Kiski Kandam Movie Review: An Impressive Thriller with a Slow Start
The film, referred to as “Kiski Kandam,” is currently streaming on Hotstar in Telugu, with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. The reviewer watched it two months prior during its first week of release in theaters, in Malayalam with subtitles. In a nutshell, this thriller is worth a one-time watch, especially for its last half-hour.
The Pacing Puzzle: First Half vs. Second Half
The movie’s pacing presents a stark contrast between its two halves. The first half is described as a “sleeping pill” and boring, akin to going two days without food. It proceeds slowly, intentionally withholding information to maintain mystery, showcasing characters without much reveal.
In contrast, the second half, starting a little while after its beginning and continuing until the end, becomes increasingly engaging and thrilling. The true events are revealed in the last 20 minutes, culminating in an incomplete ending that leaves a question, hinting at a potential Part 2. This latter half is compared to the satisfying feeling of hot idlis for a very hungry person. The unique structure, where the first half is slow and the second half provides a sudden, impactful experience, is termed a “different screenplay.” Overall, the film is worth watching once for its final thirty minutes and the setup of its thrills.
Unraveling the Plot: Mystery and Emotion
The basic storyline revolves around Asif Ali and Aparna Balamurali, who enter into a second, register marriage. Simultaneously, a police revolver belonging to the father goes missing, introducing a central conflict. The plot delves into questions surrounding the revolver’s disappearance, the specifics of the second marriage, the hero’s past, and the core problem of the narrative.
The mystery drama elements are uniquely written, making the climax a highlight. The story also cleverly involves monkeys, with their portions and involvement adding to the overall mystery. The incomplete ending, where a key point is left unresolved, surprisingly works in the film’s favor.
Performances and Positive Aspects
The second half of the film is well-regarded, particularly for its script work, which reveals new information every ten minutes – a pacing the reviewer wished was present in the first half as well.
Key performances include the son’s character, Aparna Balamurali, and the actor playing the father (Appu Pilla). The emotional connection between the father and son (Asif Ali and his on-screen father) is effectively portrayed. Asif Ali, a frequent presence in Malayalam thrillers, delivers a commendable performance in this film. The characters of the hero’s father and Aparna Balamurali stand out as they actively search for answers regarding what happened to them, adding a fresh and attractive element to the script. The climax is a major highlight, evoking a slight sadness and an emotional end. Furthermore, the cinematography is excellent, capturing the narrative effectively despite most of the film being set within a single house.
Points for Improvement
The primary drawback is the exceedingly slow first half, which frustratingly offers little revelation, leaving the audience wanting more. While a strong climax can often elevate a movie, making the whole experience feel better, a compelling story deserves consistent pacing. The film’s overall length is questioned; the core story, which is revealed in just ten minutes at the end, does not seem to justify the extended runtime of the preceding sections. The length feels unjustified, and the film could have been shorter. Additionally, a specific “loop-related point” shown in the first half might be unclear to many viewers.
The background score is generally lacking, with the exception of the final segment, which notably incorporates music similar to “Interstellar.” Despite a unique story and screenplay, the movie felt stretched. A comparison is drawn to the Hindi film “Visput” on Jio Cinema, where a similar impactful mother’s role is paralleled by the father’s role here. It is suggested that the first half could have been better utilized to develop the son’s emotions.
Final Verdict and Rating
For Tollywood audiences who appreciate thrillers, this film is recommended, provided they can patiently endure the slow-paced first half. The second half, particularly the last 30 minutes of mystery, offers satisfaction. It is an impressive thriller, but its slow-paced first half is a significant factor. The reviewer gives the movie a rating of 2.75 out of 5.
