Kankhajura Review: Story – After spending 14 years in jail for his conviction in a murder case, Ashu (Roshan Mathew) has at last been released. While his brother Max (Mohit Raina) is overjoyed to welcome his younger sibling back home, his pals Pedro (Ninad Kamat) and Shardul (Mahesh Shetty) are not. Behind the enormous complex that Max, Pedro, and Shardul are constructing in Goa to attract the wealthy, there is more darkness than is apparent. Ashu's efforts to join the group of these three guys, as he did when he was younger, are met with resistance, which leads him to resort to harsh methods in order to fit into the all-male club that has only ever mistreated him.

Review of Kankhajura:

The journey that has molded these individuals is frequently what captivates us when tales of flawed humans are portrayed on television, regardless of their size. The story gets even more intriguing when it's layered with metaphor, implying that there's more to it than what is immediately apparent. And now, Roshan Matthew joins the group. A man who has previously demonstrated his genius with characters that are on the verge. Recall the man from Moothon, whose sexuality was beyond the comprehension of his peers and who was being pushed to the limit by both society and himself? It was a difficult act to top. Trust Matthew to surpass himself, though—he competes against himself. With its exquisite characters that provide him with enough material, Kankhajura (a version of Magpie) is a testament to his exceptional talent and the magic he can create.

This is a guy who spent a portion of his adolescence and the majority of his youth in prison. Fourteen years in jail for a crime he did not commit. However, don't feel sorry for him; he doesn't need it. Regardless of viewpoint, the word that comes to mind when thinking of Ashu is parasite. There is no way to influence a parasite that is completely focused. Similar to a kankhajura (centipede), it is vulnerable but deadly, and it will stick to you until it has drained every last bit of your life. All Ashu has ever desired in life is to be wanted, notably by his older brother Max, who has always exploited him as a pawn, a fool, and a scapegoat in order to protect himself.

Kankhajura, which is directed by Chandan Arora (Striker, Main, Meri Patni...Aur Woh!) and edited by Parikshhit Jha (Delhi Crime, Tabbar), tells the story of a man whose heart may be fragile but whose belief in being accepted by his brother is unbreakable. Chandan wrote it with Sandeep Jain (Tabbar, Kanneda) and Upendra Sidhaye (Drishyam, Me Vasantrao). He will do anything to obtain that, even if it means committing murder, since that is all he has ever desired.

However, the way that Ashu is presented is what really makes Kankhajura fascinating. He is, indeed, a threat. However, his arsenal is psychological rather than material. He's somehow always responsible, even though the blood never touches his hands directly. His methods, not his strength, make him dangerous, as you never witness him deliver a blow that would classify him as a physical killer.

Everything in the program centers around him and his remarkable ability to endure anything. He is a cockroach in the figurative sense, capable of surviving even the worst conditions and yet coming out on top. Ashu is a compelling character analysis as Kankhajura decides to rebel rather than allow the world to push him to the sidelines once more. With each turn and epiphany, Ashu becomes more complex. And the amazing Roshan Mathew is at the heart of it all. One of the most remarkable performances of the year is this one. In this bleak environment, he is as elusive and erratic as a chameleon.

When the spotlight shifts from Ashu to the other cast members, though, the problem starts. As the narrative moves away from Ashu, it begins to portray the world around him with larger strokes and less detail. Between significant revelations, the filler scenes occasionally seem to be missing, and the details become few. As a result, the surprises that come after are less effective. This imbalance is especially evident near the end, where the screenplay abruptly speeds up and attempts to wrap everything up. This shift feels jarring and badly paced in comparison to the slow-burning beginning.

Nevertheless, Kankhajura's craftsmanship is palpable in many places, reminiscent of the pedigree of series like Delhi Crime and Tabbar. The editing is still mostly engaging and tight, particularly when it explores Ashu's terrifying history and current challenges. In the role of Max, Mohit Raina gives a strong performance and successfully captures the nuanced, emotionally stunted older brother. Ninad Kamat plays Pedro, and Mahesh Shetty plays Shardul; both performers make the most of their roles, although neither of them have much variety in their characters. Trinetra's growth as an actor is evident and a necessary step toward a more inclusive and improved world.

Although Kankhajura has some flaws, particularly in the second half, Roshan Matthew's work ensures that the groundwork is solid. His portrayal of Ashu is compelling and multifaceted, making it one of the best performances of the year. The narrative skillfully incorporates the centipede metaphor, maintaining the audience's intellectual interest even as the plot becomes erratic.

Additionally, it's crucial to pay attention to how Kankhajura addresses its themes: the pressing need for belonging, identity, loyalty, and betrayal. The main character in this story, who is neither all good nor all bad, displays these basic human feelings in their purest form. He only knows how to survive, and he excels at it.

Last Thoughts on the Kankhajura Review

Roshan Matthew's skill merits greater attention, as demonstrated by Kankhajura. Although this program has some flaws, its heart—a character-driven psychological drama shrouded in metaphor—is well worth your time. An imperfect yet unforgettable series that packs a punch and stays with you long after the conclusion.

Kankhajura premieres on SonyLIV on May 30, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and all things streaming and film.

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