# Kolla (2023 film)

Kolla (transl. Robbery) is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language heist film directed by Suraj Varma in his directorial debut and featuring Rajisha Vijayan and Priya Prakash Varrier in the lead roles. It is written by Jasim Jalal and Nelson Joseph based on the story by Bobby–Sanjay. The film is loosely based on the 2008 Chelembra bank robbery.
The film was announced in May 2022. Principal photography commenced the shooting in the same month in Ettumanoor and wrapped up in June 2022. The music was composed by Shaan Rahman, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Rajavel Mohan and Arju Benn.
Kolla was released in theatres on 9 June 2023.

## Plot

Annie and Shilpa plan to open a beauty parlour to rob the co-operative bank next door. Pretending that they are renovating their parlour, the two women execute their plan with the help of Annie's father's friend Stephen.
The police inspector Farooq Rahman, who is investigating the bank robbery, is suspicious of Annie and Shilpa. His investigation leads to CI Stephen, who dies of a heart attack. Annie goes to the hiding place where Stephen was supposed to have hidden the money they had stolen but finds it empty.
Annie keeps searching for the money, following hints from her conversations with Stephen and information she obtained from Stephen's wife. She eventually finds the money in a burial chamber at Thenmala Church.
Inspector Farooq is convinced that Annie and Shilpa were involved in the robbery and sets a trap to catch them. Meanwhile, another local thief, Stephen's brother-in-law, chases Annie and threatens her. She goes to Farooq's house to give a haircut to his niece. Farooq questions Annie and catches her in a lie. He asks her for half of the money in exchange for his silence. Annie agrees and gives him the money.
The next day, Farooq reveals Annie's involvement in the robbery, despite their agreement. Annie and Shilpa flee, but the police catch Shilpa and she reveals Annie's whereabouts. Annie is arrested.
The media praises Farooq, but he appears upset. In a flashback, it is revealed that Annie and Shilpa suspected that Farooq might cheat them, and they followed Farooq to find where he'd hidden his share of the money. They arranged for Shilpa to be arrested and give Farooq's share of the money to Annie. Three years later, Annie and Shilpa now work as café waitresses in a new city and plan to rob a diamond shop near the café.

## Cast

* Rajisha Vijayan as Annie
* Priya Prakash Varrier as Shilpa
* Vinay Forrt as CI Basheer Rahman
* Kollam Sudhi as Mesthiri
* Jordi Poonjar as Scaria
* Vinod Kedamangalam as Satheeshan Mundamkunnu, a panchayat member
* Dain Davis as Sugeeth
* Shebin Benson as Basil
* Prem Prakash as Bank Manager
* Alencier Ley Lopez as Stephen (Appappan)
* Jeo Baby as SI Victor
* Alexander Prasanth as Charlie, Stephen's brother-in-law
* Shaan Rahman as Kottayam Rural SP Azeez
* Shiny T. Rajan as Nancy, Stephen's wife

## Production
### Development

The film was officially announced on 12 May 2022 at the Gokulam Convention Centre in Kaloor. Sibi Malayil lit the Nilavilakku and launched the film's title.

### Filming

Principal photography of the film began on 13 May 2022 in Ettumanoor. The shooting took place in Ettumanoor, Kaipuzha, and Vayala. The filming wrapped up on 23 June 2022.

## Soundtrack

The songs are composed by Shaan Rahman.

## Release
### Theatrical

The film was released in theatres on 9 June 2023 by Ayyappan Movies Release.

### Home media

ManoramaMAX bought the digital distribution rights of the film. The online streaming began on 27 July 2023.

## Reception
### Critical response

Sanjith Sidhardhan of OTTPlay gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "While the heist and its planning are given limited time, it's what happens after one of them gets caught that makes the proceedings gripping." Arjun Ramachandran of The South First gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Jasim Jalal and Nelson's screenplay keeps the film engaging, especially the cat-and-mouse game between the lead characters and cops." Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Despite having an intriguing plot, Suraj Varma's Kolla disappointingly plunges into the depths of mediocrity due to the absence of a compelling and enthralling narrative."
Shilpa Nair Anand of The Hindu wrote, "Kolla is a thriller which, despite a great story with more twists than a murukku, never reaches its full potential." Princy Alexander of Onmanorama wrote, "The screenplay by Jasim Jalal and Nelson Joseph failed to do justice to Bobby-Sanjay's story. The twists were quite intriguing, but some of the scenes needed to be sharper to seem more convincing. Nevertheless, it was fascinating how some of the scenes were envisaged."