Review: Kishkindha Kaandam - Touching and Captivating

 

Movie: Kishkindha Kaandam
Rating: 3.75/5

Cast: Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, Aparna Balamurali, Ashokan, Jagadish, Shebin Benson, Major Ravi and Others

Director: Dinjith Ayyathan

Produced By: Goodwill Entertainments

Release Date: September 12, 2024

Story:

The film's story shows how a regular government order ahead of elections summons firearm license holders to deposit their weapons at the nearest police station, leading to a missing gun and a missing boy's case. Ajayan (Asif Ali), a forest officer who is all set to marry Aparna (Aparna Balamurali), gets a call from the local police station regarding an inquiry about the licensed gun residing with his father, Appu Pillai (Vijaya Raghavan). When Ajayan and his father start to search for the gun, and the information spreads, people doubt that Appu Pillai is hiding something, and Aparna also tries to know about her husband and father-in-law's past, which can help her find the gun and the reason behind Appu's behavior. What does Appu Pillai hide from the world? How does Ajayan react to Aparna's doubts about his father? The answers to these questions form the rest of the story. 

Performances:

The performances in Kishkindha Kaandam are a true highlight. Vijayaraghavan's role is a masterclass in subtlety and intensity, never overdoing things. Asif Ali's character, initially reserved, gains strength as the film progresses, culminating in an excellent performance in the final moments. Aparna Balamurali also shines, delivering a praiseworthy performance that leaves the audience appreciative and impressed.

What worked for the film:

Dinjith Ayyathan has directed the film and Bahul Ramesh has written the screenplay. Kishkindha Kaandam's biggest strength is its screenplay. Though the film has many layers to the central suspense point, the director or narration never divert it to unimportant characters. The target is only on one character, but how that character's actions are set up with continuing the suspense works wonders for the film. When things start to get revealed, the emotional plight of all three lead characters is shown poignantly. The performances of the three lead actors help the narration very well and add the required depth to the entire proceedings. Also, the visuals and background score align with the director's intention.

What did not work for the film:

If there is anything to say, like a minus point for the film, it is how the director/screenplay treated the important character, Chaachu. Though his actions and behavior are justified with a few crucial dialogues and scenes, one gets a feeling that there should have been a little stress on his life/emotions, which could have helped his character's development

Kishkindha Kaandam Review and Verdict:

Kishkindha Kaandam delves deeply into human emotions, skillfully mixing mystery and drama. The screenplay, with its well-handled emotional depth, keeps the audience connected and empathetic throughout. Vijayaraghavan's terrific performance, Asif Ali's compelling portrayal, and Aparna Balamurali's shining role all contribute to this emotional journey.