Chanakyan

Chanakyan, T. K. Rajeev Kumar’s 1989 Malayalam thriller drama. It features Kamal Haasan, Urmila Matondkar and Jayaram. The movie focuses on the story of Johnson, whose family is killed by the powerful and corrupt politician Madhava Menon. This destruction is the result of Menon’s disapproving response to Johnson’s incestuous relationship with his daughter. Looking to take down the nefarious Yuran, Johnson teams up with a mimicry artist. Together, they find a smart way to channel the artist’s craft to deliver a righteous and horrible karma on Madhava Menon.

Johnson, who is good with technology, first tries to kill Chief Minister Madhava Menon with a radio-controlled car, but it doesn't work. Later, he encounters Jayaram, a mimicry artist skilled at imitating voices. Johnson pretends to be a government agent and tells Jayaram to pretend to be the Chief Minister's voice for a fake Republic Day message. Johnson successfully airs this tape instead of the real one at All India Radio, which makes people angry and criticises Madhava Menon. The Chief Minister’s response is to call for an inquiry, fearing sabotage. When Johnson finally confronts Jayaram, he tells his own sob story that’s tied up with the Chief Minister, making this the most opportunistic, soap operatic character turn you’re likely to see.

According to Johnson, he fell in love with the Chief Minister's daughter, Renuka. Renuka and the other members of Johnson's family committed suicide as a result of Madhava Menon's opposition to the relationship and use of his influence to destroy them. Jayaram agrees to assist Johnson in getting revenge after being moved by his story. Together, they use the impersonated voice to steal money from a relief fund and broadcast another false message that implicates the Chief Minister, further degrading him. Though police had witnessed the crime of Johnson’s death, his last act of requiring Madhava Menon to shoot him ended the politician’s career.

Chanakyan tells a powerful story rooted in ideas of justice and revenge. Behind the technical prowess, All Quiet on the Western Front boasts rich character interactions and a compelling story focused on a really interesting talent. With all the twists and turns, it builds suspense so effectively and provides such a satisfying conclusion that it’s hard to forget this visceral crime drama.