Latest news with #Kankhajura
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kankhajura review: Mohit-Roshan's thriller grips early but falters in climax
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 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 '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 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 final word - watch it for Roshan Mathew!3 out of 5 stars to Kankhajura.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Kankhajura Review: Roshan Mathew, Mohit Raina's Thriller Crawls Under Your Skin And Stays There
Last Updated: Kankhajura Movie Review: SonyLiv's latest thriller, Kankhajura, directed by Chandan Arora, stars Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina. The series focuses on emotions and character depth. Kankhajura Movie Review: The Indian audience has a peculiar love for thrillers. The reason, makers milk the popularity and cash in on it from time to time. The influx of OTT has further boosted the genre's popularity. In the sea of thrillers comes Kankhajura, SonyLiv's latest offering. In a world that is running against time and patience tested every moment, director Chandan Arora dared to come up with a slow-burn thriller, the one that'd make you impatient because the makers want you to zoom in on the actor's emotions. But is sitting through the eight-episode series worth it? Let's find out. Kankhajura boasts a stellar cast. It has Mohit Raina, Roshan Mathew, Sarah Jane Dias, Mahesh Shetty, Ninad Kamat, Trinetra Haldar, Heeba Shah, and Usha Nadkarni. And each character holds a special place in the series. The story begins with Ashu (Roshan Mathew) joining his brother Max (Mohit Raina) for a party after his fresh departure from prison after 14 years in a murder case. He tries to find refuge in his family and seeks validation from his brother. His feelings are reciprocated, but seemingly out of a sense of duty and not affection. One thing leads to another, and Ashu finds himself back where he left off at 14 – feeling bullied and surrounded by treacherous intentions. Max is warned by his friends not to let his just-out-of-prison brother remain in his life, but he is a man who sometimes, only sometimes, lets the heart overrule him. Does his decision cost him lives or hamper his family? Or does Ashu mend his means? These questions are answered over the eight episodes, with each such instance bringing you closer to a conclusion, till you realise that the makers were just playing around with your guessing powers. At the heart of this series is Ashu, Roshan Mathew, who impresses with his act. His performance can be safely deemed as a masterclass in acting. He fumbles when nervous, but there's a catch to it. He looks naïve, someone you would let into your life too, before you realise that's the biggest mistake you've made. Or not. Have you ever wondered why the title Kankhajura, though? Kankhajura means centipede, an insect that crawls through your ear and lodges inside your brain. The name is used as a metaphor here, for Ashu, who, if you let in, will lodge into the brain with no points of exit till you do the unthinkable — even kill yourself. Roshan undoubtedly has the meatiest part in the series. His character arc is treacherous, above everything. You know, you can still trust a person who hates you and doesn't mince their words while telling you so. But when a person who hypes you up and becomes your comfort zone ends up breaking your trust, it feels like you have nowhere to go. That's what Ashu aka Roshan will remind you of. Then there's Mohit Raina (Max), who plays Ashu's elder brother in the series. The series is yet another in his career that proves that the actor is so much more than his brooding personality. Max is a successful real estate agent with a happy family. However, his life goes through an upheaval due to some of his life's decisions – best left for you to watch and decide. His character, seemingly uncomplicated at first, is layered and structured and the actor pulls it off with the utmost finesse. Sarah Jane Dias and Trinetra Haldar, too, make their make but they are sparsely spread across the series. That being said, Kankhajura comes with its own set of flaws. We understand that the makers wanted the audience to focus on a character's emotions. The zoom-in lingers long after the audience gets the point. We also understand that adding comic relief to a story built on a dark undertone takes away the flavour, however, there are times Kankhajura gets too morose and heavy. You would want to take a break and come back to it later. Certain bits seem stretched and dragged, something that the makers could take note of. However, we can't deny that the remake of the Israeli series Magpie has truly retained its original flavour (or even better). Director Chandan Arora does a great job in gifting the audience a series that they can truly relish, question, discuss and not rush through simply because of the notion that thrillers are supposed to be pacy. If you have been racking your brain over whether to invest your time in Kankhajura this week, here's a big nod from us. It's neither loud nor flashy, but it'll stick with you like a memory in the corner of your eye. First Published: May 30, 2025, 12:51 IST
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kankhajura Season 1 Review: A slow-burn thriller with emotional depth
Story: After 14 years in prison, Ashu is freed under a deal with the police. Rejected by his powerful real estate tycoon brother Max, Ashu vows revenge on him and those who bullied and harmed him in the past. Review: After successfully adapting Your Honor and Fauda for Indian audiences, the makers now turn to the acclaimed Israeli series, Magpie, to deliver Kankhajura (Hindi for centipede) — a psychological thriller that explores the emotional wreckage of fractured families, betrayal, and the murky terrain between guilt and survival. Set against the deceptively tranquil backdrop of Goa, the series unfolds as a brooding character study more than an outright crime drama. The story revolves around Ashu (Roshan Mathew), a man released from prison after 14 years under the condition that he serves as a covert informant for the police. But Ashu's release is anything but liberating. Hoping to reconnect with his elder brother Max (Mohit Raina), a real estate baron with a polished exterior and murky allegiances, Ashu finds himself instead disowned and isolated. This rejection catalyses his downward spiral and sets the stage for a personal vendetta that drives much of the series' emotional core. Director Chandan Arora establishes a strong tone early on, using a measured