KD review: A journey back into childhood with two fantastic and lively characters

An eighty-year-old man wakes up from a coma only to hear his children planning to kill him off. This could have been the beginning of a sombre, tragic story. But Madhumita Sundararaman's KD is a joyous celebration that sparkles on the screen with its wit, life philosophy and wonderful music. By the end of two hours, it is hard not to walk out with a tender feeling in your heart. 

The film revolves around Karuppu Durai aka KD (Mu Ramaswamy), an 80 year-old who has woken up from a coma to the shock of his life. His children plan to end the interminable wait for his death by conducting a ritual that will hasten the doom.

Having woken up and discovered that his own family does not want him, KD leaves them to wander. His travels take him to a little temple town, where he meets an eight-year-old orphaned rascal Kutty (Nagavishal). The two set out on their own adventure, teaching, learning and sharing what little joy they have in the world. 

The story, captivating as it is, relies greatly on the chemistry of the two lead artistes who perform with a flourish. While Mu Ramaswamy, who plays the eponymous KD, is a veteran artiste, it is young Nagavishal who takes home the plaudits. Fearless, natural and blessed with a style that suits his brash eight-year-old character, the boy dominates the screen. He is allowed to do so by the veteran in a performance that is heartbreaking, adorable and simple in its delivery. 

KD is a film that deals with the sombre topic of prolonged illness in poor families in villages. Yet, the plotline is filled with incidents that are real, relatable and entertaining. The director's handling of the film is quite good, with its scenic portrayal of villages and the culture, life and food finding their way into the central theme. The bonding between the two lead artistes is also written quite brilliantly and comes off with natural ease. This allows the story to progress without hiccups. 

A word about the music by Karthikeya Murthy which is fantastic and adds a layer of emotions to each crucial development in the plot. The cinematography by Meyyendiran Kempuraj is also a visual treat. 

Most of all, the film belongs to Kutty and KD. Two souls wandering through life, discovering love, life and a friendship that comes from the shared experience of being abandoned. It would be remiss to try and squeeze the entire plot and lessons of the film into a review. It is worth the experience that it provides.

Even more, it makes you want to find Kutty and KD and thank them for teaching you that life is beautiful. 

KD was screened at the 10th Jagran Film Festival on 28 September 2019.