Kankhajura – A Mind Bender!!! PK Verdict: GOLD⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kankhajura – A Mind Bender!!!

Sony LIV’s Kaankhajura is a gripping addition to the Indian crime-drama landscape, officially adapted from the Israeli series Magpie. It unfolds as a slow-burning narrative, rich with layered characters, taut writing, and an ever-present undercurrent of tension. Beneath its sleek surface, the show pulses with suppressed violence and emotional volatility. The frequent use of reflective surfaces—glass walls, beveled mirrors, and mirrored panels—transforms physical spaces into metaphors for the characters’ inner turmoil.

Directed by Chandan Arora, Kaankhajura explores the uneasy reunion of two estranged brothers against the sun-drenched backdrop of Goa. Ashu (Roshan Mathew), recently released after over a decade in prison, returns home seeking connection with his elder brother Max (Mohit Raina), who appears to have moved past their turbulent history and built a stable life. But Ashu’s arrival disrupts this fragile peace, igniting a slow-burning psychological duel that constantly questions who’s really in control—and who’s poised to strike.

At the core of the series is Roshan Mathew, whose portrayal of Ashu anchors the story with a quietly intense and nuanced performance. Ashu is a man of contradictions—vulnerable yet cunning, haunted yet composed. Mathew’s restrained yet powerful depiction of a stammering man shaped by trauma and bullying arguably marks his most compelling role to date. Opposite him, Mohit Raina’s Max provides a steady emotional anchor. Though his character is less complex, Raina’s calm demeanor sharply contrasts Ashu’s volatility, effectively portraying a brother caught between guilt, fear, and self-preservation.

Thematically, Kaankhajura excels in weaving a complex tapestry of emotional manipulation, unresolved resentment, and the lasting scars of childhood wounds. The Goa setting transcends its role as mere backdrop, becoming a mood-setting character itself—its serene beauty starkly juxtaposed with the simmering tension beneath. Female characters, played by Sara Jane Dias, Trinetra Haldar, and Heeba Shah, add subtle layers to the narrative, with Shah’s portrayal of a rigid yet empathetic police officer standing out. Supporting actors Mahesh Shetty and Usha Nadkarni also make memorable contributions, enriching the story’s texture. The series opens and closes within the confines of a prison cell, effectively tying the narrative threads together. Chandan Anand delivers a striking performance in the opening scene, while Mohit Raina’s portrayal in the finale is equally compelling.

However, the series falters somewhat in its final act. While aiming to deliver a profound message, the ending feels muddled—trying to cover too much and ultimately saying too little. Nonetheless, Kaankhajura remains an engaging psychological thriller with strong performances and intriguing themes. Watch it for the compelling lead duo of Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina—you won’t be disappointed. It’s a brilliant Creeping Thriller That Delivers Drama with a Sting. A true mindbender.

Do not miss. Streaming now on Sony Liv.

PK Verdict: Gold⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️