Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa

A beautifully simple yet visually captivating depiction of a schoolgirl's life in coastal Karnataka. The script is uncomplicated, drawing its tension from the everyday struggles that viewers can instantly connect with.

What truly stands out in this film is the unembellished portrayal of its characters, offering an authentic glimpse into local life, which lends the plot a genuine sense of realism. The film evokes memories of Shankar Nag's "Malgudi Days" and Majid Majidi's "Children of Heaven," creating a nostalgic charm.

One notable absence, perhaps intentional but something I personally would have welcomed, was a musical score or background track. The inclusion of local folk music in key moments could have added depth to the film's appeal, without detracting from its understated simplicity.

All in all, this is an impressive, heartfelt, and visually striking film that will resonate deeply with those who appreciate authentic indie cinema.

Abhilash Shetty's Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a lovingly crafted cinematic experience that brings together food, family, and nostalgia in a setting soaked in the monsoon hues of Malnad. With his second feature, Shetty turns his attention to the small joys of rural life, told through the perspective of an 11-year-old girl and her yearning for something as simple as a chicken curry meal.

The story revolves around young Sneha (played by Samrudhi Kundapura), who eagerly looks forward to Sundays-not for cartoons or playtime, but for the special chicken curry that her family prepares. It's a weekly ritual, a highlight of her week. But one particular Sunday falls on Gandhi Jayanti, a day when slaughter is prohibited, leading to a quiet upheaval in the household. What begins as a small disruption soon evolves into a gentle, warm story about memory, food, and the relationships that bind a family together.

What makes Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa stand out is its ability to treat such a seemingly trivial conflict with sincerity and warmth.

Samrudhi Kundapura as Sneha delivers a wonderfully natural performance. Her innocence and quiet determination hold the film together. Around her, the ensemble cast fits snugly into their roles-their banter, disagreements, and shared silences feel lived-in. These are people we recognize from our own lives: the uncle who over-explains, the cousin who teases, the grandmother who communicates more with gestures than words.

Shetty, who had earlier impressed with Koli Taal, again proves his mastery in capturing the Malnad region not just as a backdrop, but as a character. The cinematography bathes the screen in rain-drenched greens, misty skies, and soft indoor lights. It's a visual treat that mirrors the emotional warmth of the story. The sound design, too, is minimal and immersive-letting natural sounds fill the silences instead of relying on music to direct emotions.

One of the film's most endearing qualities is how it explores the meaning of food beyond sustenance. The Sunday chicken curry is not just a dish-it's memory, celebration, connection. It reminds us how food is tied to our emotional landscape, how a simple recipe can carry stories, rituals, and identities. Sneha's anticipation is not just about taste; it's about belonging and routine, about being part of something that's hers.

The screenplay subtly touches on themes of tradition versus modernity, personal desire versus collective rules, and the passage of time. Gandhi Jayanti becomes a symbolic interruption, reminding the characters-and us-that even the most cherished routines can be disrupted by larger systems.

I recently watched Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa, and I have to say, it really touched me. It's a simple but powerful film about a young schoolgirl growing up in coastal Karnataka. What I loved most was how real and honest it felt-no unnecessary drama, just a beautiful slice of life.

The story isn't complicated, but that's what makes it special. It focuses on the small things in her everyday life, and somehow, that makes you feel deeply connected to her. You get to see her struggles, her little joys, and the bond she shares with her family and community.

Visually, the film is stunning. The way the coastal landscape is shown feels so fresh and nostalgic. One thing I noticed was that there wasn't any background music, which made the film feel even more raw and real. But I did think that adding some local folk songs could have made it even more emotionally powerful.

It reminded me a bit of Malgudi Days and Children of Heaven-films that are simple but leave a lasting impact.

All in all, I think Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a beautiful film that gives you a heartfelt glimpse into the culture and life of coastal Karnataka. Definitely worth watching if you love meaningful stories.

Abhilash Shetty's follow up film to his Koli Taal series narrates the story of a 11 year old kid Sneha, who yearns to eat chicken on Sunday as it is a tradition at her house to eat chicken on Sundays. To her dismay, Gandhi Jayanthi falls on that dreaded Sunday and meat is banned. Thus begins her journey to eat chicken food, taking her to her grandparents house who had an adventure feeding their other grandson, koli taal the last time.

Once again the cultural take remains the high point. This time, more actors are cast and Sneha's predicament is instantly connecting. The writing is top notch in the way the entire segment of Sneha and her father go on the search for his alcohol and her favorite chicken, on a day when both are banned from being sold. This one is not a whodunit story but a straightforward one and the wait is to see what all stops Sneha from eating chicken. I didn't know the saying about cats grooming themselves being a sign of guests visiting your house and the film gave many such gems.

I found this better than the previous film as the writing is wholesome and the way Abhilash Shetty succeeded in having a strong hold on his script. Having the little girl as the main lead was another masterstroke and the very mention of the dreadful Monday itself was a worthy twist to make me rank this film higher than the last entry. I ended up craving for chicken as the story made it into it's final act. Kudos to Abhilash Shetty and team for going ahead and turning this concept into 2 movies and I am definitely looking forward to their next film.

Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a film that beautifully showcases the culture of Kundapura and the surrounding Malnad region in Karnataka. It's a perfect family movie that children will especially enjoy. In a time dominated by high-budget action or dramatic thrillers, Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is a reminder of how storytelling rooted in culture and heart can still move audiences. It appeals to children, families, and anyone who appreciates cinema that speaks softly but leaves a strong impression.

Director Abhilash Shetty has done a fantastic job in capturing the essence of rural life with simplicity and charm. The second half of the film flows so smoothly, you won't even realize how time passes. Overall, this is one of the best movies-totally worth your ticket price. Go watch it, you won't be disappointed!