Kingston Review: In recent years, South Indian filmmakers have been experimenting with the fantasy genre, aiming to craft engaging films that explore this relatively underused territory. Tovino Thomas’s A.R.M., Jeeva’s Aghathiyaa, and Mohanlal’s Barroz 3D are examples of such ambitious attempts. GV Prakash’s Kingston and the Cursed Sea, directed by debutant Kamal Prakash, joins this list as another try from Tamil cinema. But does this fantasy-horror film, set against the backdrop of the sea, manage to leave a lasting impact? Let’s dive in and explore.
Written and directed by Kamal Prakash, Kingston and the Cursed Sea stars GV Prakash Kumar in the lead role, alongside Divyabharathi, Elango Kumaravel, Sabumon Abdusamad, and Chetan. GV Prakash, who also co-produced and composed the music for the film, plays the titular Kingston, a man from the coastal village of Thoovathur, where fishing has been banned due to a string of unexplained events. As a result, the villagers are forced to rely on Thomas (Sabumon Abdusamad), a local drug lord who controls everything in the region, including Kingston and his friends.
The plot kicks into motion when Kingston has a confrontation with Thomas. Determined to challenge the myth of the cursed sea, Kingston embarks on a journey with his lover Rose (Divyabharathi) and his friends to explore the forbidden waters. What lies beyond the shores of Thoovathur? The mystery of the sea and its dark secrets form the crux of the narrative.
The film deserves praise for its ambitious scale, especially considering its budget of approximately Rs 20 crore. The visual effects, horror elements, and technical aspects contribute to some impressive moments throughout the film. However, the storytelling and screenplay fall short of matching the grandeur of the visuals.
Marketed as India’s first sea fantasy adventure film, Kingston and the Cursed Sea takes an excessively long time to delve into its central theme—the cursed sea. Debut director Kamal Prakash shows promise but struggles to maintain engagement, particularly during the more emotional or dramatic sequences. The film spends the first half on setting up the premise, with the sea adventure only beginning in the second half. This sluggish pacing hampers the impact of the core mystery, leaving too little time to explore the sea’s terrifying secrets.
GV Prakash Kumar, as the protagonist “King,” puts in a commendable effort to carry the film, but his portrayal as the hero destined to rule the seas feels lacking. His character arc is rushed, and the emotional resonance of his final victory is lost in the haste. While Divyabharathi and the supporting cast contribute, none of the performances stand out in a way that elevates the film.
The music composed by GV Prakash Kumar, cinematography by Gokul Benoy, and visual effects stand out, particularly in the film’s second half. The art, makeup, and prosthetics teams deserve special mention for adding to the visual appeal. While the technical aspects do enhance the film, especially in certain moments, they aren’t enough to make up for the lackluster narrative.
Indian cinema is clearly attempting to compete with Hollywood-level visual effects in the fantasy genre, but filmmakers must remember that the foundation of any great film lies in its story. In Kingston and the Cursed Sea, critical story developments feel slow and predictable, which detracts from the film’s otherwise impressive visuals, leaving audiences with an underwhelming experience.
Ultimately, Kingston and the Cursed Sea is a bold attempt at a genre rarely seen in Indian cinema. Despite its visual achievements and horror sequences in the latter half, the film doesn’t fully live up to its potential. It remains watchable, but its lack of narrative depth makes it hard to call it a truly successful venture.