‘Kabandha’ Film Review: Delving into the Shadows of Modern Agriculture Beyond Conventional Thrills

The story revolves around Nachiketh (Prasad Vashist), a reserved young man grappling with deep-seated internal struggles and external challenges.

Kabandha starts off as a horror thriller, but it soon reveals its true purpose: to explore the harmful effects of pesticides, especially those that have been banned, on both farming practices and human health. Directed by Sathyanath, the film skillfully blends the horror genre with a powerful environmental message, prompting important discussions about the use of chemical fertilizers and their extensive consequences.

The story focuses on Nachiketh (Prasad Vashist), a shy young man who is caught in deep internal and external conflicts. He is profoundly troubled by his uncle’s (Avinash) dependence on toxic pesticides on their farm, which has dire repercussions for Hanuma (Kishore) and his family, who work as laborers there. This issue is revealed through a series of flashbacks that showcase the devastating impact of these chemicals on their lives and well-being.

Sathyanath employs the horror genre not just for thrills but as a means to convey an important social message. While the initial suspense and horror elements captivate the audience, the horror also serves as a metaphor for the real-life tragedies caused by pesticide misuse. This transition from simple scares to deeper symbolic commentary is both admirable and challenging, urging viewers to look beyond conventional genre excitement and confront the serious implications of modern agricultural methods.

Prasad Vashist delivers a thoughtful and introspective performance as Nachiketh, grounding the film with his nuanced portrayal. His ability to express the character’s inner turmoil and growing resolve through subtle body language is essential in advancing the story, adding depth to his pursuit of justice. Kishore’s portrayal of Hanuma, a farmer dealing with the consequences of modern agricultural practices, brings authenticity to the film. Drawing from his own experiences, Kishore’s performance resonates deeply with the audience.

The supporting cast, featuring Avinash, Chayashree, Manjunath, and Priyanka, plays a significant role in adding depth to the film, forming a cohesive and well-rounded ensemble.

While *Kabandha* effectively delivers a socially aware critique of contemporary farming practices, it does have its shortcomings. The blend of horror elements with the environmental themes can feel inconsistent at times, and the pacing may falter as the film shifts from moments of suspense to deeper symbolic reflections. Despite these issues, the film’s ambition to merge genre conventions with meaningful social commentary is commendable and invites thoughtful consideration.

**Director:** Sathyanath

**Cast:** Prasad Vashist, Kishore, Avinash, Chayashree, and Priyanka

**Rating:** 3/5 stars