Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) - "A gripping masterpiece of suspense"

Directed by: Dinjith Ayyathan
Written by: Bahul Ramesh
Starring: Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, Aparna Balamurali
Cinematography: Bahul Ramesh
Music: Mujeeb Majeed
Running Time: 125 minutes
Language: Malayalam

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Plot Overview:

Kishkindha Kaandam follows the story of Ajayachandran (Asif Ali), a forest officer who returns to his village with his newlywed wife (Aparna Balamurali), only to be drawn into the mysterious and unsettling occurrences in the surrounding forest. As secrets from the past come to light, the suspense builds, enveloping the characters in a web of intrigue. The film weaves its narrative in the backdrop of dense forests, and the tension escalates with each revelation.

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Performances:

• Asif Ali gives a commendable performance, portraying the conflicted and emotionally torn Ajayachandran with authenticity. His character is central to the film’s emotional core, and he executes it well.

• Vijayaraghavan, playing Appupilla, a retired military officer, delivers a standout performance. His portrayal of the quirky yet vulnerable father adds depth to the story, and this role may very well be a career-defining one for him.

• Aparna Balamurali shines as Ajayachandran’s loyal and supportive wife. Her spontaneous and engaging screen presence adds warmth and energy to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

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Technical Aspects:

• Cinematography: Bahul Ramesh, who also serves as the cinematographer, captures the enigmatic beauty of the forest settings with a stark and haunting visual style. The dense trees and natural surroundings play a significant role in building the tension throughout the film.

• Music & Background Score: Mujeeb Majeed’s music and background score are integral to the film’s suspenseful mood. The chilling score elevates the tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

• Direction & Screenplay: Dinjith Ayyathan and Bahul Ramesh craft a tightly woven mystery thriller with layers of suspense and intrigue. The pacing of the film keeps it engaging, though some scenes feel slightly prolonged, which can momentarily break the flow. However, this does not detract from the overall impact.

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Strengths:

• Story & Screenplay: The movie’s plot is gripping and filled with suspense, with well-written characters and surprising twists. The story is character-driven and keeps the audience guessing throughout.

• Cinematography & Atmosphere: The forest setting and visual style create an eerie, immersive atmosphere that complements the mystery at the heart of the film.

• Performances: All the actors deliver top-notch performances, particularly Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali, who bring depth to their characters.

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Weaknesses:

• Pacing: Some scenes are a bit drawn out, which can cause minor distractions and dilute the film’s otherwise taut narrative.

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My Personal Take On Cinema:

Kishkindha Kaandam is a solid mystery thriller that excels in its storytelling, performances, and technical execution. While there are a few pacing issues, the overall impact remains strong, thanks to the atmospheric cinematography, haunting score, and stellar performances. This is a film that will likely be remembered as one of the standout thrillers in Malayalam cinema.

If you enjoy suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, Kishkindha Kaandam is a must-watch. It’s a film that delivers on its promise, despite a few minor flaws, and deserves its place as a new classic in the genre.

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Rating: 

3/5