pace and intimate direction to draw viewers into the psychological turmoil of the characters. The first few episodes are especially taut, rich in subtext and psychological nuance. Arora wisely leans into the show's emotional beats, allowing tension to simmer as past traumas, sibling rivalry, and unresolved guilt resurface. Roshan Mathew delivers a deeply committed performance as Ashu. His portrayal of a man haunted by his past and manipulated in the present is both subtle and stirring. Mohit Raina is compelling as Max, bringing layers of charm, ruthlessness, and internal conflict. The supporting cast is equally effective—Sarah Jane Dias is quietly impactful as Max's wife, Nisha, while Mahesh Shetty and Ninad Kamat convincingly portray Max's morally ambiguous allies, Shardul and Pedru. Trinetra Haldar and Usha Nadkarni provide depth and emotional grounding, while Heeba Shah's Inspector Leena adds a welcome edge to the police narrative. Cinematographer Rajeev Ravi captures Goa not as a sun-drenched paradise but as a place of shadows and secrets. The dusky palette and unhurried camerawork complement the show's reflective tone, turning the setting into an unspoken character. That said, Kankhajura isn't without its flaws. While the storytelling is atmospheric and intelligent, it occasionally loses momentum. Certain subplots meander and some character arcs lack resolution, suggesting the narrative may be more effective if streamlined. The show also doesn't quite deliver the urgency or cliffhangers typical of the thriller genre, opting instead for a slow burn—an approach that may not appeal to all viewers. Still, the show succeeds in capturing the fragility of human relationships and the difficulty of escaping one's past. Its themes of sibling rivalry, emotional repression, and moral compromise resonate, and its Indian adaptation lends a raw emotional texture to the original Israeli framework. Kankhajura may not be an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it is a thoughtful, character-driven drama with enough intrigue and depth to keep you invested across its eight episodes. It's a decent blend of noir and psychological introspection—well worth a watch for those who prefer slow-burning narratives over shock-and-awe spectacle.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Trinetra Haldar Exclusive: "Someone Told Me They Don't See Me As A Woman, But A Transwoman. So..."
Trinetra Haldar rose to fame with her acting debut in the Amazon Prime Original Made In Heaven Season 2 (2023). She is one of India's first transwomen to digitally document her medico-socio-legal transition from male to female. After two years of her debut, she is back on OTT with her new show Kankhajura. The show drops on SonyLIV today. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Trinetra talks about how life has been after Made In Heaven 2, her thoughts on actors undergoing surgeries, and her "life has come full circle" moment with Roshan Mathew. In the series Kankhajura, Trinetra Haldar plays a transwoman, Aimee. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony LIV (@sonylivindia) We ask if all the roles she has been offered so far are that of a transwoman, or have other roles too come her way. Trinetra says, "I am not committed to playing only trans characters on screen. I am an actor. I want to tell stories. Period." Talking about the process of getting diverse roles, Trinetra tells NDTV, "I am not successful enough to be offered parts readily. I have given auditions so far. But I take my auditions very seriously. I am very proud to say that people in the industry are opening up to the idea of casting more trans people. Honestly, characters are beyond genders. We are not mere males and females. The joy of being an actor lies in telling stories; stories about rich and layered lives." Trinetra is ready to take up roles beyond trans characters. Does the industry show the same zeal? The actor lets us in on the most awkward comment she has received on that front. "A person recently said, 'I don't see you as a woman, but as a trans woman. I feel you'll only play trans parts in your entire life," says Trinetra, without revealing whether the person is a director, actor or producer. Trinetra's Transition vs Actors' Cosmetic Surgeries In 2024, when there was a strong buzz over Rajkummar Rao's facial transformation, Trinetra shared a post on Instagram. An excerpt from the post read, "An actor was recently trolled into sheepishly admitting he had chin filler, and a topper was trolled for (not doing anything about) her facial hair in the face of obvious academic merit. Screwed if you do, screwed if you don't, clearly. There is only this one body, this one life. If there is gender dysphoria, it has to be dealt with." We ask what her thoughts are on actors like Khushi Kapoor or Shruti Haasan, who have openly talked about their cosmetic surgeries. "I can't speak for other people. For me, as a transwoman, the journey is very unique. Everything I have undergone in my personal medical journey has been related to my transition," says Trinetra. "I haven't done anything just because a casting director asked me to do it. I have never taken any step in my personal life or transition for this career. It, my transition journey, was always for my self. "My transition was to align my gender identity with my body. Because, unfortunately, I was not blessed with womanhood when I was born. I had to create it from the scratch. "I feel it's people's choice if they want to talk about their transformations or not. I have always been transparent about my journey," sums up Trinetra. Trinetra's Moment With Roshan Mathew In the series Kankhajura, Trinetra plays Roshan Mathew's love interest. Trinetra, who's a great admirer of Roshan's work, right from her medicine days, tells NDTV, "I watched his film Moothon (2020) when I was studying medicine. My Made In Heaven co-stars Shashank Arora and Sobhita Dhulipala were also a part of that film. So, it's like a life-has-come-full-circle moment for me. In that film, Roshan plays a queer character. He said so much through his eyes. He brings a lot of energy to the sets." Trinetra also shared a funny Instagram reel recently, where she is seen learning Malayalam from Roshan. "I love to learn language. So, I kept on asking him what this word would be called in Malayalam," smiles Trinetra. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju (@trinetra) Trinetra's new show, Kankhajura, is directed by Chandan Arora and produced by Ajay Rai. It also stars Roshan Mathew, Mohit Raina and Sarah Jane Dias in lead roles. The series is an official adaptation of the Israeli series, Magpie.
