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{{Short description|2023 Malayalam film by Resul Pookutty}}
{{No plot|date=July 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Otta poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Resul Pookutty]]
| writer = Kiron Prabhakaran
| based_on = {{Based on|''Runaway Children''|Hariharan S.}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* Resul Pookutty
* Hariharan S.
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]]
* [[Indrajith Sukumaran]]
* [[Arjun Ashokan]]
}}
| cinematography = Arun Varma
| editing = Zian Sreekanth
| music = [[M. Jayachandran]]
| studio = {{Plainlist|
* Children Reunited LLP
* Resul Pookutty Productions
}}
| distributor = Century Films
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2023|10|27|ref1=<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2023 |title=Asif Ali and Resul Pookutty's 'Otta' get a release date |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/asif-ali-and-resul-pookuttys-otta-get-a-release-date/articleshow/103350260.cms |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191033/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/asif-ali-and-resul-pookuttys-otta-get-a-release-date/articleshow/103350260.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| runtime = 147 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Otta |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/otta-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde3mzix |access-date= |website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103175128/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/otta-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmde3mzix |url-status=live }}</ref>
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
}}

'''''Otta''''' (also known as '''''Otta: The Loner''''') is a [[List of Malayalam films of 2023|2023]] Indian [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]]-language [[Drama (film and television)#Drama thriller|drama thriller]] film directed by [[Resul Pookutty]] in his directorial debut, based on S. Hariharan's book, ''Runaway Children''. The film stars [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]], [[Indrajith Sukumaran]], and [[Arjun Ashokan]] in the lead roles, alongside an [[Ensemble cast|ensemble supporting cast]]. The story follows two friends, Hari and Ben, who abandon their homes due to family problems.

The film was officially announced in April 2022 in [[Kochi]], and [[principal photography]] began in the same month. The music was composed by [[M. Jayachandran]], while the cinematography and editing were handled by Arun Varma and Zian Sreekanth, respectively.

''Otta'' was released in theatres on 27 October 2023. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]] as Hari alias Hariharan
* [[Indrajith Sukumaran]] as Raju
* [[Arjun Ashokan]] as Ben
* [[Sathyaraj]] as Iyer, Hari's father
* [[Adil Hussain]]
* [[Indrans]]
* [[Renji Panicker]]
* [[Jayaprakash (actor)|Jayaprakash]]
* [[Jayakrishnan]]
* Baiju Pookutty
* [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] as Umabba, Hari's mother
* [[Bhavana (Kannada actress)|Bhavana]] as Dr. Mary Thomas, Ben's mother
* Devi Nair
* [[Divya Dutta]]
* [[Mamta Mohandas]]
* [[Lena (actress)|Lena]]
* [[Shyamaprasad]]
}}

