them decide to go around the city looking for meat and alcohol. 

The trip reveals her father's hypocrisy, leaving Sneha disappointed. Upset, she heads to her grandparents’ house, not too far away, hoping to get her most-anticipated meal. Will her grandparents Mahabala Shetty (Prabhakar Kunder) and Vanaja (Radha Ramachandra) be able to give their granddaughter her Sunday treat? This forms the crux of the story, which Abhilash narrates with a blend of suspense and humour. 

Set in the picturesque landscapes of Malnad, 'Naale Rajaa, Koli Majaa' is Abhilash's second offering in his ‘Koli’ series. The first one being 'Koli Taal' (Chicken Curry), which has Mahabala Shetty going on a hunt to find their missing rooster for his grandson. 

Abhilash avoids making the film preachy and opts for subtle political commentary instead. Sneha's character is badass; she is not ready to listen to random uncles lecture her on embracing non-violence on Gandhi Jayanti. 

Non-vegetarian meals on Sundays is a ritual in most Indian households, and the film reminds us of such moments from childhood. Sneha's stubborn urge to have chicken meat is amusing to watch and Abhilash weaves this in a well-written screenplay. There's never a dull moment. By the end of the film, you're craving for a meal of koli curry yourself. 

Swaroop Yashwanth's cinematography is worth a mention. He beautifully captures the rural setting, and the shots of making the chicken curry are quite mouthwatering.