Kankhajura (2025) Review: A Deep Dive into the Director’s Vision
Introduction
Kankhajura is a powerful psychological thriller streaming on SonyLIV from May 30, 2025. Directed by Chandan Arora, the series grips you with its emotionally loaded narrative.
Adapted from the Israeli show Magpie, it brilliantly reimagines the original story for Indian audiences, filled with tension and heartache.
Director’s Vision and Impact
Chandan Arora brings a raw, unfiltered lens to Kankhajura, choosing a slow-burn approach to unravel trauma and betrayal. His emphasis on realism over dramatics makes every scene believable.
The blurring of reality and memory reflects a bold narrative choice. Arora’s direction compels viewers to feel as much as they think.
Directorial Choices
One of Arora’s standout decisions is keeping emotional beats subtle yet piercing. Instead of over-explaining, he lets silence speak volumes.
Flashbacks are used masterfully, not just for exposition, but as haunting echoes that drive the psychological tension forward.
Influences and Inspirations
The tone of Kankhajura evokes inspirations from European noir and Indian indie cinema, where atmosphere and emotion outweigh spectacle.
It also carries faint echoes of films like Talvar and Andhadhun in its layered storytelling, yet remains uniquely grounded in its cultural context.
Comparison to Previous Works
Compared to Arora’s earlier works, Kankhajura is his most ambitious and intimate. His control over narrative tempo and emotion has matured.
Unlike lighter dramas in his past, here he dives deep into guilt, survival, and human complexity, pushing his directorial boundaries.
Director’s Signature Elements
Arora’s storytelling often revolves around flawed characters seeking redemption—Kankhajura continues this with haunting precision.
He also uses space and sound effectively; empty homes, long pauses, and ambient noise are as much characters as the actors.
Performance & Character Depth
Mohit Raina as Ashu is restrained yet powerful. His journey from prison to informant is not just external but deeply emotional.
Roshan Mathew as the estranged brother brings vulnerability and anger, making the sibling dynamic gripping and heartfelt.
Supporting Cast
Sarah Jane Dias, Trinetra Haldar, and Usha Nadkarni offer depth to the secondary narrative. They’re not mere fillers but essential emotional pillars.
Each character feels lived-in, thanks to Arora’s attention to detail and the cast’s committed performances.
Writing and Adaptation
The adaptation intelligently Indianizes Magpie’s core while retaining its psychological intensity. The writing feels personal and precise.
Dialogue avoids melodrama. It feels real, often sparse, mirroring the characters’ mental isolation and suppressed emotions.
Technical Craftsmanship
Editor Vaishak Ravi’s work maintains tension with crisp transitions. The pace never lags, yet gives space for emotional reflection.
Production design by Priyanka Ghosh Riya grounds the series in realism. Rooms, streets, and clothing reflect fractured lives.
Sound Design
Shreyas Srinivas’s sound mixing is minimal yet striking. Background scores are used sparingly, allowing silence to amplify suspense.
This technique adds layers of discomfort and eeriness, reinforcing the thriller aspect without distracting from the narrative.
Genre Comparison
Unlike many thrillers that rely on action or twists, Kankhajura thrives on emotional complexity. It avoids clichés found in shows like Asur or The Night Manager.
The psychological angle is more refined, making it closer to arthouse thrillers than mainstream potboilers.
Box Office and OTT Buzz
Though it’s a web series, the early buzz is strong, especially across iBomma Movies and Bappamtv Movies. Iradha Movies has praised its narrative depth.
Kankhajura is expected to see high engagement on SonyLIV, potentially boosting subscriber numbers with its unique appeal.
Star Rating Table
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Performances | ★★★★☆ |
| Direction | ★★★★☆ |
| Story & Adaptation | ★★★★☆ |
| Technical Aspects | ★★★★☆ |
| Music | N/A |
Final Verdict
Kankhajura is a mature psychological thriller crafted with heart and vision. Arora’s directorial finesse elevates every scene into a layered experience.
It’s a must-watch for viewers who crave intense emotional storytelling wrapped in a suspenseful package.
FAQs
What makes Kankhajura stand out from other psychological thrillers?
Its emotional realism, grounded characters, and director Chandan Arora’s vision give it a unique, haunting flavor.
Is Kankhajura suitable for family viewing?
Due to its dark themes and psychological tension, it’s more suited for mature audiences.
How faithful is it to the original Magpie series?
While inspired by Magpie, Kankhajura reinterprets it through an Indian lens, offering new emotional layers.
Does the series rely on traditional thriller tropes?
No, it avoids clichés and instead focuses on character depth and emotional trauma to build suspense.
Where can I watch Kankhajura?
It streams on SonyLIV from May 30, 2025, and is getting great word-of-mouth on iBomma Movies, Bappamtv Movies, and Iradha Movies.
Note: Star ratings are subjective and may change with audience feedback.