== Production ==

=== Development ===
''Otta'' marks the directorial debut of [[Resul Pookutty]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2023 |title=Otta first look teaser: Resul Pookutty promises an emotional roller-coaster about runaway children |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/otta-first-look-teaser-resul-pookutty-promises-an-emotional-roller-coaster-about-runaway-children-8915038/ |access-date= |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016225114/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/otta-first-look-teaser-resul-pookutty-promises-an-emotional-roller-coaster-about-runaway-children-8915038/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Film Companion]]'', Resul said that he planned to make his directorial debut with a [[Hindi cinema|Hindi film]] with [[Rajinikanth]], however, his debut film eventually became ''Otta'', which he wanted to initially produce, but later decided to direct by himself.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=26 October 2023 |title=Resul Pookutty wants to make Hindi film with Rajinikanth; reveals he 'almost died' during Otta shoot |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/resul-pookutty-wants-to-make-hindi-film-with-rajinikanth-reveals-he-almost-died-during-otta-shoot-9000687/ |access-date= |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027092238/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/resul-pookutty-wants-to-make-hindi-film-with-rajinikanth-reveals-he-almost-died-during-otta-shoot-9000687/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film's script is written by Kiron Prabhakar,<ref name=":3" /> based on a book titled ''Runaway Children'' by S. Hariharan, a social worker.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2023 |title=Otta trailer: Resul Pookutty's debut directorial looks promising |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/otta-trailer-resul-pookutty-debut-directorial-looks-promising-8992718/ |access-date= |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027140524/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/otta-trailer-resul-pookutty-debut-directorial-looks-promising-8992718/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The film, along with Resul Pookutty's production company, Resul Pookutty Productions, was officially announced on 13 April 2022 at the [[Crowne Plaza]] hotel in [[Kochi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 April 2022 |title=റസൂൽ പൂക്കുട്ടി സംവിധായകനാവുന്നു, നായകന്മാരായി ആസിഫ് അലിയും അർജുൻ അശോകനും സത്യരാജും |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/resul-pookutty-to-direct-movie-starring-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-and-sathyaraj-1.7433863 |access-date= |website=Mathrubhumi |language=ml |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326131451/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/resul-pookutty-to-direct-movie-starring-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-and-sathyaraj-1.7433863 |url-status=live }}</ref> S. Hariharan's Children Reunited LLP co-produced the film with Resul Pookutty Productions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 October 2023 |title='Otta' trailer: Asif Ali, Arjun Ashokan star in Resul Pookutty's intense directorial debut |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/otta-trailer-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-star-in-resul-pookuttys-intense-directorial-debut/article67448761.ece |access-date= |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028041927/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/otta-trailer-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-star-in-resul-pookuttys-intense-directorial-debut/article67448761.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2022 |title=Asif Ali to star in Resul Pookutty's directorial debut |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2022/apr/15/asif-ali-to-star-in-resul-pookuttys-directorial-debut-2442074.html |access-date= |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426130750/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2022/apr/15/asif-ali-to-star-in-resul-pookuttys-directorial-debut-2442074.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Arun Varma and Zian Sreekanth were recruited as the cinematographer and editor, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 August 2023 |title=Teaser of Resul Pookutty, Asif Ali's Otta, to be out on this date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/aug/27/teaser-of-resul-pookutty-asif-alis-otta-to-be-out-on-this-date-47024.html |access-date= |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en |archive-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903065752/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/aug/27/teaser-of-resul-pookutty-asif-alis-otta-to-be-out-on-this-date-47024.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Casting ===
In an interview with an online media in April 2022, Resul Pookutty said that his film will have [[Shobana]], [[Asif Ali (actor)|Asif Ali]], [[Indrans]], [[Arjun Ashokan]], [[Sathyaraj]], [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]], [[Shyamaprasad]], [[Renji Panicker]], [[Adil Hussain]], and [[Divya Dutta]] appearing in prominent roles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 April 2022 |title=Resul Pookutty to cast Shobana, Asif Ali, Indrans, and Arjun Ashokan in his directorial debut 'Otta' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/resul-pookutty-to-cast-shobana-asif-ali-indrans-and-arjun-ashokan-in-his-directorial-debut-otta/articleshow/91126135.cms?frmapp=yes |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191030/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/resul-pookutty-to-cast-shobana-asif-ali-indrans-and-arjun-ashokan-in-his-directorial-debut-otta/articleshow/91126135.cms?frmapp=yes |url-status=live }}</ref> Shobana, who was taking a break after her previous film, ''[[Varane Avashyamund]]'' (2020), was approached to play a role, which she agreed to after hearing the story.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2022 |title='Otta' based on real-life incident, says film's director Resul Pookutty |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2022/04/26/otta-film-director-rasul-pookutty-interview.html |access-date= |website=Onmanorama |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001052558/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2022/04/26/otta-film-director-rasul-pookutty-interview.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Adil Hussain was chosen to play the role of a policeman.<ref name=":5" /> Resul Pookutty approached Divya Dutta to play the role of a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 March 2023 |title=Divya Dutta had a fangirl moment shooting with Kattappa of Baahubali, Sathyaraj |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/divya-dutta-had-a-fanboy-moment-shooting-with-kattappa-of-baahubali-sathyaraj/articleshow/98900670.cms |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327101712/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/divya-dutta-had-a-fanboy-moment-shooting-with-kattappa-of-baahubali-sathyaraj/articleshow/98900670.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The film also marks her debut in a [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam film]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 July 2023 |title=Divya Dutta remembers shooting for her first south film |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/divya-dutta-remembers-shooting-for-her-first-south-film/articleshow/101485834.cms |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=13 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713081131/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/divya-dutta-remembers-shooting-for-her-first-south-film/articleshow/101485834.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Devi Nair, daughter of actress [[Jalaja]], was cast to play an important role.<ref name=":0" /> Resul Pookutty's brother, Baiju Pookutty, was also included in the cast.<ref name=":0" />

