One of the best Malayalam language films released this year is arguably ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’. Malayalam cinema has been steadily gaining international recognition, and ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ is a prime example of this trend. Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, this mystery thriller stars Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and Vijayaraghavan.
The film is set in the monkey-inhabited Kallepathi reserve forest, where ex-military officer Appu Pillai and his son, forest officer Ajay Chandran, reside. The story unfolds as Ajay marries Aparna, and a mysterious incident involving a missing licensed pistol adds a layer of suspense. The pistol, belonging to Appu Pillai, has been missing for two years, and the local monkeys, known for their mischievous behaviour, are the prime suspects.
While this article won’t provide a full review of the film, it will delve into the psychological depths the filmmaker explored through the three main characters. There may also be some spoilers.
Ajay and ambiguous loss
Ajay, played by Asif Ali in ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’, is a man haunted by the disappearance of his son, Chachu, from his previous marriage. Though newly married to Aparna, Ajay’s life remains shadowed by the uncertainty surrounding Chachu’s fate. The boy vanished three years ago, leaving Ajay in a state of endless grief. Despite numerous attempts, Ajay has found no trace of his son, yet he continues to pursue every lead, even travelling to distant places in his relentless search. Aparna, understanding the depth of his pain, attempts to support him in his quest.
Ajay’s story highlights the profound psychological impact of ‘ambiguous loss’. Unlike traditional grief, where there is a clear ending, ambiguous loss leaves individuals suspended in a state of uncertainty, unable to fully mourn or move on. The absence of definitive information fuels a cycle of hope and despair, leaving Ajay emotionally adrift.
The psychological consequences of ambiguous loss are multifaceted. The lack of clarity about Chachu’s fate creates a constant state of doubt, making it difficult for Ajay to process his grief. Emotional ambivalence further complicates his experience, as he oscillates between hope and despair.
Asif Ali’s performance delivers a powerful portrayal of Ajay’s emotional turmoil. His subtle expressions and moments of raw emotion capture the depth of Ajay’s anguish, showcasing the complexities of ambiguous loss. The film’s ending reveals a twist that further complicates Ajay’s grief, highlighting the isolating nature of his experience.
Aparna and unintended solutions
Aparna, a young woman newly married to Ajay, finds herself drawn into a world of mystery and intrigue. As she settles into her new home, she can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss. Her father-in-law, Appu Pillai, exhibits peculiar behaviour, his mood swings and secretive nature raising questions in her mind.
When we enter into intimate relationships, we often become intertwined in each other’s lives, sharing not just joys but also burdens. Ajay’s past tragedy, the disappearance of his son, became a shared quest for Aparna. While her intentions were noble, her desire to help might have inadvertently crossed a boundary. In her eagerness to support Ajay, she digs deep into his personal struggles, perhaps overlooking the balance between empathy and intrusion.
It’s a common human tendency to want to fix problems, especially for those we love. However, sometimes the best form of support lies in simply listening and offering comfort, rather than trying to solve the issue at hand. Humans are naturally wired to seek solutions, particularly when someone we care about is struggling. This instinct is often heightened in romantic relationships, where the emotional stakes are higher due to the deep investment in the partnership. We may believe that resolving a problem will restore harmony, demonstrate our love, or affirm our reliability as a partner.
Yet, in many cases, when a partner shares a concern or struggle, they are not necessarily looking for answers. More often than not, they want to be heard without judgment or interruption. Validation becomes crucial; it reassures them that their feelings are legitimate and that their partner is present and empathetic. Simply offering emotional support can be far more powerful than attempting to fix the problem.
Aparna’s efforts to assist Ajay in his quest for answers serve the narrative well, as they provide viewers with a resolution to the story. However, in a realistic context, one could argue that Aparna’s understanding nature – marked by listening and validating Ajay’s pain – might have offered him greater emotional comfort. Supporting him in a way that prioritises empathy over action could have helped Ajay feel less isolated in his grief.
On the other hand, Aparna’s actions also highlight another aspect of relationships: The desire to feel fully connected to one’s partner. Her determination to help Ajay may stem from a need to bridge the emotional gap caused by his secrecy, reinforcing her sense of closeness and confidence in their relationship. One might argue that her approach reflects her entitlement to transparency within a marriage. Keeping significant secrets, particularly about a shared emotional burden, may not always be conducive to a healthy partnership.
Appu Pillai and not remembering
‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ examines the deeply moving depiction of dementia, a condition often covered in silence and misunderstanding. Appu Pillai, Ajay’s father, embodies the struggles of a man grappling with a fading memory. His once sharp mind, shaped by a disciplined military career, is now fading due to cognitive decline.
The film masterfully captures the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals with dementia and their loved ones. Appu Pillai’s forgotten routines, his repeated questions, and his growing confusion are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of this disease. His attempts to piece together the fragments of his memory, often leading to frustration and despair, are heart-wrenching to witness.
The film’s portrayal of dementia is particularly commendable as it highlights the pain of forgetting not just the past, but also the present. Appu Pillai’s inability to recognise familiar faces, his confusion about ongoing events, and his questioning of his own actions underscore the profound sense of loss and disorientation that accompanies this condition.
Together, these three characters create a powerful storyline that prompts viewers to reflect multiple times on the events that unfold and the shifts in their own emotions toward the characters. For those who love a mystery thriller, this movie is a must-watch.
(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)