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Kankhajura: Roshan Mathew to Mohit Raina, meet full star cast of SonyLIV's thriller crime drama
KanKhajura, helmed by director Chandan Arora, showcases a diverse lineup of actors including Mahesh Shetty, Ninad Kamat, Trinetra Haldar, Heeba Shah, and Usha Nadkarni. This Hindi-language series is an official remake of the Israeli drama Magpie, which was originally developed by Adam Bizanski, Omri Shenhar, and Dana Eden for Yes Studios. The Indian adaptation is produced by Donna and Shula Productions, with Ajay Rai overseeing its transition for the Indian audience. The show, released on SonyLIV on May 30, revolves around Max (portrayed by Mohit Raina), who reunites with his younger brother Ashu (played by Roshan Mathew) following Ashu's release from prison. As he reintegrates into society, Ashu embarks on a path of vengeance against those he believes orchestrated his downfall. Check out the full cast details here! Meet the cast of Kankhajura 1. Mohit Raina Mohit Raina takes on the role of Max, the elder brother of Ashu (played by Roshan Mathew). Max is a multifaceted character whose life becomes increasingly complicated upon Ashu's return after a 14-year prison sentence. 2. Roshan Mathew In KanKhajura, Roshan Mathew portrays Ashu, a complex character navigating the shadows of his past and the challenges of reintegration into society. After serving 14 years in prison for a youthful crime, Ashu is released under the condition that he act as a police informant. Returning to his hometown in Goa, he seeks to mend his strained relationship with his older brother, Max (played by Mohit Raina). However, their shared history and Ashu's clandestine activities entangle them in a web of secrets and blurred realities . 3. Sarah Jane Dias Sarah Jane Dias plays a pivotal role, contributing to the series' intricate narrative of crime, betrayal, and blurred realities. Dias, known for her versatility across various genres, has previously delivered notable performances in films like Angry Indian Goddesses and Zubaan, as well as web series such as Tandav and Inside Edge . 4. Trinetra Halder In KanKhajura, Trinetra Haldar portrays Aimee, a character whose role adds depth to the series' exploration of identity and secrecy. Trinetra's involvement is significant, especially considering her real-life advocacy and representation of the LGBTQIA+ community 5. Usha Nadkarni Veteran actress Usha Nadkarni delivers a compelling performance as Deshmukh, a formidable slumlord who becomes a significant obstacle to Max's (Mohit Raina) ambitious real estate project. Her portrayal of Deshmukh is both commanding and nuanced, adding depth to the series' exploration of power dynamics and moral ambiguity. When and Where to watch Kankhajura The intense and gripping drama KanKhajura is available for streaming exclusively on Sony LIV starting May 30. This web series is an original production by the streaming platform. To build anticipation for the release, Sony LIV has posted multiple updates on its social media handles. In one of its recent posts on X (formerly Twitter), the platform teased the upcoming show with the caption, 'What you hear might not always be the truth. Get ready for a narrative that creeps into your mind... much like how the KanKhajura creeps beneath the skin.' Plot of Kankhajura KanKhajura tells the story of Ashu (played by Roshan Mathew), a man granted early release from prison under the condition that he serve as an informant for the police. Upon returning to his hometown in Goa, Ashu attempts to rebuild his relationship with his estranged brother Max (portrayed by Mohit Raina). However, their fractured bond soon unravels further as they become ensnared in a complex tangle of deception, hidden truths, and shifting realities. The series, whose title KanKhajura refers to the Hindi term for a centipede, also features standout performances by Sarah Jane Dias, Mahesh Shetty, and Ninad Kamat. Trinetra Haldar adds a deeply personal dimension to the narrative by portraying herself, bringing authentic LGBTQIA+ representation into the storyline. The plot kicks off with a suspected criminal being released from jail, only to begin collaborating with the police. This sets the tone for Roshan Mathew's character, one who, much like a centipede, strikes with venom when threatened but remains vulnerable in a world of larger predators. Forced to hide or move strategically, the character's survival depends on secrecy and timing. KanKhajura powerfully delves into this idea of covert existence, where danger and duplicity lurk in the shadows. Stay tuned with Pinkvilla for more updates!
