After establishing a market for herself by delivering female-centric hits like Maya and Aramm, Lady superstar Nayanthara is back with Kolamaavu Kokila (Coco). With debutant Nelson at the helm, Anirudh Ravichander takes control of the music and Sivakumar Vijayan captures this dark comedy smuggling thriller.
Succumbing to personal pressures, Kokila (Nayanthara) is forced to enter a dangerous territory in which she is a fresher. Whether and how it helps her is what forms the crux of Kolamaavu Kokila. In a film that evidently deals with cocaine smuggling, it is appreciable that they have made sure not to insert any smoking or drinking scenes. Though they are perspicuous about not endorsing drug usage.
First up, it is an impressive debut for Nelson as his clarity on sketching the screenplay is praise-worthy. He plays with the dark humour in an engaging manner and establishes the motive of the characters from the word go. However, it must be noted that he has dealt with a beaten story. The laudable factor is how he has given a different dimension to it. The first half races towards the intermission and gives an adrenaline high when we walk out for the break. But, some sequences in the second half fall into formats. But this seems to work in the overall scheme of things.
With an ultimately satisfying end to all the built-up mass sequences, one might feel that the climactic buildup could have been more convincing. The titular definition was an interesting addition to the climax.
Throughout the first half, Yogi Babu appears in very few sequences. But just before you're let down by that, the second half gives ample screen time and importance for him to deliver hilarious punchlines. With the inclusion of his one-liners in the funnily constructed sequences, it works! Anbu Thaasan's characterization might seem to irk a few initially, but he too scores along with Yogi Babu in the second half. The base of the film is dark humor and it works in the majority with very few backlogs.
Saranya Ponvannan, Shivaji, and Jacqueline as Nayan's family members deliver sound performances and give some solid support. Hareesh Peradi and Charles Vinod prove to be good additions to the cast list. An eccentric character in the opposite camp adds value to the dark humor. Motta Rajendran's functional performance gathers a few laughs.
There is some attractive lighting in accordance with some interesting frames and Sivakumar Vijayan, the cinematographer can be credited for the same. Nirmal Kumar's edits are passable. Coming to the star of the moment.. rather, superstar of the moment, Nayanthara is a treat to watch on screen. She underplays her character with elegance and proves her expertise and experience with ease. Even her slightest of reactions are appealing and with a contrasting performance from her recent films, she is sure to grab the limelight.
Now, for those of you who thought this film doesn't have a hero, here's your answer. There most definitely is one! Anirudh Ravichander continues to demonstrate as to why he is a rockstar! The songs have already been chart toppers, and his BGM score is a sure shot winner. He sticks to Spanish mafia-ish, Narcos-esque scores that fall right into the mood of the film. A special shout-out for the placement of Gun-in Kadhal song and Vignesh ShivN's lyrics. It effortlessly hits the high note!
Simply put, snort this Coco to get high on laughter and entertainment!