The praise that Malayalam cinema has recently started hearing even from non-language audiences is that it does justice to the genre. This is due to the applause of the film-literate audience, who do not hesitate to embrace films that break away from the templates of success formulas. Kishkindha Kandam directed by Dinjith Ayyathan starring Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, Aparna Balamurali and others is the latest entry in that genre. As the name suggests, this is a film that presents a radical innovation in the background of the story.
The main setting is an old two-storied house, adjacent to a protected forest area, surrounded by huge trees. This location is the biggest support for the mysterious visual design of the film. The film begins as usual in a register office and goes deeper and deeper as it progresses. All major twists and turns are known to the audience through Ajay and his reactions. Kishkindha Kandam explains the growth of actor Asif Ali. Asif has mastered this self-deprecating character, who harbors a past he wants to forget, with a restrained performance. But Appu Pillai, played by Vijayaraghavan, stands at the center of the film. Rita walks through the thread bridge between oblivion and memory. Vijayaraghavan has brought the soldier to the screen brilliantly. Aparna is looking for a mystery in the movie which belongs to the category of mystery thriller. Aparna Balamurali has played this role well which needs a great actress. Casting of other characters like Jagadish, Ashokan, Nishan etc. has also helped the director a lot.
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The photographer has beautifully captured the homestead in the middle of the forest and the developments related to it. The film tries to go deep into the family relationships even as the story progresses by hiding the suspense. Love, mutual compassion and changes in family relationships.
The film’s screenplay merits more marks. Bahul Ramesh’s screenplay excels in presenting a multi-layered, mysteriously deep and vast plot through beautifully written characters. Not even in one place does it fail. The director was also applauded for delivering the script to its heart’s content and with all the possibilities it offers visually. Dinjit Ayyathan has shocked with his second film which is totally different from the first film. Kishkindha Kandam says that more is to be expected from him. Actors Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali, who impress with their restrained acting, are among the factors that make the film tick.
