Kishkindha Kaandam (2024) is a Malayalam mystery thriller drama directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, featuring Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and Vijayaraghavan in pivotal roles. The film unfolds in a forested village setting adjacent to a monkey-inhabited reserve, weaving together suspense, family drama, and psychological intrigue. Inspired by a symbolic chapter of the Indian epic Ramayana known as “Kishkindha Kaandam,” the movie delves into human memories, secrets, and the consequences of forgotten truths.

Plot Summary

The story centers around Appu Pillai (Vijayaraghavan), a retired army officer living with his son Ajayachandran (Asif Ali), daughter-in-law Aparna (Aparna Balamurali), and young grandson Chachu in the village of Kallepathi near the dense, monkey-infested Kallepathi reserve forest.

The family has been grappling with past tragedies—Ajayan’s first wife Praveena died from cancer, and their son Chachu mysteriously disappeared a year before her death. Despite these losses, Ajayan continues his relentless search for Chachu, assisted by the family friend Shivadasan and Praveena’s brother Prasobh.

Aparna, the new wife, moves to the village, leaving her job in Bangalore and becomes an integral part of the family’s healing and investigation process. However, her suspicions grow when she notices strange behaviors from Appu Pillai, especially his secretive actions like burning documents and reluctance to let anyone enter his locked room.

As the story progresses, a police investigation is triggered by local authorities due to the missing licensed pistol owned by Appu Pillai, suspected in connection to mysterious occurrences in the forest. Wildlife photographers also capture a monkey holding a pistol, deepening the enigma.

A complex web of memory loss, familial guilt, and hidden truths unravels. Appu Pillai’s dementia and enigma add suspense, with one psychiatrist named Amrith Lal visiting regularly under an alias to observe him.

Aparna’s discovery of Appu’s secret notes—things he investigates about Chachu’s disappearance and missing bullets—leads to a shocking family confession. It emerges that Chachu was accidentally killed by his mother Praveena during a scuffle involving Appu’s pistol years ago. To protect the family’s honor, Appu disposed of Chachu’s corpse but repressed the memory, leading to continuous cover-up attempts.

Ajayan and Aparna embark on a quest, including traveling to Nagpur, to find closure and truth about Chachu’s fate. The narrative explores the psychological torment and acceptance of unspeakable family secrets.

Characters and Performances

Appu Pillai (Vijayaraghavan):

Delivers a nuanced and powerhouse performance embodying a man battling memory loss while harboring deep secrets. His portrayal balances authority, vulnerability, and restrained emotion.

Ajayachandran / Ajayan (Asif Ali):

As the son torn between truth and family loyalty, Asif brings sincerity and depth, grappling with personal loss and responsibility.

Aparna (Aparna Balamurali):

She convincingly plays the empathetic, observant daughter-in-law whose persistence and care bring significant emotional weight.

Supporting Cast:

Featuring Jagadish, Ashokan, and others who enrich the village environment and the investigative subplot.

Themes and Symbolism

Memory and Forgetting:

The film explores how memories shape reality, guilt, and identity, especially as Appu’s dementia blurs lines between truth and oblivion.

Family and Secrets:

A poignant look at how families protect, deceive, and endure in the shadows of trauma.

Nature and Mythology:

The monkey-infested forest and the title’s linkage to Ramayana’s Kishkindha chapter symbolize hidden power, conflict, and salvation.

Truth and Redemption:

The narrative probes whether truth leads to healing or destruction.

Justice and Morality:

Raises questions about personal moral codes versus societal pressures.

Direction and Cinematic Style

Dinjith Ayyathan’s direction is minimalist yet powerful, focusing on subtleties and tension rather than overt suspense. The screenplay by Bahul Ramesh uses layered storytelling, employing flashbacks and symbolic motifs effectively.

Cinematographer Bahul Ramesh paints atmospheric shots of the lush Kerala forests, village life, and interiors, balancing beauty and mystery.

Mujeeb Majeed’s haunting background score amplifies the psychological unease, carefully accompanying pivotal moments.

Editing by Sooraj E. S. maintains tight pacing, especially in the second half, enhancing the film’s dramatic impact.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Kishkindha Kaandam received widespread critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and exceptional performances, particularly highlighting Vijayaraghavan’s stirring portrayal.

It became a commercial success and is ranked among the highest-grossing Malayalam films of 2024.

Critics praised the film for its intelligent narrative, realistic yet poetic treatment of sensitive themes, and for broadening the narrative scope of Malayalam cinema through mythic symbolism in a modern thriller.

Memorable Scenes

• The quiet intensity of Appu Pillai’s secretive behavior and memory lapses.

• The tension building around the missing pistol and the monkey holding the weapon.

• Aparna’s discovery of Appu’s burning of notes and her investigation.

• Emotional confession scene unraveling the family’s hidden past.

• The poignant moments of Ajayan and Aparna’s search for lost Chachu.

• Atmospheric and symbolic forests shots heightening the mysterious vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who directed Kishkindha Kaandam?

Dinjith Ayyathan directed the film.

Who are the main actors?

Vijayaraghavan as Appu Pillai, Asif Ali as Ajayan, and Aparna Balamurali as Aparna.

What is the movie about?

It unravels a family mystery involving memory loss, a missing child, a lost pistol, and the emotional and psychological toll on a family residing near a forest.

Does the film incorporate mythological elements?

Yes, the title and setting symbolically relate to the Kishkindha chapter of Ramayana, connecting mythology with the narrative’s themes.

Is the story based on real events?

The story is fictional but grounded in psychological and social realism.

What are the main themes?

Memory, family secrets, grief, redemption, and nature’s symbolism.

How was the cinematography?

Praised for atmospheric and evocative visuals capturing Kerala’s forests and village settings.

Is the film suspenseful or emotional?

It is a blend of suspenseful thriller and emotional family drama.

Kishkindha Kaandam stands out as a beautifully crafted psychological thriller blending family drama with mythic undertones. Supported by strong performances and a mature screenplay, it cements its place as a landmark film in contemporary Malayalam cinema exploring human psyche, memory, and the shadows of the past.