Overview:
In the first half of this year, the Malayalam film industry saw a wave of blockbuster hits. The momentum has continued in the second half as well, with ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ being one of the most notable releases.
Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, the film hit theaters on September 12. Starring Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and Vijayaraghavan, the movie’s storyline is captivating and intriguing.
Kishkindha Kaandam Review: Plot
The story is set in a village bordering a forest. Appu Pillai (played by Vijayaraghavan), a former army officer, lives with his son Ajay Chandra (Asif Ali), daughter-in-law Praveena (Vaishnavi Raj), and grandson Chachu (Aarav).
Ajay works as a forest officer. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Praveena passes away, and Chachu goes missing. An investigation into Chachu’s disappearance unfolds.
Meanwhile, as elections approach, all licensed gun holders are instructed to surrender their weapons at the police station.
Appu is informed about this but reveals that his gun has been missing for a long time, raising concerns when Ajay reports it to the station, especially since any use of bullets from the weapon would make them liable.
Ajay marries Aparna (Aparna Balamurali), who becomes his second wife and joins the household. Aparna learns that her father-in-law, Appu, suffers from memory loss.
She becomes determined to find out what happened to the missing Chachu and how Appu’s gun disappeared. Aparna grows suspicious of Appu’s odd behavior, including his insistence on privacy and actions like taking items far from home and burning them. This fuels her doubts and leads her on a quest for truth.
Analysis:
The plot revolves primarily around a father, his son, and his daughter-in-law. Aparna, newly married, hopes for the return of her husband’s son from his first marriage, believing it will bring her husband happiness.
Her suspicion of her father-in-law intensifies as she uncovers evidence supporting her doubts.
The first half of the film builds tension as Aparna’s mistrust deepens. The second half unfolds with further revelations and twists tied to the mysterious disappearance of Chachu and Appu’s actions.
Though the story is relatively simple with limited characters, the narrative is engaging, skillfully weaving together three key threads: memory loss, the missing child, and the missing gun.
Director Dinjith Ayyathan maintains intrigue, keeping the audience guessing until the end. The realistic approach to storytelling and the absence of over-the-top dramatics make it captivating.
Performances:
Veteran actor Vijayaraghavan’s portrayal of the complex, mysterious Appu Pillai stands out. His character’s nuances and unpredictable behavior make him compelling.
Asif Ali delivers a strong performance as a son caught between family struggles, while Aparna Balamurali naturally depicts the challenges of integrating into a new family and grappling with hidden tensions.
The film’s strengths lie in its screenplay, with Ramesh’s cinematography, Mujeeb Majeed’s music, and Suraj’s editing further enhancing the narrative.
The attention to location and realistic settings also contributes to the immersive experience, a hallmark of Malayalam cinema.
Produced with a budget of 7 crores, the film’s success—garnering over 70 crores in box office collections—can be attributed to its compelling storyline and execution.
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