Kishkindha Kaandam is a Malayalam mystery-drama that premiered on September 12, 2024. Made on a modest budget, this film quickly earned both critical and audience acclaim, besides becoming a multi-bagger. Here’s why this jungle-set thriller is a must-watch now on Disney+ Hotstar if you missed it earlier:
Storyline
Deep in a dense forest filled with monkeys lies an old mansion—the home of Appu Pillai, a retired military officer, and his son, Ajayan, a forest officer. Ajayan marries Aparna and brings her home. They find Appu boiling over the police’s demand to surrender his gun for the upcoming elections. There is one problem—the gun has vanished!
Aparna, stepping into the household finds something intriguing about the place. She is aware of Ajayan’s tragic past: a wife lost to cancer and a son who has been missing since a couple of years. The walls are adorned with pictures hinting at a vibrant past, but in the present, something seems off. Appu’s strange behaviour and peculiar interactions deepen the sense of unease. As Aparna navigates her way trying to blend into the enigmatic family, more and more questions arise.
What secrets does this house hold? And will she succeed in uncovering them?
Our critique
Kishkindha Kaandam begins simply with a missing gun but unfolds like a gripping web, pulling you in. Bahul Ramesh’s storytelling approach feels like Maharaja, where simplicity at first glance conceals the intricate layers within. The non-linear screenplay keeps you glued, throwing twists and clues that you do not want to miss. Each detail revealed is like a carefully placed breadcrumb, leading us along the journey.
Dinjith Ayyathan’s direction is sharp, Sooraj’s editing clever, and the music by Mujeeb Majeed intensifies every emotion. Cinematography wonderfully captures the forest’s mystique and the monkeys’ symbolic presence.
Screen Performances
Asif Ali as Ajayan is super, delivering a nuanced performance that balances the weight of a troubled past and his current challenges. Aparna Balamurali brings a perfect mix of curiosity and persistence as Aparna, the new bride in a mysterious environment. But the real show-stealer is Vijayaraghavan as Appu Pillai. With his strong silences and poignant expressions, he leaves a mark, making you feel his pain and secrets. Supporting actors like Nizhalgal Ravi and Jagadish add depth to the narrative.
Overall opinion
Kishkindha Kandam is a potboiler of secrets, suspense, and drama. It grips you from the start and doesn’t leave you. With a taut storyline, strong performances, and stunning visuals, this is a film you should not miss.
Our rating
