Ananthan Kaadu Story:
Murali Gopy had earlier stated that the film draws inspiration from the ancient name of Thiruvananthapuram — Ananthan Kaadu (the forest of Anantha, the serpent deity on whom Lord Vishnu reclines). At its core, the film explores the idea that despite calling ourselves "civilized," a wild jungle still exists within the human mind.
The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and locations, including Thiruvananthapuram, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka. The story opens in 2016 before shifting to Sri Lanka in 1989, where audiences are introduced to Vetrivel Kumaran (Arya), an LTTE fighter who enjoys a heroic reputation among his people. The film also offers a brief glimpse of the late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran during this segment.
The story later moves to Thiruvananthapuram, where the central plot takes shape. Here, we meet a gang led by Krishnan Kutty (Indrans), Thankaraj alias Thankan (Murali Gopy), Jackson (Appani Ravi), and Murali (Dev Mohan). Vetri eventually finds refuge in the colony where they live.
Krishnan Kutty and his associates soon find themselves in trouble when their political masters turn against them. Without revealing major spoilers, it can be said that the group is involved in criminal activities and quotation work for the ruling establishment.
Indrans in Ananthan Kaadu
Ananthan Kaadu Review:
Jiyen Krishnakumar, known for films such as Kanchi and Tiyaan, once again ventures into politically charged territory with Ananthan Kaadu. At its heart, Ananthan Kaadu examines the struggles of marginalized communities under an oppressive system. While Vetri represents the fight of a displaced Tamil warrior, Krishnan Kutty and his gang emerge as protectors of the downtrodden. The film ultimately evolves into a revenge drama, though it stays away from the realism-driven storytelling that has become popular in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
The film incorporates several socio-political themes, including the Tamil Eelam movement of the 1980s, while presenting Arya's Vetri as a fiercely rooted Tamil character. The Kerala portions introduce Chief Minister KK Menon, played by Vijayaraghavan, as a shrewd and calculating politician. Given Murali Gopy's track record with politically layered scripts such as "Lucifer" and "Empuraan", it is unsurprising that "Ananthan Kaadu" also engages with Kerala's political landscape. The screenplay references the state's major political fronts without overtly glorifying any particular ideology. At the same time, the film contains satirical undertones expressed through several sharp one-liners.
One of the film's major shortcomings is its depiction of sexual violence. A rape sequence, reminiscent of scenes seen in Empuraan, feels unnecessarily graphic. Similarly, certain moments involving the character played by Santhy Balachandran could have been handled with greater restraint.
From a content perspective, Ananthan Kaadu possesses all the ingredients of a gripping political thriller. The film succeeds in creating distinct identities for its central characters, and the overall filmmaking remains engaging despite its flaws.
Indrans and Vijayaraghavan deliver some of the film's most memorable performances. Murali Gopy, Dev Mohan, and Appani Ravi are equally convincing in their respective roles. Arya plays a pivotal role and performs effectively, particularly in the action sequences, where his screen presence stands out. Santhy Balachandran's Karthi is an important character in the narrative, although her arc ultimately concludes in a somewhat predictable manner.
Nikhila Vimal and Rejina Cassandra have limited screen time, while Telugu actor Suniel plays the antagonist in his familiar style. The film's cinematography deserves special mention for creating a distinct visual atmosphere that complements its political and emotional themes. The action choreography is well executed and adds intensity to the narrative. Ajaneesh Loknath's background score is another highlight, enhancing the film's mood and elevating several key moments.
Vijayaraghavan in Ananthan Kaadu
Ananthan Kaadu Verdict:
Ananthan Kaadu is an ambitious political drama that combines historical references, social commentary, and revenge-driven storytelling. While its excessive violence and depictions of sexual violence may not appeal to all viewers, the film's central theme remains compelling.
The narrative effectively highlights the hardships faced by marginalized communities at the hands of those in power. It also examines how people living on the fringes of society are often exploited by the system and discarded when they are no longer useful.
Though the film's political positioning remains somewhat ambiguous, its core message about oppression, power, and resistance resonates throughout. Despite its flaws, "Ananthan Kaadu" is a reasonably engaging theatrical watch and is worth experiencing for its performances, political themes, and ambitious storytelling.
