What happens when a group of Naxals realise the futility of indulging in a thankless mission and decide to give up arms and surrender? They struggle to blend into the mainstream society as they encounter hurdles, rowdy cops and wily politicians who take advantage of their dark past. Koottam, directed by debutant Jeevan, has this for a plot. While the film has a fairly engaging first half, the second is loosely scripted and drags on.
The film opens where others of its kind end. The narration cuts into the group’s past, depicting friendship, love, bonding and a supposed betrayal. Roped in by a well-meaning senior cop (Mahadevan), they undertake covert activities against the underworld. There is also the wily politician J K (Nasser), who uses them as pawns in his games of survival.
Weaved into the plot is a love story. Abhi kidnaps Shruti (Piaa), a bigwig’s daughter who had scooted with the money owed to them. What follows is a predictable case of Stockholm Syndrome.
Kishore and Navin play their roles with aplomb. Piaa as Shruti is vivacious, but there is hardly any scope for performance.
Koottam has a plot with the potential to turn into a riveting thriller. It would probably have, had the screenplay been more coherent and focused.
Film: Koottam (Tamil)
Director: M Jeevan
Cast: Naveen Chandra, Kishore, Pia Bajpai, Abhimanyu Singh, Nasser