After much anticipation, Malayalam’s slow-burn thriller Kishkindha Kaandam has finally started streaming on OTT.
Made on a modest budget of 7 crores, the film grossed more than 70 crores in Malayalam, making an impressive impact despite its lack of action, songs, a huge budget, or heavy VFX.
After captivating audiences in theaters now it is impressing the viewers on OTT.
The film, which has received rave reviews, lives up to its hype on OTT as well. Its slow-paced drama works like a charm for its target audience. The gradual buildup to the climax is reminiscent of high-quality Korean thrillers, known for their mastery of world cinema.
However, there is a section of the audience labeling the film as slow and boring, complaining about lags and a lack of high moments. Some are complaining that the climax doesn’t give you any clear answers.
Many are used to hardcore commercial masala films that come with frequent action elevations, while others are hooked to fast-paced thrillers with constant twists and turns.
Kishkindha Kaandam isn’t for them.
The film isn’t slow because of issues with writing or pacing—it’s intentionally designed as a slow-burn thriller. It’s for those who appreciate cinema in its purest form, focusing on storytelling and drama without artificial padding.
For those familiar with Korean dramas, it’s clear that such films require a different approach—they need to be savored and absorbed, unlike typical films.
It’s a well-made suspense thriller that deserves to be watched for the unique approach by the writer and the director. The climax is more about your own speculations than real answers. Remember the ending frame of the Korean classic Memories Of Murder?
If we order exotic pasta and expect it to smell and taste like spicy Biryani from Bawarchi, then it’s we who are flawed and not the pasta.
If there are flaws in storytelling or character development, then constructive criticism is valid. But Kishkindha Kaandam offers immersive storytelling at its best, drawing viewers into its narrative, characters, atmosphere, and tragedy.
Kishkindha Kaandam represents a significant step forward for Indian cinema, and over time, it will gain more recognition.
