Kotee

{{More plot|date=June 2024}}

Kotee, a middle class person, is the sole breadwinner of his family living in Janatha City. Kotee soon lands in trouble and is forced to take loan from Dinoo Saavkaar, a local thug in Janatha City. However, Kotee finds himself buried under a huge pile of debt and faces a life-altering choice: To be eliminated or commit one of Saavkaar's dirty jobs.

{{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)

}}

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.{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |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 }}{{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 }} Parameshwar Gundkal joined hands with Jio Studios and Dhananjaya was chosen to headline the project.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.{{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}}{{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 }}

{{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.{{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 }}

{{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

}}

The film was theatrically released on 14 June 2024 across Karnataka and few select cities outside Karnataka.{{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 }}{{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 }}

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".{{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 }} 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".{{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 }} 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".{{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 }} Reviewing for The News Minute, Subha J Rao wrote "Dhananjaya shines in an earnest, well-rounded film about money".{{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 }} 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".{{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 }}

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".{{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 }} 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".{{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 }} 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".{{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 }} 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".{{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 }}

{{IMDb title|27494630}}

__FORCETOC__

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotee (2024 Film)}}

Category:2024 films

Category:2020s Kannada-language 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