Coming to Kotee, the titular character played by Dhananjay, Param has drawn from his own experiences to craft the character, making him a reflection of his personality. “Every writer balances fact and fiction,” Param muses, explaining the interplay between reality and imagination that forms the basis of his storytelling. “With Kotee, I sought to craft a protagonist steeped in authenticity, drawing upon my experiences and introspections. I kept searching for a character, only to realise it is me who I know best,” says Param.
Despite its lavish production values, Kotee is billed to be a commercial entertainer which remains rooted in the aspirations of the common man, portraying dreams that often seem unattainable. “The production of Kotee was a planned endeavour, spanning eighty-five days of filming. The importance of investment is not only in monetary terms but also in the dedication of time and effort. I view cinema as a complex medium, humbled by its creative possibilities and the challenges it presents,” he says.
Param describes Moksha Kushal’s character, named Navami as, “a foil to the protagonist.” He adds, “Navami is a Chartered Accountant who often approaches Kotee as he is a cab driver. Her character represents a contrast to the hero,” says Param, who also lauds the performances of the cast, especially actor Dhananjay, and recognizes their ability to elevate the narrative. “Story-wise, the outcome might be debatable. But performance-wise, every actor part of the film, from Dhananjay and Rangayana Raghu to Tara, among others, has set the bar too high. It will be a treat to watch their performance on screen,” reveals Param.