Krishand’s ‘Sangarsha Ghadana’ is experimental in narrative, compelling in style | Movie Review

Director Krishand R K, known for his innovative style of storytelling and filmmaking sensibilities, has returned with his latest work ‘Sangarsha Ghadana’, a film that explores the art of warfare and its tactics in a unique way. The protagonists are not soldiers or rank officers battling real-time war in conflict-zones, though the film mainly intends to speak about the fruitlessness of war.

Instead, it is a story about hard-hearted gang lords with a dark past who resort to the tactics of war to stay alive. Kodamazha Suni played by Sanoop Padaveedan is a retired gang leader who wants to lead a quiet life with his family. However, his brutal past soon catches up with him when the murder of his trusted gang member, Rafeeq Jehangir ('Aavasavyuham'-fame Rahul Rajagopal), triggers a police probe. The chain of events pushes Suni into survival mode. Apart from him, the story also focuses on Kunjanandan, played by Vishnu Agasthya and his gang.

Despite the dark theme, Krishand brings his trademark humour and satire in the film’s making, as we are introduced to some hilarious moments featuring the police and a few scenes involving the supporting characters. Unlike his previous critically-acclaimed work ‘Purusha Pretham’, the police are not central characters, though they still are integral to the plot, with a woman police officer (Mridhula Murali) taking the lead of the investigation into the Kodamazha murder. Under Krishand’s able hands, the police continue to be a convenient tool to poke fun at the law and order system everywhere.

‘Sangarsha Ghadana’, gets innovative by how well Krishand connects historical moments and current war-crimes to the narrative, which is rooted in a crime that is of regional significance. The film plays out like a mind-game, with Sun Tzu’s powerful advice on the art of warfare intricately embedded throughout the story.

Beyond its distinctive treatment and style, the film is elevated by Rajesh Naroth’s evocative music and Prayag Mukundan’s striking cinematography. The cast delivers compelling performances, with Vishnu Agasthya standing out in particular. Zhins Shan brings warmth and depth to the role of Sethumadhavan, while Manoj Kana is convincing as the police officer. Ultimately, the film’s innovative approach to narrating a gang war tale is both impressive and clear in its vision, though it is expected to appeal mostly to those who would love exploring the philosophical aspects of war crimes, with a touch of spoof.