In the buzzing world of Malayalam cinema, one name that has recently been on everyone’s lips is Dinjith Ayyathan. The burgeoning filmmaker has catapulted into the limelight with his latest cinematic offering, ‘Kishkindha Kaandam,’ a movie that has garnered commendation from both critics and audiences alike. Over the last week, Dinjith has been inundated with interviews, sharing insights into his filmmaking journey and the making of a film that has clearly struck a chord with many.
“I had manifested the movie’s success to such a level that it might sound ambitious for others. But, we were confident about the product and I was sure about making my mark as a filmmaker,” Dinjith remarked during one of these interviews, radiating confidence and satisfaction. The success of ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ isn’t accidental; it is the result of meticulous planning and unwavering conviction.
The film unfolds as a slow-burn thriller, weaving a compelling narrative around its characters: Appu Pillai, portrayed by the seasoned Vijayaraghavan, his son Ajay Chandran, played by Asif Ali, and Aparna, Ajay’s wife, brought to life by Aparna Balamurali. Set against the backdrop of an old, grand house surrounded by lush greenery and bordering a monkey-filled reserve forest, the story unravels with Aparna discovering that her husband and father-in-law hold secrets much darker than she could have anticipated. This revelation propels the plot into a mystery that captivates viewers with its depth and intrigue.
Dinjith expressed his excitement about the film’s Onam release, a decision initially met with skepticism from industry peers due to the film’s distinct content and the presence of other strong contenders at the box office. However, producer Joby George Thadathil was instrumental in steadfastly pushing for a festival release, convinced of the film’s potential. “An Onam release is special. The film was meant to release earlier, but due to delays in some of Asif’s movies, it got postponed. Making it a festival release was a decision made by Joby chettan, and it became personal for him,” Dinjith explained.
Reflecting on his trajectory as a filmmaker, Kishkindha Kaandam represents a milestone for Dinjith, validating a journey that began with his debut film, ‘Kakshi: Amminipilla.
.’ Released in 2019, ‘Kakshi: Amminipilla’ was a family drama that, despite its charm, did not fare well at the box office—a setback put down to insufficient promotion. But the experience forged a resilient team spirit; many from that team returned for Kishkindha Kaandam, including cinematographer Bahul Ramesh and editor Sooraj ES.
Bahul’s work extended beyond cinematography; he crafted the screenplay, praised for its complexity and emotional gravity. “Emotions run high with no relief for the audience,” Dinjith noted, commending Bahul’s vision for keeping the film’s intensity palpable and precise, a challenge compounded by the non-sequential shooting schedule.
The decision to forgo traditional songs was intentional, allowing composer Mujeeb Majeed’s soundscape to enhance the film’s atmosphere, creating a score that is as engaging as the narrative itself. A standout track, ‘Doore doore’ with Tibetan lyrics, emerged as a promotional highlight.
An ensemble cast featuring adept talents like Vijayaraghavan, Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, and others brought the script’s intricacies to life. The casting was strategic, with influences from veteran director Fazil guiding the selection process, ensuring that each role was imbued with authenticity and depth. “Vijayaraghavan brought a seasoned touch to his role,” Dinjith remarked, reflecting on his experiences during production.
Not without its challenges, the project experienced several delays, accentuated by the search for a suitable filming location. Originally seeking a house in Kasaragod, filming permissions were elusive, eventually leading the team to the striking setting in Palakkad.
While pursuing filmmaking took Dinjith away from his original profession as an animator, the success of ‘Kishkindha Kaandam’ suggests it was a gamble that paid off. His journey from Thalassery to cinema production charts a story of perseverance, underscored by his initial foray into animation that included contributing to several acclaimed Malayalam films.
As the curtain falls on the story of producing ‘Kishkindha Kaandam,’ Dinjith fondly recalls the emotional moments it brought into his life. A cherished scene in the film, depicting a heartwarming embrace, echoes a personal breakthrough for Dinjith—embracing his parents for the first time—a memory that stands as a testament to the powerful intersection of art and life.
