Kanika

Kanika is a brilliant, hard-hitting and thought-provoking Indian horror-drama movie, released in 2017 and featuring Sharad Ponkshe, Smita Shewale, and Chaitrali Gupte. Directed by Pushkar Manohar, the movie emerges from the usual facet of horror genre. Unlike typical horror flicks that depend on generic jump scares, Kanika takes on a deeper punch as it combines elements of horror, drama and social issues. It reflects some of the harsh realities of society and mirrors societal flaws through a nerve-chilling narrative.

As the movie begins, we encounter Dr. Kaushik Shah (Sharad Ponkshe), a renowned and respected surgeon enjoying the peak of his medical career. He is widely recognized for his efficiency and skill in the operating theatre. A series of spooky occurrences and hair-raising incidents unexpectedly shadow Dr. Shah's seemingly perfect life, affecting his professional and personal relationships, specifically his bond with his wife, Chaitrali (Smita Shewale), and the hospital staff.

Sharad Ponkshe's portrayal of Dr. Shah deserves applause for his strong and empathetic performance, capturing the character's emotional turbulence and denying the audience from detaching from his side even during unsettling moments. Smita Shewale as Chaitrali delivers an equally commendable performance in representing the strength and patience of a loving wife as she tries to maintain a peaceful environment at home amidst all the uncertainty.

The director, Pushkar Manohar, cleverly injects elements of social justice into the horror narrative, taking a bold stand to advocate against greed and lust for power, especially in the medical industry. This added dimension of social commentary brings depth to the film, separating it from others in its genre, and making it a must-watch.

‘Kanika’ meaning 'fragments' in Marathi, cleverly symbolizes the fragments of one’s deeds and past that come back to haunt them, in this case, the respected doctor. He is forced to question his past, present, and future, as he embarks on a shattered journey to unveil the mysterious incidents shadowing his life. The name strikes a chord, blending a sense of eeriness with philosophical consciousness, pushing viewers to question the moral and social implications of various actions.

In terms of technicalities, Kanika is brilliantly executed. The cinematography by Girish-Ganesh remarkably amplifies the atmosphere of suspense and horror. Each frame and angle game increases tension, creating an engaging visual narrative that matches the robust storyline. Similarly, the background score and sound design make a significant contribution to enhancing the goose-bump inducing moments and maintaining the haunting theme throughout the movie.

Moreover, the screenplay writers, Pushkar Manohar and Nilesh Zope, brilliantly intertwine various elements of the plot, making the story riveting from the beginning till the end. They successfully build up the suspense and keep the audience guessing throughout the movie with unexpected twists and turns adding to the element of surprise.

While jumping on the horror film bandwagon remains a daunting task for many filmmakers, Kanika achieves a distinct place by successfully combining elements of horror with a commendable social message. It is a psychological horror film that delves deep into the psyche of its characters and confronts viewers with the dreadfulness of one’s conscience. The movie depicts that the real horror might not always be supernatural, but lies within our deeds, past, and the inevitable confrontations with them.

Overall, Kanika is a captivating movie that accomplishes beyond the realms of conventional horror cinema, proving to be a must-watch for those who appreciate meaningful cinematic experiences with underlying social messages. It is the kind of movie that leaves you with chills, yet compels you to ponder over your own actions and their consequences.