Kishkindha Kaandam Movie Review : Asif Ali and Vijayaraghavan bring depth to this intense psychological drama

Story: After a quiet register marriage, Aparna moves into Ajayan’s home, where he lives with his elderly father, Appu Pillai. Although she is aware of Ajayan’s tragic past — the loss of his wife to cancer and a missing son— Aparna gradually integrates into their life, set next to a dense forest. As she settles in, she begins to question whether the wilderness surrounding their home hides deeper family secrets

Review: Memory in Kishkinda Kaandam is depicted as both haunting and beautiful. Ajayan’s home is filled with lively photographs of his late wife and missing son. For his new wife, Aparna, these images represent lives she is now part of without having ever met them. Ajayan’s father, Appu Pillai, a former Naxalite and ex-military officer, leads a reclusive life in their home adjacent to the reserve forest, holding onto these memories as his connection to the past.

Two years after the tragic loss of his wife and son, Ajayan (Asif Ali) marries Aparna (Aparna Balamurali). Upon returning home after their marriage registration, they are met with police scrutiny over a missing revolver linked to Appu Pillai. As the narrative unfolds, the mystery of the revolver becomes entangled with the case of Ajayan’s missing son, Chachu. Asif Ali shines as Ajayan, a devoted husband but flawed father, struggling with guilt, regret and frustration as he navigates the weight of his responsibilities. The film adeptly portrays the silent bond of care between Ajayan and Appu Pillai, highlighting their deep, mutual understanding. Here, we see two types of fathers: one who failed to protect and another who, both consciously and unconsciously, shields his son. The chemistry between Asif Ali and Vijayaraghavan makes this dynamic deeply believable.

Aparna’s portrayal of confusion, suspicion, and curiosity adds momentum to the film, while Vijayaraghavan delivers a compelling performance as Appu Pillai, skillfully balancing detachment with emotional depth. Written by Bahul Ramesh, the film explores fractured family dynamics as Aparna delves into a reality that exceeds her initial expectations.

Technically, the film excels with its atmospheric setting and sound design. The forest and its monkeys symbolise the raw and untamed emotions of the characters. Mujeeb Majeed’s score intensifies critical moments, and Sooraj ES’s editing maintains engagement even during the film’s slower segments. The screenplay cleverly offers clues that keep viewers intrigued, revealing key details gradually.

However, the film’s portrayal of Chachu, the missing boy, is a notable drawback. Instead of fostering empathy, Chachu is used primarily as a tool to drive the suspense, with his emotional depth and personal struggles largely overlooked. His attempts to run away from home, coupled with the dismissive attitude toward his behavior, highlight a lack of genuine concern for his well-being, reducing him to a plot device rather than a fully developed character.
- Anjana George