=== Filming ===
The crew began [[principal photography]] on 25 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 April 2022 |title=Resul Pookutty {{!}} റസൂൽ പൂക്കുട്ടി സംവിധായകനാവുന്നു; 'ഒറ്റ' ഏപ്രിലിൽ ചിത്രീകരണമാരംഭിക്കും |url=https://malayalam.news18.com/news/film/movies-resul-pookutty-turns-director-with-otta-mm-526437.html |access-date= |website=News18 Malayalam |language=ml |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519055333/https://malayalam.news18.com/news/film/movies-resul-pookutty-turns-director-with-otta-mm-526437.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 2022 |title=Resul Pookutty launches the first look of his directorial debut 'Otta' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/resul-pookutty-launches-the-first-look-of-his-directorial-debut-otta/articleshow/90838458.cms |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210110904/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/resul-pookutty-launches-the-first-look-of-his-directorial-debut-otta/articleshow/90838458.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Initial filming took place at a [[Nālukettu]] in Kannankulangara, near [[North Paravur]].<ref name=":0" /> On the fourth day of the shoot, Resul Pookutty was admitted to the hospital for 45 days after suffering from [[Dengue fever|dengue]].<ref name=":2" /> In [[Chennai]], a kilometer-long stretch was used to build a [[Set (film and TV scenery)|set]] to recreate the looks of the 1990s and the period scenes were shot with cameras from the era.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Madhu |first=Vignesh |date=5 November 2023 |title=Resul Pookutty's directorial debut Malayalam film 'Otta': Sound of mettle |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/nov/05/resul-pookuttys-directorial-debutmalayalam-film-ottasound-of-mettle-2629462.html |access-date= |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110172329/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/nov/05/resul-pookuttys-directorial-debutmalayalam-film-ottasound-of-mettle-2629462.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming was also done with still cameras and [[iPhone]]s.<ref name=":5" />

