Kooki movie review: Powerful, Hard Hitting, Relevant Cinema That Raises An Important Question

Kooki movie review

‘Kooki’ – based on a concept by Junmoni Devi Khaund – the producer of the film who is also credited for the story. ‘Kooki’ directed by Pranab J Deka also the writer along with co-writers Mrigendra Narayan Konwar and Bishnujyoti Handique give us a rare unique rape survivor film in mainstream cinema.

Discarding court room sensationalisms normally associated with such subject, ‘Kooki’ is hellbent on asking questions and sticking to reality. ‘Kooki’ is not the routine rape, revenge, justice drama, it underlines the trauma a survivor goes through in bold even after justice getting delivered.

What about my confidence, my fear for rain (which I loved the most), my behavior towards men, hope? Asks the dejected ‘Kooki’ who has got justice but the girl is still suffering from PSTD (Post traumatic stress disorder). ‘Kooki’ is alive but she is lifeless.

The demand for alternative justice gives ‘Kooki’ the edge from its contemporaries and it ends on a reality which shakes you.

Director Pranab Deka in ‘Kooki’ builds the momentum brilliantly, the first half is sweet, charming and breezy focusing on Kooki’s endeavors with her crush, it feels relatable and the audience gets involved.

Just before the interval, the heinous crime occurs and the second half is about the core issue of alternate justice and trauma of ‘Kooki’.

You will feel the anger, shame, helplessness when you will watch ‘Kooki’ going through the trauma, such is the impact.

On the flip side, I would have appreciated more on the alternative justice part – ‘Kooki’ advocates the demand of making rape the most heinous crime but not clear on the punishment. There should have been opinion on the punishment on rape which already a matter of debate with a section vouching for castration.

Another important highlight of ‘Kooki’ is the reaction, attitude of her parents after the horrifying incident. It shows ‘maturity, displays ‘open mindedness’ and acceptance in true form.

Performances

Ritisha Khaund as Kooki is outstanding, in the second half she explodes and make the audience feel for her.

Rajesh Tailang is fantastic as the understanding father.

Dipannita Sharma as S.P. Mandira Singh makes her presence felt in a short but effective role.

Ritu Shivpuri is seen after a long time ans she impresses with her portrayal as Dr. Priyadarshini Pator.

TV fame Devoleena Bhattacharjee  as Navnita makes her mark and initiates the debate.

Bodhisattva Sharma as Saptarishi is adorable.

Good support comes from Preety Kongana as the Pshychiatrist, Sneha Pallavi as Anita Mishra – Kooki’s mother, Abhishekh Pandey as Pankaj Mishra

Technicalities

Production values are good. Cinematography by Gyan Gautam is excellent that captures the greenery, colours while day and at night enhances the drama, trauma. Editing by Jhulan Krishna Mahanta is crisp. Costume Design by Riya Phukon and Prem Kanta Rabha is adequate.

Kooki final words

‘Kooki’ is a rare rape survivor drama that asks important questions