Plot
Kankhajura follows the turbulent journey of Ashu (Roshan Mathew), a man newly released after spending 14 years in prison for a murder charge. Struggling with a speech impediment and haunted by his past, Ashu seeks to rebuild a relationship with his older brother Max (Mohit Raina), a successful real estate developer in Goa. Max’s seemingly idyllic life with his wife Nisha (Sarah Jane Dias) and daughter Ira is disrupted by Ashu’s arrival.
Desperate to prove himself, Ashu takes extreme actions to protect Max’s business, but an unfortunate incident shakes Max’s faith in him. Feeling betrayed and emotionally cornered, Ashu turns into an informant, aligning with the police to expose Max’s shady dealings. As secrets unravel, a painful history between the brothers is revealed — a history that may have shaped Ashu’s mental instability. The narrative crescendos into a gripping confrontation: who will come out on top — the once-sidelined Ashu or the now-threatened Max?
Highlights
Kankhajura excels as a tightly spun thriller that fuses emotional complexity with crime drama. At its core, it’s a story about family, betrayal, and the long shadows of childhood trauma. The series maintains a high level of intrigue through sharp storytelling, nuanced character arcs, and well-executed plot twists that keep viewers guessing.
Visually, the show benefits from its rich setting — Goa’s beauty is juxtaposed with its darker, grittier underbelly, giving the story both style and substance. The music and background score are particularly effective, enhancing tension without overpowering the scenes. The climax wraps things up on a strong note, offering both closure and a few surprises. What sets Kankhajura apart is its ability to merge emotional storytelling with the pacing of a fast-moving thriller.
Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, Kankhajura has a few bumps along the way. As an adaptation of the Israeli series Magpie, it occasionally leans too heavily on the original template, which might feel familiar to seasoned thriller audiences. The middle episodes slightly lose momentum, with a few scenes feeling repetitive and unnecessarily stretched.
Certain side plots — particularly involving Max’s aides and the political angle — could have used more depth to better support the main narrative. Still, these are relatively minor issues in an otherwise absorbing and well-structured series.
Performances
Roshan Mathew delivers a standout performance as Ashu, walking a fine line between frailty and quiet menace. He brings emotional weight to a character whose mind is both a prison and a weapon. Mohit Raina is equally effective as Max, portraying a man whose power and poise slowly unravel as his past resurfaces. His scenes in the latter episodes pack a real emotional punch. Sarah Jane Dias adds gravitas to Nisha, portraying the anguish of a woman caught in a storm of secrets. Trinetra Haldar leaves a strong impression as Amy, a transwoman grappling with trauma, bringing subtlety and strength to the role. Usha Nadkarni is formidable as the local matriarch Deshmukh Bai, commanding the screen every time she appears. Mahesh Shetty and Ninad Kamat provide solid support as Max’s trusted but morally grey companions.
Verdict
Kankhajura is a compelling watch that combines emotional drama with psychological suspense. While it borrows from its source material and could be a touch leaner in places, the series delivers where it matters most — gripping performances, strong writing, and a layered exploration of human relationships. It’s a must-watch for fans of intense thrillers with emotional stakes.
DIRECTED BY: Chandan Arora
PRODUCED BY: Ajay Rai
STARRING: Roshan Mathew, Mohit Raina, Sarah Jane Dias and Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju
STREAMING ON: Sony LIV
Rating: 3.5/5
