KANNI MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Aswini Chandrasekhar, Manimaran, Tara Krish, Mathamma Velmurugan, Ram Bharathan, Sarika Selvaraj, Sujith Shankar
Director: Mayon Siva Thorapadi
Kanni, set amidst the Javadhu Hills of Krishnagiri, tells the story of Senga, an elderly woman who possesses ancient knowledge of herbal medicine. Using a sacred thatched box and time-honored techniques, she heals the seemingly incurable, attracting attention from both grateful villagers and opportunistic outsiders. When a wealthy man experiences a miraculous recovery under her care, the world takes notice, setting in motion a clash between traditional wisdom and modern greed.
The film effectively portrays the stillness of village life and the deep connection its inhabitants have with their surroundings. Senga‘s daughter, Sembi (Aswini Chandrasekhar), is at the heart of the narrative, her life connected to the preservation of her family’s legacy. The arrival of medical professionals seeking to exploit Senga’s knowledge for commercial gain disrupts their peaceful existence, leading to tragedy and forcing Sembi to flee with her young nieces.
While Kanni’s premise is interesting, the execution feels somewhat uneven. The film struggles to maintain a consistent pace, often bogged down by exposition and underdeveloped subplots. The attempt to introduce multiple languages, while reflecting the region’s cultural diversity, adds to the narrative’s complexity without significantly enhancing the storytelling.
The film’s strengths lie in its performances and its visual appeal. Aswini Chandrasekhar delivers a strong and convincing performance as Sembi, conveying a range of emotions with nuance and authenticity. Mathamma Velmurugan is equally good as Senga, embodying the wisdom and resilience of a woman deeply connected to her traditions. Rajkumar‘s cinematography captures the natural beauty of the Javadhu Hills, immersing viewers in the film‘s setting.
Despite its commendable intentions and moments of visual brilliance, Kanni falls short of its full potential. The screenplay lacks intensity, and the predictable narrative arc fails to fully engage. While the film raises important questions about the exploitation of traditional knowledge and the clash between modernity and tradition, its execution lacks the depth and nuance needed to create a truly impactful experience.