Kankhajura Review: Roshan Mathew Leads a Haunting Tale of Family, Guilt, and Redemption

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I didn’t expect Kankhajura to linger in my mind long after the credits roll. It starts quietly, almost too quietly, like a harmless bug creeping into your ear when you’re least expecting it. But just like the centipede the series is named after, it burrows deeper and deeper, crawling into uncomfortable spaces and uncovering emotions you didn’t even realize were simmering quietly. You might expect horror or something more sinister from the title alone. Yet, Kankhajura is far more unsettling than anything loud or obvious.

It’s not about jump scares or fast-paced twists. Instead, it’s about the quiet dread of returning home after years of absence, walking into rooms filled with memories you tried to erase, and facing the people you’ve hurt or who have hurt you. This show doesn’t just tell a story. It asks what happens when you try to rewrite your role in your family’s tragedy? Can redemption ever erase the weight of guilt that hangs heavy like a dark cloud?

The Plot: When Home Is No Longer a Safe Place

Kankhajura opens with Ashu (Roshan Mathew) stepping back into his hometown after serving 14 years in prison for a violent crime committed in his youth. His return stirs up a storm of emotions, reopening wounds that many hoped were long healed. The calm life that his brother Max (Mohit Raina) and Max’s close friends Pedro (Aditya Pandey) and Shardul (Shikhar Sinha) have built through their thriving construction business is suddenly threatened.

Max has poured years of effort into creating stability, not only professionally, with the company he co-founded with Pedro and Shardul, but also personally. He has built a loving family with his wife Nisha (Sarah Jane Dias) and their young daughter Ira, both of whom symbolize the fresh start Max has longed for. Yet Ashu’s presence is like a crack in this carefully constructed world, threatening to bring the past crashing down.

Pedro (Ninad Kamat) and Shardul (Mahesh Shetty), fiercely loyal to Max and deeply invested in the business and friendship they share, find themselves caught in the crossfire of old resentments and unspoken grievances. Their relationships are tested as tensions rise and secrets that were meant to stay buried begin to surface, shaking the foundation of trust that holds them together.

Nisha’s role is a quietly powerful one. She treats Ashu with warmth and empathy, filling the emotional gaps that Max avoids. Their interactions hint at a shared understanding of pain and survival, even as Nisha navigates the difficult position of supporting Max while recognizing Ashu’s humanity.

Kankhajura immerses you in a world where the past refuses to stay buried, and the cost of protecting what you’ve built can be higher than anyone imagined. The big question remains: when the past comes knocking, can you ever truly protect the future?

Characters That Leave an Impact

What truly makes Kankhajura unforgettable is the commanding presence of Roshan Mathew as Ashu. After years of consistently solid work, this series finally gives him the kind of performance-driven role where he can fully unleash his talent. Roshan portrays Ashu’s complex mix of regret, anger, and vulnerability with a quiet intensity that stays with you long after the screen fades to black. His nuanced acting invites us to feel every painful step Ashu takes toward redemption.

Mohit Raina as Max delivers a powerful, restrained performance that perfectly captures a man caught between ambition and family loyalty. His controlled yet emotionally charged portrayal balances Ashu’s rawness, creating a compelling on-screen tension between the brothers that is riveting to watch.

Supporting these central figures are strong performances from Mahesh Shetty, Ninad Kamat, close friends of Max, whose presence adds layers to the unfolding drama. Nisha (Sarah Jane Dias), Max’s partner, whose empathetic yet firm grounding offers a softer emotional center amidst the turmoil. Together, the cast brings to life a vivid and authentic portrayal of a family unraveling yet desperately trying to hold itself together.

Why Kankhajura Is a Must-Watch

If you love dramas that go beyond surface-level thrills, Kankhajura is a series that delivers. It’s a family story, but also about how the consequences of past mistakes ripple through time, leaving their mark on everyone involved. The writing is tight, the pacing deliberate, and the emotional stakes incredibly high.

Whether you’re a fan of intense relationship dramas, psychological thrillers with emotional depth, or well-crafted series that keep you thinking, Kankhajura offers all that and more. It stays with you long after the final episode, making you reflect on your own relationships and the secrets we all carry.

Final Thoughts

Kankhajura is a quietly powerful drama that proves sometimes the loudest stories are the ones whispered between the lines. With stellar performances, especially from Roshan Mathew, whose portrayal here reinforces why he’s considered one of the finest actors of his generation, and a gripping narrative that refuses to shy away from uncomfortable truths, this series is a must-watch for anyone craving depth and authenticity in storytelling.

It’s a haunting reminder that family isn’t just about blood; it’s about the choices we make, the wounds we carry, and the hope that healing is possible, even when the past feels impossible to escape.

If you’re drawn to gripping, emotional dramas like Kankhajura, you should also check out my detailed review of Thudarum here. It’s packed with intense twists and compelling characters.

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