Language : Malayalam
Director : Dinjith Ayyathan
Writers : Bahul Ramesh
Cast : Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, Aparna Balamurali, Ashokan, Jagadish, Nishan, Shebin Benson
Genre : Drama | Mystery | Thriller
Imdb: Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)
Streaming in Theaters near you.
Kishkindha Kaandam is one of the seven Kandas (books) of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, chronicling Lord Rama’s alliance with Sugriva, the monkey king, in the quest to find the abducted Sita. This section lays the groundwork for critical relationships and strategies that shape the epic’s later events. It delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and Dharma (duty), as Rama, Sugriva, and Hanuman unite to orchestrate the search.
“What becomes of truths that bear no good?”
Following the pre-promotions, ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ quickly became a top contender for my Onam 2024 watchlist. The title, intriguing poster, featuring a monkey with a vintage radio, and a trailer that skillfully conceals the movie’s premise perfectly aligns with my cinematic tastes. Set against the mysterious backdrop of a forested reserve area, the film promises an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue rivalling classic mysteries.
In cinema, true suspense is an art form, achieved not through clichéd shocks but through creating a pervasive, uneasy atmosphere filled with layers and unconnected dots. ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ masterfully achieves this, immersing the audience in a psychological landscape where secrets slowly unravel, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative.
Under the direction of Dinjith Ayyathan and penned by Bahul Ramesh, who also serves as the Director of Photography, the film eschews conventional storytelling. Instead, it delivers a slow-burn mystery that refuses to follow the expected path, consistently keeping the audience on edge with its unpredictable narrative choices. It is within this layered narrative that the film’s brilliance truly shines, blending elements of intense drama and mystery.
The performances are exemplary. Asif Ali, portraying Ajayachandran, brings a depth of emotion and complexity to his role that grips the audience. Vijayaraghavan delivers a standout performance as Appupillai, crafting a character that is both arrogant and deeply tragic, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Aparna Balamurali, in a role that resonates with the audience’s perspective, adds finesse and helps anchor the unfolding drama.
The narrative arc of the screenplay is masterfully crafted and truly exceptional. It leads you through the dense thickets of its plot while maintaining an air of unpredictable charm with each twist and turn. The film transitions through genres seamlessly exploring family and personal dynamics against a historically rich subtext. This complexity is beautifully captured through Bahul Ramesh’s stunning cinematography and Mujeeb Majeed’s evocative score, which elevate the film’s storytelling to new heights.
‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ sets itself apart by weaving intricate character studies into its plot, rewarding attentive viewers with a narrative long after the credits roll. It skillfully balances suspense with profound emotional and moral questions, exploring themes such as power structures and personal ethics shrouded in mystery.
I heard the script was completed in just eight days, with the writers skillfully connecting key plot points leading up to the climax. The result is an astounding piece of screenwriting. ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ is a cinematic triumph of 2024, showcasing the artistic prowess and narrative innovation of the Malayalam film industry.
It is a film that not only engages your senses but also challenges your perception, making it essential viewing for anyone passionate about cinema as an art form. The rich performances, coupled with a masterfully crafted screenplay, ensure ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ will stand the test of time, heralding a new chapter in storytelling.
Feel it in theatres! It deserves the roar of your appreciation.
Verdict: 5/7 stars
Excellent.
❤️