Kishkindha Kaandam Movie Review

The Malayalam film Kishkindha Kaandam, directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, hit theaters on September 12, 2024, and quickly became a box office success, earning over ₹70 crore on a modest ₹7 crore budget. With a stellar cast including Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and Vijayaraghavan, this movie has now begun streaming on OTT platform Disney plus Hotstar. Let’s dive into the Kishkindha Kaandam Movie Review to see what makes it stand out.

Plot Overview
Set in a village bordering a forest, the story revolves around Appu Pillai (Vijayaraghavan), a retired army officer living with his son Ajay Chandra (Asif Ali), daughter-in-law Praveena (Vaishnavi Raj), and grandson Chachu (Aarav). Tragedy strikes when Praveena passes away, and Chachu mysteriously disappears.

While the investigation into Chachu’s disappearance forms a crucial part of the narrative, the police station instructs Appu to surrender his licensed gun due to the upcoming elections. However, the gun has been missing for a long time, complicating matters further. The police warn that even a single missing bullet could lead to serious consequences.

As Ajay remarries Aparna (Aparna Balamurali), she moves into the family home and learns that Appu suffers from memory loss. Aparna grows suspicious of Appu’s behavior, particularly his reluctance to let anyone enter his room and his habit of burning items in a secluded area. Her investigation into Chachu’s disappearance and the missing gun forms the crux of the film.

Analysis
Kishkindha Kaandam revolves around three key characters: the father, the son, and the daughter-in-law. Aparna’s desire to find Chachu and bring happiness back to her family drives the first half of the movie. As she uncovers clues linking Appu to Chachu’s disappearance and the missing gun, the tension escalates in the second half.

The narrative cleverly intertwines memory loss, a missing gun, and a child’s disappearance, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. The film’s strength lies in its minimalist approach, focusing on a small cast and localized settings. The title, Kishkindha Kaandam, reflects the village’s unique connection to monkeys, adding a symbolic layer to the plot.

Director Dinjith Ayyathan skillfully maintains suspense without relying on exaggerated drama, keeping the story grounded in realism. This approach makes the twists and turns feel natural and engaging.

Performances
Vijayaraghavan delivers a standout performance as the enigmatic and suspicious Appu Pillai. His portrayal of a man struggling with memory loss while harboring secrets is both compelling and nuanced. Asif Ali shines as Ajay, caught between family responsibilities and professional duties. Aparna Balamurali impresses with her natural acting, convincingly portraying a new bride navigating the complexities of her new family while trying to uncover the truth.

Technical Aspects
Cinematography: Ramesh’s visuals beautifully capture the lush, forested village, enhancing the story’s atmosphere.
Music: Mujeeb Majeed’s haunting background score elevates the suspense.
Editing: Suraj’s crisp editing ensures a tight narrative, particularly in the second half.
Malayalam cinema continues its tradition of seamlessly integrating stories with authentic locations, making the events on screen feel believable and immersive.

Verdict
Kishkindha Kaandam is a captivating mystery thriller with strong performances, a well-crafted screenplay, and stunning visuals. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and naturalistic filmmaking. This is a movie that can be enjoyed with the whole family.