Kolla on OTT: Reasons to stream Rajisha Vijayan, Priya Prakash Varrier’s heist thriller on Manorama Max

Malayalam actress Rajisha Vijayan and Priya Prakash Varrier’s latest heist thriller Kolla is all set for its OTT release on Manorama Max. The movie, which is helmed by debutant Suraj Varma, is set to drop on the OTT platform on July 27.

Though the film didn’t create waves at the box office, many praised the makers for the attempt – especially for bringing out a heist film set in rural Kerala and spearheaded by female protagonists. Here are the reasons Kolla makes for a good weekend watch after its releases on Manorama Max.

A subversive take

Unlike usual heist thrillers, director Suraj Varma’s Kolla has women planning and executing the heist; it’s a subversive take on the whole genre much like Steve McQueen’s Widows and Gary Rose’s Oceans 8, but without the high stakes. Here the heist is limited to the lead duo along with their aides breaking into a co-operative bank. Also, more than the heist, it’s about how they escape the law that is given most of the screen time.

Also read: Kolla OTT release date: When, where to watch Rajisha Vijayan, Priya Varrier’s subversive heist thriller 

A thriller laced with humour

The film is set in a village, but that doesn’t mean it lacks the thrills to make it a proper heist film. But the makers also seem to be aware of what resonates with the Malayali audience, while making a film with such a genre and that’s why the safety of humour is used in plenty in this movie. The escape plan and the consequent troubles the lead duo land in are laced with comedy. A scene that also pays homage to Whoopi Goldberg’s Sister Act being the most hilarious of all.

Also read: Rajisha Vijayan: I don’t want to do movies where I am just a doll or a blink-and-miss character 

Taut editing

Despite its content not having high thrills and the makers sometimes choosing the predictable route, the length of the movie along with some tight editing makes Kolla an easy movie to sit through. The team has also ensured that there aren’t too many complex plans by the thieves and those that are present are explained neatly for the convenience of the audience.

Bobby and Sanjay’s story

Kolla is based on a story by National Film Award winning-duo Bobby and Sanjay, who are known for their brilliant thrillers such as Traffic and Mumbai Police. This film, which is scripted by Jasim Jalal and Nelson Joseph, also has those smarts in certain sequences.