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Otta
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[M. Jayachandran]]
| released = {{Start date|2023}}
| venue = [[Kochi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Chennai]]
| studio = * My Studio
* Aaravind Audio Garage
* [[Yash Raj Films|Yashraj Studios]]
* [[Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios|AM Studios]]
* Sound Town
| genre = [[Soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|m=21|s=39}}
| language = Malayalam, Tamil
| label = Children Reunited LLP
| prev_title = Njanum Pinnoru Njanum
| prev_year = 2023
| year = 2023
}}
The film's soundtrack album consists of five songs composed by [[M. Jayachandran]], while the lyrics are written by [[Rafeeq Ahamed]] and [[Vairamuthu]].<ref name=":4" /> The vocals are given by [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]], [[P. Jayachandran]], [[Jassie Gift]], [[Alphons Joseph]] and [[Benny Dayal]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 September 2023 |title=ആസിഫ് അലി നായകനാകുന്ന റസൂൽ പൂക്കുട്ടി ചിത്രം; "ഒറ്റ" റിലീസ് തീയതി പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/asif-ali-movie-otta-release-date-announced-1.8870324 |access-date= |website=Mathrubhumi |language=ml |archive-date=23 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923073250/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/asif-ali-movie-otta-release-date-announced-1.8870324 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 October 2023, the first song "Peyneer Poley" was released.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=25 October 2023 |title='Peyneer Poley' song from 'Otta' out! |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/peyneer-poley-song-from-otta-out/articleshow/104702759.cms |access-date= |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026074627/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/peyneer-poley-song-from-otta-out/articleshow/104702759.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Otta (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)<ref>{{Citation |title=Otta (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Songs: Otta (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) MP3 Malayalam Songs by Vairamuthu Online Free on Gaana.com |url=https://gaana.com/album/otta-original-motion-picture-soundtrack |access-date=28 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191032/https://gaana.com/album/otta-original-motion-picture-soundtrack |url-status=live }}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = En Kaadal Nadiye
| note1 = Tamil
| length1 = 3:51
| lyrics1 = Vairamuthu
| extra1 = [[Shankar Mahadevan]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]], Sreeraj Sahajan
| title2 = Parakkum Parava Poley
| length2 = 3:49
| lyrics2 = [[Rafeeq Ahamed]]
| extra2 = [[Jassie Gift]], [[Alphons Joseph]], Yazin Nizar Malathy, [[Swetha Ashok]]
| title3 = Peyneer Poley
| length3 = 3:49
| lyrics3 = Rafeeq Ahamed
| extra3 = Shreya Ghoshal, [[Benny Dayal]]
| title4 = Peyneer Poley
| note4 = Male vocals
| length4 = 3:49
| lyrics4 = Rafeeq Ahamed
| extra4 = [[P. Jayachandran]], Benny Dayal
| title5 = Paral
| length5 = 3:34
| lyrics5 = Rafeeq Ahamed
| extra5 = Benny Dayal, Unni Elayaraja, M. Jayachandran
| title6 = Ottaykkoru Mutham
| length6 = 2:47
| lyrics6 = Rafeeq Ahamed
| extra6 = Lekshmi Jayan
}}

== Release ==

=== Theatrical ===
The film was initially scheduled to release on 15 September 2023 and later postponed due to unfinished [[post-production]] work.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=30 July 2023 |title=Otta: Resul Pookutty's directorial debut is releasing worldwide on September 15 |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/otta-resul-pookuttys-directorial-debut-is-releasing-worldwide-on-september-15/01977fa28e922 |access-date= |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810155652/https://www.ottplay.com/news/otta-resul-pookuttys-directorial-debut-is-releasing-worldwide-on-september-15/01977fa28e922 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=21 October 2023 |title=Resul Pookutty's Otta trailer: Asif Ali, Arjun Ashokan starrer hints at an intense social drama |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/resul-pookuttys-otta-trailer-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-starrer-hints-at-an-intense-social-drama/d3b3f438ac295 |access-date= |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191033/https://www.ottplay.com/news/resul-pookuttys-otta-trailer-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-starrer-hints-at-an-intense-social-drama/d3b3f438ac295 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film was released in theatres on 27 October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=T. N. M. |date=3 September 2023 |title=Otta, Resul Pookutty's directorial debut, to release in October |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/otta-resul-pookutty-s-directorial-debut-release-october-181863 |access-date= |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928010330/https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/otta-resul-pookutty-s-directorial-debut-release-october-181863 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was distributed in [[Kerala]] by Century Films.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 October 2023 |title=പെയ്നീർ പോലെ; റസൂൽ പൂക്കുട്ടി ചിത്രം 'ഒറ്റ' യിലെ ആദ്യ ഗാനം പുറത്തിറങ്ങി |url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/peyneer-poley-otta-movie-song-have-been-released-1.9017377 |access-date= |website=Mathrubhumi |language=ml |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028113357/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/peyneer-poley-otta-movie-song-have-been-released-1.9017377 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Box office ===
The film grossed {{currency|2489|USD}} in the [[United Kingdom]] and {{USD|6929}} in the [[United Arab Emirates]], bringing its total international earnings to {{Usd|9418}}.<ref>{{Cite The Numbers|id=Otta-(2023-India)|title=Otta|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Box Office Mojo|id=20851184|title=Otta|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===

