Some thrillers announce their twists loudly. Others plant them so quietly that you only notice when everything falls into place. In this Kishkindha Kaandam review, we look at the 2024 Onam release that belongs firmly in the second group — a patient, beautifully written mystery that became one of the biggest surprise hits of the year and was later celebrated by viewers across India on OTT.
Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, Kishkindha Kaandam features Asif Ali in arguably his best role yet, alongside a career-defining performance by veteran Vijayaraghavan.
Quick Verdict
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: lovers of slow-burn mysteries and character-driven thrillers.
- Highlights: Bahul Ramesh’s screenplay, Vijayaraghavan’s performance, the forest setting and the final reveal.
- Minor flaw: the first act is deliberately slow.
Table of Contents
Kishkindha Kaandam: Movie Details
| Director | Dinjith Ayyathan |
|---|---|
| Writer & cinematographer | Bahul Ramesh |
| Cast | Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Vijayaraghavan, Jagadish, Ashokan |
| Music | Mujeeb Majeed |
| Production | Goodwill Entertainments |
| Release date | 12 September 2024 |
| OTT | Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHotstar) |
Story (No Spoilers)
Ajayachandran (Asif Ali), a forest department officer, marries Aparna (Aparna Balamurali) in a simple ceremony and brings her home to his family house near a reserve forest full of monkeys. The house is ruled by his father, Appu Pillai (Vijayaraghavan), a retired army officer who is sharp, secretive and increasingly forgetful.
When Appu Pillai’s licensed gun goes missing just before an election, the police begin asking questions. Aparna, curious by nature, starts noticing strange details about the family — a missing child from Ajayan’s first marriage, locked cupboards and notes her father-in-law keeps writing to himself. Slowly, she pieces together a truth no one wants to say aloud.
Performances
Vijayaraghavan is the soul of the film. Playing an ageing man fighting to hold on to his memory and dignity, he delivers a performance full of small gestures and quiet pain. It is easily one of the best performances in Malayalam cinema in recent years.
Asif Ali underplays beautifully as a son torn between loyalty and grief. After this film and Rekhachithram, he has firmly established himself as one of the most dependable actors of his generation. Aparna Balamurali, a National Award winner for Soorarai Pottru, brings intelligence and empathy to Aparna, who acts as the audience’s eyes throughout the mystery.
Writing and Direction
The real star is Bahul Ramesh’s screenplay. Every scene, every object and every line has a purpose. The title — a reference to the “Kishkindha” chapter of the Ramayana, the kingdom of the monkeys — is woven cleverly into the story, and the monkeys around the house become a recurring visual motif with meaning.
Bahul Ramesh also shot the film, and his camera captures the dense, humid forest and the closed-in family home in a way that makes you feel watched. Dinjith Ayyathan, who previously directed Kakshi: Amminippilla, keeps the tone controlled, never rushing the reveals. Mujeeb Majeed’s background score is subtle and haunting.
Most importantly, the film treats the subject of memory loss with great sensitivity. It is a thriller, but it is also a moving family drama about how love and denial can exist side by side.
Kishkindha Kaandam Review: Why It Became a Word-of-Mouth Hit
When it opened during the 2024 Onam season, Kishkindha Kaandam was up against bigger star films. It had no massive promotion and no item songs. Yet audiences who saw it immediately began recommending it, and shows increased week after week. The reason is simple: it treats the audience as intelligent. Viewers left theatres discussing clues, rewatching scenes in their heads and debating what they had missed.
Its OTT release extended that conversation nationwide. Viewers from Tamil Nadu, Telugu states and North India shared clips and theories online, and the film regularly appears in “best Indian thrillers” lists today. It also proved that Malayalam audiences will reward originality — a lesson that films like Rekhachithram and Officer on Duty built on the following year.
The film also deserves credit for its portrayal of ageing. Appu Pillai is not a villain or a victim; he is a proud man trying to keep control of a mind that is slipping away. Many viewers have said the film made them think about their own parents and grandparents, which is rare for a genre film.
Rating Breakdown
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Screenplay | 5/5 |
| Performances | 4.5/5 |
| Direction | 4.5/5 |
| Cinematography | 4.5/5 |
| Music | 4/5 |
What Works and What Doesn’t
What works
- A meticulously constructed mystery with a satisfying payoff.
- Vijayaraghavan’s heartbreaking performance.
- Clever use of setting and symbolism.
- Sensitive handling of dementia and family trauma.
What doesn’t
- The opening 30 minutes move slowly, which may lose impatient viewers.
- Some supporting characters, such as the police officers, are thinly sketched.
Who should watch it?
If you enjoyed Drishyam, Joseph or Memories, add this to your list immediately. It is also a great pick for viewers who like films that reward a second viewing — many details only make sense once you know the ending. Find where to stream it in our Kishkindha Kaandam OTT guide, and see more picks in our best Malayalam thriller movies list.
Final Verdict
To sum up this Kishkindha Kaandam review: it is one of the smartest Malayalam films of the decade — a quiet thriller that grips you with ideas rather than action. With outstanding writing and a career-best turn from Vijayaraghavan, it deserves every bit of the praise it received.
Cinemas Diary Rating: 4.5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kishkindha Kaandam based on a true story?
No. It is an original story written by Bahul Ramesh, though it draws symbolism from the Ramayana.
What does the title Kishkindha Kaandam mean?
Kishkindha Kaandam is the chapter of the Ramayana set in Kishkindha, the kingdom of the monkeys. The film’s setting near a monkey-filled forest echoes this.
Is Kishkindha Kaandam worth watching?
Yes. Our Kishkindha Kaandam review rates it 4.5/5 for its writing, performances and emotional depth.
Was Kishkindha Kaandam a box office hit?
Yes. It was a modest-budget film that became a major commercial success during the 2024 Onam season.
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