Sony LIV’s latest Hindi series, Kankhajura, is an official adaptation of the 2019 Israeli television show, Magpie, and is helmed by director Chandan Arora (Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Striker). The series features Mohit Raina, Roshan Mathew, and Sarah Jane Dias, set against the backdrop of Goa. It delves into a dark world filled with ambiguous characters and calculated revenge, compellingly depicting a protagonist who navigates twisted ambitions through psychological manipulation.
Story
After serving time for the murder of a tourist, Ashu (Roshan Mathew) is released from prison and welcomed back by his older brother Max (Mohit Raina), who invites him to live with his wife Nisha (Sarah Jane Dias) and their daughter. However, Max’s business partners and former friends, Pedro (Ninad Kamat) and Shardul (Mahesh Shetty), are less enthusiastic about Ashu’s return, hinting that he may have taken the blame for a crime they all committed together.
Though Ashu shows interest in joining Max’s construction venture, his brother and his associates are hesitant. They misinterpret his shy demeanor and stutter as signs of weakness, failing to recognize that Ashu possesses significant skills in emotional and psychological manipulation—techniques that even law enforcement officers like Leena (Heeba Shah) have used to obtain confessions from suspects. While Max treats Ashu like an underling, Ashu cleverly employs his manipulative abilities to clear obstacles from Max’s path to profitable real estate and subtly turns Max against his business partners.
Performances
Kankhajura shines in its performances, particularly from its lead. Roshan Mathew gives an outstanding portrayal of Ashu, intentionally underplaying his body language to project an image of vulnerability while delivering emotional outbursts with precision. Mohit Raina excels as the morally ambiguous elder brother, especially in the later episodes, where the cracks in his confident facade begin to emerge. The jail scene during the final episode features exceptional performances from both actors.
Sarah Jane Dias adds warmth and grace as Max’s oblivious yet well-intentioned wife, who remains unaware of her husband’s dubious activities. The supporting cast—including Ninad Kamat, Mahesh Shetty, Trinetra Haldar, Heeba Shah, and Usha Nadkarni—provides solid performances throughout.
Behind the scenes
Under Chandan Arora’s direction, the storytelling is engaging and avoids unnecessary flashy elements, though a more visually vibrant color scheme could have enhanced the experience. Teaming up with Upendra Sidhaye, the storytellers present a plot that is intricate and cunning, filled with manipulation and criminal undertones. While the screenplay remains tight, it does tread into predictability at times, yet it still maintains the audience’s interest in the series.
Despite the writing having some rigidity, the standout factor is undoubtedly the casting. The creators have assembled an exceptional ensemble, but Roshan Mathew outshines all with his compelling portrayal of Ashu, showcasing a character of remarkable complexity.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Goa, with its picturesque palm trees and heritage homes, the location adds an intriguing sense of mystery that enhances the plot. Kankhajura would have thrived on the big screen, where its visual storytelling could have fully realized the depth of its themes.
The cinematography by Rajeev Ravi and Vinod Illampally is exceptional, with thoughtful camera angles and lighting that elevate the mood of each scene. A particularly striking scene occurs when Ashu realizes his brother’s betrayal; the chaos of the moment is palpable, followed by a sudden silence that signals a moment of clarity amidst turmoil—this is a powerful illustration of Ashu’s inner conflict.
Final Analysis
Kankhajura deeply examines the complex relationship between two contrasting brothers. While the initial episodes may feel somewhat fragmented due to rapid shifts between past and present, the storyline eventually stabilizes. With strong performances from Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina, the series keeps viewers engaged until the very end.
With its impressive performances and grounded narrative, Kankhajura is definitely worth a viewing, particularly for those who appreciate morally ambiguous characters and palpable friction between them.