S. R. Praveen of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "Despite an ensemble cast, only some of them get characters having enough to do to even register in our minds in Asif Ali and Arjun Ashokan's '''Otta''<nowiki/>'."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=27 October 2023 |title='Otta' movie review: Resul Pookutty's directorial debut fails to make a mark, despite its lofty intentions |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/otta-movie-review-resul-pookuttys-directorial-debut-fails-to-make-a-mark-despite-its-lofty-intentions/article67465683.ece |access-date= |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028093154/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/otta-movie-review-resul-pookuttys-directorial-debut-fails-to-make-a-mark-despite-its-lofty-intentions/article67465683.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Anandu Suresh of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 1 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Otta'' demonstrates that even with a team of brilliant technicians and actors, a film is destined to collapse without a strong foundation comprising a well-developed story and script."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Anandu |date=27 October 2023 |title=Otta movie review: Resul Pookutty's Asif Ali, Indrajith-starrer is an overstretched semi-biographical infomercial |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/otta-movie-review-resul-pookutty-asif-ali-indrajith-starrer-overstretched-semi-biographical-infomercial-9001436/ |access-date= |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028034535/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/otta-movie-review-resul-pookutty-asif-ali-indrajith-starrer-overstretched-semi-biographical-infomercial-9001436/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Cris of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave 2 out of 5 stars and wrote "It is not that ''Otta'' is not relatable. Resul has tried to give a faithful account of Hariharan's story, depicted the realities that a runaway can end up in, and kept the flow. Only, the superficial treatment has weakened the effort."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cris |date=27 October 2023 |title=Otta review: Resul Pookutty's film has a touching theme but pretentious script |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/otta-review-resul-pookuttys-film-has-a-touching-theme-but-pretentious-script |access-date= |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191054/https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/otta-review-resul-pookuttys-film-has-a-touching-theme-but-pretentious-script |url-status=live }}</ref>

Subhash K. Jha of ''[[Times Now]]'' gave 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "This is not the place for sidelining the fringe people in our society. ''Otta'' celebrates the have-nots without patronizing them. It is a superbly paced drama that deals a resounding blow in our guts. Arun Verma's enriching cinematography, Zian Sreekanth's seamless editing, and Cyril Kurivila's invisible art direction make this the film of the year and one you won't forget for a very long time."<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. Jha |first=Subhash |date=27 October 2023 |title=Otta Movie Review: Resul Pookutty's Directorial Debut Is A Monumental Achievement |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/malayalam/otta-movie-review-resul-pookutty-directorial-debut-is-a-monumentalachievement-imdb-rating-review-104744280 |access-date= |website=Times Now |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027120641/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/malayalam/otta-movie-review-resul-pookutty-directorial-debut-is-a-monumentalachievement-imdb-rating-review-104744280 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sajin Shrijith of ''[[Cinema Express]]'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "''Otta'' may not make you feel good, but in this age when we have to make appointments to meet our loved ones, perhaps a film like this is needed to give one the necessary jolt."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shrijith |first=Sajin |date=27 October 2023 |title=Otta Movie Review: Resul Pookutty's immensely hard-hitting directorial debut |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2023/oct/27/otta-movie-review-resul-pookuttys-immensely-hard-hitting-directorial-debut-49015.html |access-date= |website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191045/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2023/oct/27/otta-movie-review-resul-pookuttys-immensely-hard-hitting-directorial-debut-49015.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Swathi P. Ajith of ''[[Onmanorama]]'' wrote "'''Otta''<nowiki/>' is undeniably a fantastic movie, aside from the occasional slow moments. It's guaranteed to take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, with many scenes that are truly heart-wrenching."<ref>{{Cite web |last=P. Ajith |first=Swathi |date=27 October 2023 |title=Resul Pookutty's Asif Ali starrer 'Otta' portrays the heartbreaking journey of three men {{!}} Review |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/10/27/resul-pookutty-otta-movie-review-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-indrajith.html |access-date= |website=Onmanorama |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028191053/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/10/27/resul-pookutty-otta-movie-review-asif-ali-arjun-ashokan-indrajith.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

[[Category:2023 films]]
[[Category:2023 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Indian drama films]]
[[Category:2023 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Films scored by M. Jayachandran]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ernakulam]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]

Otta (film) - Revision history

MichaelWhite3: made post.