Kshanam - Movie Review

What's it about!

Rishi (Adivi Shesh) and Shwetha (Adah Sharma) were college mates in Vizag. They love each other and also elope to get married when her father opposes. But due to some reasons, she gets married to another guy and Rishi moves to the US and settles down there as an investment banker. Four years later, he gets a call from Shwetha asking him to come down to Hyderabad urgently. Once he lands in Hyderabad, She tells him that her daughter is kidnapped and no one is believing her including her husband (Satyadev). The police headed by ACP Jaya Bharadwaj (Anasuya) are also not believing her. Perplexed Rishi tries to find the child on his own. As he unravels the mystery Rishi finds himself tangled in something new. How he solves this mystery forms the rest of the film.

Analysis

First things first, 'Kshanam' is a well-made thriller with a touché of finesse and is technically sound. Right from the beginning of the story, 'Kshanam' draws us in with its gripping moments, twists and turns, and keeps us guessing till the end.

Although Adivi Sesh made some movies earlier, he did not use such gripping screenplay in them. And the director is also new. So, this comes as surprise to see that the film is told in such a measured manner. Not only that Adivi Sesh plays lead role in matured way, he has also written the story and the screenplay so effectively. At times logic takes a beating but the screenplay is very taut. And direction is even more assured.

Like Aamir Khan's 'Talaash' and Ben Affleck's 'Gone Baby Gone', the story unravels bit by bit with more twists coming in. Though 'Kshanam' is different from these movies, the protagonist here also is on the mission to find out the truth like in those movies and getting more shocks.

In thrillers, the misleading characters and elements are very important. In this film, the writer and director have used so well. There is lot of freshness in the movie. No duets, or introduction songs for hero are used. There are no songs actually except background numbers. There is also no deviation from the story except for some romantic moments in a brief flashback.

One other important feature of the movie, there is no focus on the missing baby's activities or sentimental scenes, rather the writer and director have worked on the drama of after-effects of the kidnap and other players. The girl is just a catalyst to the story.

Apart from screenplay, the performances of the cast are so good too. Adivi Sesh as main lead has shown his growth as actor. He has carried the film on his shoulders. Adah Sharma in some scenes has done superbly and in some sequences is effectual. But this is the best role so far in her career. Anasuya Bharadwaj as ACP cop is first-rate. Rajesh who is known for comedy roles has done a serious police officer's character and he steals the show in the second half. Ravi Varma as drug addict Bobbie impresses once again especially in the interrogation scene he is quite good. Vennela Kishore comes up with one of the best performances. His is in a serious role here.

The film is rich with technical values. Superb cinematography by Shaneil, and the movie also has one of the best background musical scores in the recent times in Tollywood. The drama is elevated by the music. Production values are rich. Editing is very crisp.

As writer, Adivi Sesh has shown his mettle in this film. His screenplay along with the director Ravikanth is main asset. And the new director has made a splendid debut. The movie doesn't seem directed by newcomer. In lot of sequences, he has shown so much talent.

The film also has some flaws but they are minor.

Bottom-line: A riveting thriller to the end, 'Kshanam' offers some terrific moments, taut sequences, and good performances. Adivi Sesh's screenplay is gripping, and direction by Ravikanth is terrific. Watch it.