KA (2024) Review

Few movies are so intricate and awe-inspiring that they evoke a sense of divine craftsmanship. KA is one such film - its complexity and meticulous detail make it feel like a humanly impossible miracle.

Abhinay (Kiran Abbavaram) is kidnapped and locked in a dark room, where he discovers that a young woman, Radha (Tanvi Ram), is also being held captive in the next room. Their captor bombards Abhinay with questions about events from his past, but Abhinay can't remember them. Only when the kidnapper activates a hypnotic device do fragments of Abhinay's memories surface. Despite Abhinay's pleas for freedom, the kidnapper refuses, promising release within two days - if he answers all the questions. Radha undergoes a similar ordeal.

When the captor is away, Radha and Abhinay communicate through a small crack in the wall, trying to make sense of their situation. As the story unfolds, both captives recall key events from their lives, and the movie connects these moments to reveal the karmic philosophy - what goes around, comes around.

KA stands out for three remarkable aspects: its plot, world-building and realism. Each of these aspects is refreshingly unique, unlike anything you've seen before. It's one of those rare films where the suspense remains completely unpredictable until the final moment. And the final suspense will numb you. You'll find yourself wondering how anyone could conceive such an idea - and then have the audacity to bring it to life on screen. By the end, you'll feel grateful for the chance to experience it.

Set in the 1970s-80s, the movie introduces an innovative concept, building suspense right from the start. In an era when nearly everyone relied on postal communication, it explores what might happen if a postman secretly opens letters, alters their contents to suit his whims and conscience, skillfully re-seals them, and then delivers them to unsuspecting recipients. Our protagonist engages in such tampering, leading to a chain reaction that spirals out of control and sets off a domino effect of unpredictable events, leaving him to grapple with consequences and answer countless questions of his captor. Remarkably, this concept doesn't feel forced; the story skillfully reveals the roots of his unusual obsession with letters, showcasing the art of nuanced storytelling.

The movie is set in the fictional village of Krishnagiri, which is shrouded in darkness as early as 3 pm, surrounded by towering mountains. This unique setting serves as an incredible cinematic backdrop that the filmmakers have utilized to maximum effect. Beyond the unique day-night cycle, the backdrop is so lush and scenic that it makes you long to visit the village. However, it seems likely that the filmmakers constructed a set somewhere in the Western Ghats range, though I'm not entirely sure.

Adding to this picturesque setting, the movie weaves a surreal quality through superb art direction. The hand-painted posters of ANR and NTR movies on village walls, the belongings typical of an agrarian village of that era, the people, their costumes, and the overall laid-back atmosphere - all transport you to that time and place.

All the scenes are set either in the village, two interrogation rooms, a village post office or the local police station, with locations reappearing as the story unfolds. The filmmakers have paid meticulous attention to historical accuracy. For instance, in those days, a post office in a small Indian village was typically part of the postmaster's residence, rather than a government-owned property. The exact financial arrangement between the postmaster and the Government of India for this setup is unknown, but it was indeed common practice. The filmmakers have accurately portrayed this detail to maintain period authenticity.

As for the performances, they're hard to put into words. The entire cast, even those with only a split-second appearance, fully embody their characters. The acting is so natural that it creates a magical reality. Naturally, Abbavaram carries the heaviest load, given his extensive screen time and the double role as the captor and the captive. The same praise goes for the visual effects, background music and songs - each element is executed perfectly to achieve the desired impact.

KA presents a fresh twist on the thriller genre, weaving suspense with profound philosophical themes in a captivating way. While it opens with the familiar beats of a classic thriller, it gradually delves deeper, adding rich emotional layers to its characters as their stories unfold. The plot is both original and full of twists, yet it never loses sight of its central theme: that the "karmic philosophy of life" inevitably circles back. For anyone seeking a thriller with depth and insight, KA is an absolute must-watch.