This is an original movie review written and edited by Anoop Prathapan
This review was written on the 18th of September 2021.
This review might contain spoilers, so reader discretion is advised.
Indian Language Malayalam Feature Film
Sony Liv exclusive release date 17/9/2021
Written by Bobby and Sanjay
Directed by Manu Ashokan
Original Song and Background Score by Ranjin Raj
Produced by T.R. Shamsuddeen for M/s DreamKatcher Movies®
Feature Film Running time 120 minutes (approx.)
It has been quite long since I wrote a movie review as I had resolved long back to not write reviews and waste time for the horrible “ones” and “priests”. That is exactly why I had to wait until a movie like “Kaanekkaane” which is at least worth examining the good and bad of, got released.
The story revolves around Paul Mathew, played by Suraj Venjarammoodu, the protagonist who visits the house of his son-in-law and his new wife after his daughter passed away in a road accident. Certain doubts that he had on that visit when explored deep, gave him shocking revelations. How he, his son-in-law Allen, played by Tovino Thomas and his present wife Sneha George, played by Dr. Aiswarya Lekshmi combats the situation, forms the rest of the movie.
What could have been easily made into a mystery thriller crime story was cleverly turned into a family drama showcasing how such a crime could affect each of the affected. Writers Bobby and Sanjay deserve a pat on their back for their efforts and their sincere attempt. It was a rewarding one until the climax, which was the sore part of the script, and an easily predictable one. My wife watching the movie with me, paused the movie on the frame when Paul was walking to Sneha’s house with his phone to probably tell her the truth, looked at the time remaining and told me exactly what was going to happen next….and she was right….!!! Such was the insane level of predictability of the climax. The climax faltered – no doubt.
Suraj was at his finest in this movie and deserves a few official accolades for this breath-taking transformation into the middle-aged hurting dad of the deceased. He could emote the pain in everything he does on screen, even in the few sarcastic, scornful smiles he delivers. His transformation from a comedian into an actor of class after that one episode in the 2016 movie Action Hero Biju is nothing but awesome. Tovino and Dr. Aiswarya Lekshmi cake-walked their parts to perfection. Manu Ashokan's efforts to direct a well-made script is also commendable, not spoiling anything that was penned and planned.
The technical aspects were just average. The background score was loud and subtitles were misplaced in certain portions. The only song by Ranjin Raj was tragic, totally out of place and unrequired in this otherwise (technically) well-made movie.
But the movie leaves the ordinary proletariat with a few questions.
1. What justice did the writers feel that Sherin (the dead daughter of Paul) deserved? Whatever it is, why didn’t they make it available to her?
2. What did the writers mean when Paul addresses Sneha as “mole…” (my dear) in the last scene?
3. Why did the writers glorify Sneha throughout the screenplay, who was actually the kingpin of this mishap?
4. Apart from the melodramatic cry-aloud in the last scene, why didn’t Allen have even the slightest feeling of guilt, all throughout the movie? One can argue that his new marriage is shaky because of the guilt that he bears, but it is not consistent.
5. What message does the story leave behind? – that anyone can proceed with infidelity and finally all your sins will be pardoned?
Even with these questions – Kaanekkane is an emotional thriller that will keep you glued to your seats at least until the poorly worked-out climax.
Watch it for Suraj, the script and the director Manu.
My rating 7/10
©anoopprathapan 2021
Great review sir!