Kaanekkane Malayalam HD Released

 

The loss of a spouse is a tough-to-handle scenario, especially when it is sudden. But, when the surviving partner quickly moves on, it often invites some questions with raised eyebrows, especially in the minds of those related to the dead.

In Uyare fame director Manu Ashokan’s new film Kaanekkane, Paul (Suraj Venjaramoodu), a deputy tahasildar, is still grappling with the death of his daughter Sherin (Sruthy Ramachandran), who was married to Allen (Tovino Thomas). The couple also has a little son, Kuttu. Allen goes on to marry Sneha (Aishwarya Lekshmi), who cares for Kuttu like her own son. But, when Paul visits them for the first time after a year of Sherin’s death, he is troubled to see how they have all forgotten her. He also finds a few reasons to wonder whether his daughter’s death in an accident was fabricated.

Kaanekkane is an emotional ride throughout, exploring the scenario from the point-of-view of each of the imperfect characters involved, through its non-linear narration. All of them are damaged and conflicted, and most importantly the style of narration makes us feel for all of them. Yes, some of them should have known better, one might think, but the story helps us sympathize for their predicament as well.

Bobby and Sanjay deserve credit for showcasing this new-age tale in the most engaging fashion, while Manu’s direction also helps us understand and may be at times, empathize with the characters. The actors also deserve credit for sidestepping temptations to overplay these emotions-laden people, who are constantly doubting themselves, the various choices they made, what life has done to them and more.

Suraj emotes so well that even when he is just walking, one can feel how troubled the dad he is playing, is. Tovino and Aishwarya, whose chemistry in Mayaanadhi was much appreciated, skillfully presents a different equation here of a stressed-out couple. At times, the story can be an engrossing melodrama too, but then again it makes you feel it’s a story with its heart in the right place.

At certain junctures in the film, it is tough to believe that the character Kuttu has so easily forgotten his mom who passed away just a year ago, considering the child’s age. But, the story is engrossing enough to make you give it a benefit of doubt. There are also a few sequences which at times confuse you about whether you are watching the past or the present.

At a time in which many people are trapped in different kinds of emotional turmoil, this is a film that helps you understand how none of us are perfect. And may be, see each of these imperfect people from their shoes.