“Kishkindha Kaandam” Film Review: A Captivating and Touching Mystery Enhanced by Outstanding Performances

“Kishkindha Kaandam” excels at maintaining suspense throughout its emotionally charged storyline, thanks to the impressive direction of Dinjith Ayyathan and the creative screenplay by Bahul Ramesh.

Crafting a mystery thriller poses one of the greatest challenges: keeping the audience intrigued about what will happen next while respecting their intelligence. This becomes even trickier when the narrative demands strong performances and an emotional depth alongside a captivating mystery.

Dinjith Ayyathan’s second directorial venture, “Kishkindha Kaandam,” navigates this challenge with remarkable skill. Paired with the innovative screenplay from cinematographer Bahul Ramesh, the film delivers an emotional journey that effectively sets the mood.

What stands out in “Kishkindha Kaandam” is its approach to storytelling, providing information only as needed and steering clear of unnecessary exposition. From the very beginning, as characters are introduced in a dense forest filled with monkeys, Dinjith’s direction creates a compelling atmosphere that piques curiosity about their struggles and motivations, gradually unveiling their stories.

Appu Pillai, portrayed by Vijayaraghavan, is a retired military officer in his seventies, characterized by his stubborn grumpiness. The director has mentioned that the character was inspired by the late NN Pillai, a fact highlighted by a clever pop-culture reference woven into the narrative.

When Ajayachandran, known as Ajayan (Asif), returns home with his newlywed wife Aparna (Aparna Balamurali) after a simple registered ceremony, we witness his father, Appu Pillai, expressing frustration at police officers demanding the return of his missing licensed gun, which has vanished just before an election. Even the looming threat to public safety fails to rattle Appu Pillai’s irreverent demeanor.

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In a recent interview, Asif Ali and his prominent co-star Jagadish humorously noted that the film was originally titled “The Curious Case of Appu Pillai.” This title would have been quite appropriate, as the plot centers around Appu Pillai and the mystery of his missing gun, which triggers a series of events that unearth long-buried secrets.

Vijayaraghavan gives one of his best performances in “Kishkindha Kaandam,” portraying a character filled with a unique blend of quirks. The veteran actor skillfully navigates the subtle changes in behavior that come with the character’s unexpected journey.

His depiction of Appu Pillai, whose peculiarities are both captivating and unsettling, is crafted with careful attention to both his physical presence and the internal struggles of a man facing his past. The way he modulates his voice and the intensity of his expressions elevate his performance, surpassing even his acclaimed role in “Pookkaalam” (2023).

Asif’s portrayal of Ajayan in “Kishkindha Kaandam” stands out as one of his most impressive performances, showcasing a brilliant mix of vulnerability and restraint. He embodies a character who is well-acquainted with the unpredictable nature of his demanding father, adeptly capturing the tension that arises. Asif’s subtle and laid-back demeanor effectively conveys this complex relationship, particularly shining in the film’s third act. Here, Ajayan must navigate his own hidden truths while being a devoted son, and Asif handles this intricacy with exceptional finesse.

In her role as the third lead, Aparna also delivers a strong performance as a character who is both persistently curious and assertive. As the newest member of the household, her relentless quest to understand her father-in-law’s past adds another layer to the unfolding drama.

Bahul’s cinematography is exceptional in capturing the evolving inner thoughts of the characters. The visuals are not only stunning, showcasing beautiful landscapes, but they also instill a sense of unease, with Bahul’s screenplay consistently surpassing expectations.

The intense background score by Mujeeb Majeed adds depth to the story, though it occasionally becomes overwhelming, especially in the film’s final act.

Ultimately, the film provides a satisfying conclusion that justifies the anticipation, making it clear that “Kishkindha Kaandam” is a worthy addition to the best mystery thrillers in Malayalam cinema, standing alongside classics like “Utharam” (1989) and “Kariyilakkattu Pole” (1986).

Film: Kishkindha Kaandam

Director: Dinjith Ayyathan

Cast: Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, Aparna Balamurali, Jagadish, Ashokan

Rating: 4/5