Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa

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.

Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa is more than just a film; it is a heartfelt celebration of life, culture, and the simple joys that define the people of the Western Ghats and Coastal Karnataka. From the very first frame, the movie embraces you with the warmth of familiar traditions, the charm of rustic landscapes, and the soothing rhythm of village life.

It is a heartwarming ode to the Western Ghats and Coastal Karnataka, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, rich traditions, and the enduring beauty of rural life. A must-watch for anyone who cherishes culture, family, and the stories that bind us all.

Simple story, crafted with twist and turns screenplay. A decent making with brilliant 11 year old girl, begining with national holiday and that too Sunday.. Normally Sunday means barjari Badoota, so her mission is to eat chicken, in that way she faced rollercoaster ride, in any manner she wants to chicken wheather is it shop closed, strike happened or national holiday she doesn't care.

Finally the hunting episode is also on her way, in the interval scene. So I believe in never forget our routes wherever you go and grow, it's our ancestors build a strong family tree for us enjoy with them, grand father, mother, grand child,& friends.

It's worth a watching with family about Sneha Sofia Chicken story, in this way with due respect they didn't eat chicken on Gandhi jayanti, so what is the catch watch it guys...!👍

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 charming and refreshingly original tale that unfolds on Gandhi Jayanti - a day when meat sales are banned across the country. But for one spirited 11-year-old girl, this national restriction is just the beginning of a wildly entertaining adventure. Her singular mission? To get her hands on some forbidden chicken curry.

What follows is a delightful journey through bustling streets, secret shortcuts, and unexpected encounters. The film masterfully blends humor, innocence, and a touch of rebellion, all seen through the curious eyes of a child determined to satisfy her craving. The narrative is light-hearted yet clever, gently poking at societal norms and taboos without ever losing its playful tone.

The performances, especially by the young lead, are full of heart and authenticity. The direction is crisp, and the cinematography captures both the chaos and charm of the day with warmth and vibrancy. The background score complements the film's quirky mood perfectly, and the pacing keeps you engaged throughout.

Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa isn't just about food - it's about freedom, desire, and the little adventures that shape our childhood. It's a must-watch indie gem that brings smiles, laughter, and maybe even a little hunger.