Kankhajura review: Mohit-Roshan's thriller grips early but falters in climax

India Today

4 days ago

Sony Liv's 'Kankhajura' is the kind of thriller that doesn't just rely on plot twists—it thrives on emotional tension, character complexity, and the slow, creeping unease that comes from watching someone manipulate the people around them with surgical precision. Led by two excellent performances from Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina, this Hindi adaptation of the Israeli show 'Magpie' offers an absorbing character study cloaked in the garments of a family drama masquerading as a suspense thriller. For a while, it works but then, somewhere along the way, it falters under the weight of its own ambition.The Chandan Arora directorial follows Ashu (Roshan Mathew), a man recently released from prison, returning home after over a decade to reconnect with his elder brother Max (Mohit Raina). Max has rebuilt his life, seemingly moved on—but Ashu's reappearance unsettles the carefully maintained surface. What starts as a slow reintroduction to family life gradually spirals into a layered psychological game, as Ashu begins to manipulate not just Max, but everyone around them. Or is Max using Ashu to manipulate again?Roshan Mathew is the soul of the show. His portrayal of Ashu is subtle, deeply internal, and unnervingly precise. He plays the character like a chess master—every move calculated, every word intentional. He balances the duality of Ashu beautifully of a man seeking belonging, yet harbouring a quiet, relentless need for control. He also brings to life the struggle of a man with stammer, haunted by years of bullying. It's absolutely one of his most mature performances yet. advertisementOn the other hand, Mohit Raina plays Max with a controlled calm that works well opposite Mathew's layered intensity. His character isn't given quite as much range, but Raina makes the most of it, grounding the narrative with emotional steadiness. As a brother torn between guilt and self-preservation, he conveys a growing sense of unease that gives the story a moral centre—even as the plot grows murkier.Thematically, 'Kankhajura' is rich. It explores emotional manipulation, buried resentment, and the long tail of childhood trauma. The Goa setting is used wisely—not as a postcard backdrop, but as a character itself. The women - Sara Jane Dias and Trinetra Haldar -, though have not much to do, add a fresh layer to the narrative with their performances. Heeba Shah also makes a comeback after a break and stands out as the uptight yet soft police officer. Mahesh Shetty and Usha Nadkarni also make an impressive mark with their characters.advertisement
Yet despite its many strengths, Kankhajura struggles to stick the landing. As the narrative moves into its final stretch, the careful plotting begins to unravel. The twists feel more like obligations than revelations, and the emotional payoff doesn't match the slow, intricate buildup. It's not that the ending is bad - it's that it feels oddly rushed, choosing obvious over impact. You sense the show wants to say something profound, but it ends up saying too much and too little at once.Our final word - watch it for Roshan Mathew!3 out of 5 stars to Kankhajura.