As suspense thrillers go, Kshanam couldn’t have been slicker; but deftness is not all that it has got. At a time when technical finesse is the minimum and the maximum that you get from so-called suspense thrillers, Kshanam comes with a strong emotional content, a proper story, a good number of characters who enter without fuss but who create one more unanswered question as they exit. The small-budget film Kshanam had been in the news before its release because it has been produced by the big production house PVP. Adivi Sesh, who has earlier proved his mettle with films like Baahubali, Panjaa and Run Raja Run, plays the lead role while Adah Sharma plays the female lead. Young director Ravikanth Parepu debuts with this film.
Rishi (Adivi Sesh) is an NRI doc in the US. He is yet to outgrow his love failure. When he thinks it is all over between him and Shweta (his ex, played by Adah Sharma), he gets an anxious call from her. On his return to India, Rishi finds Adah in deep emotional trauma because her 3-year-old daughter, Riya, has been missing for the past 3 months. He begins his investigation starting from zilch, as everyone from the police to Shweta’s neighbours and Riya’s school principal have no idea about having seen the girl. Bobby (played by Ravi Varma) as the brother of Shweta’s husband (played by Karthik) gives Rishi the first clue with his suspicious behaviour. However, there is more to it than meets the eye. A curious Rishi approaches the cops but to his surprise, they do not cooperate with him at all. He then decides to start finding the girl all by himself and comes across many shocking truths during his search. What problems does he face during his search? What truths does Rishi find out? And will manage to trace out the little girl? That forms the rest of the story.
Undoubtedly, the heart and soul of the film is the handsome Adavi Sesh. Right from the first frame to the last, Sesh impresses you with his emotional performance and amazing screen presence. He carries the entire film on his shoulders and proves what he is worthy of. Adah Sharma gets a meaty role and performs with a lot of ease and sincerity. She is especially good in all her emotional scenes.
Anasuya makes a confident and shocking debut with Kshanam. She puts aside her charm and glamour and gels well in her role of a cop. She was very convincing during the climax and is an actress to watch out for. Another surprise of the film is Satyam Rajesh, who is superb as a frustrated cop. He excels in his character and shocks you with his acting capabilities. Satya Dev underplays his role quite well and ably supports the film.
Interval bang of the film is spot on and sets up the pace for the rest of the proceedings. Credit should also go to Adavi Sesh for penning such a unique story which is quite new for Telugu films. Vennela Kishore and Ravi Varma are also quite good in their cameos. The way all the twists and turns are narrated in a racy manner is what clicks with Kshanam.
There are certain threads which are not explained clearly. The way Anasuya’s character goes about dealing with important situations could have been showcased even more convincingly. Also, once gets a feel that the suspense is dragged a little bit during the second half. This is not the film where you expect some popcorn entertainment and all those who seek that will be disappointed. A song during the first half could have been edited out to make things even racy.
From the beginning of the film, the director maintains a tempo and keeps the audience interested. Though the movie is made with a limited budget, the rich visuals and technical values of the film are brilliant. In the present scenario of Telugu cinema, with “formula” films ruling the roost, Kshanam is a breath of fresh air. The director also breaks the rule of six songs with action scenes thrown in as he concentrates on his subject and never deviates from it.
The scenes involving Adah Sharma and Adivi Sesh are a treat to watch. Defying the conventions, director Ravikanth Perepu keeps this potential tearjerker of an element simple and un-melodramatic. On the other hand, the relationship between Adah and her husband registers in our minds even though there is not a single scene where they are seen together. Such is the strength of the writing. The songs are weaved into the narration and go with the flow. Kshanam is one of the technically strong films in the recent past. Even though it is made on a shoestring budget, the production values are superb and credit should go to PVP for backing up a project like this. Camera work by Shaniel Deo is top-notch and showcases the film in an engaging mood. A special mention about the music director Sricharan Pakala, who has given a thumping background score which lifts the film decently. Screenplay by Adavi Sesh and Ravikanth Perepu has a few glitches here and there. Coming to the director Ravikanth Perepu, this young man has impressed with his debut film. The new age director has narrated the film in a gripping manner and did not shy away in showcasing some hard-hitting twists and turns. What makes his work appreciable is the fact that he manages to build and maintain the suspense till the very end of the film.
Off late, Tollywood is surprising us with some out of the box and sensible films. Kshanam falls in that category and does not fall for the so-called commercial trap. Racy narration, suspense factor and terrific performances from the lead cast are huge assets. Barring some unconvincing points regarding the plot, Kshanam ends up as an intense and enjoyable thriller which will not disappoint you at all.
