Review: 'Kafas' leaves quite an impression with its sincere performances and hard-hitting narrative

Kafas

When we are just trying to bring out bold-concept shows touching the roots of LGBTQIA+ and domestic violence for the Indian masses, Sahil Sanhga has taken yet another step to present subjects like 'male sexual assault and 'pedophilia' amongst many other issues with his show 'Kafas' which will be streaming on Sony Liv. As we know these subjects need to be treated with the utmost sensitivity, especially in a country like ours let us see how 'Kafas' does it, and here is what I feel about the show.

The Plot

'Kafas' delves into the captivating narrative of the Vashisht family, residing in the bustling city of Mumbai. Raghav, Seema, and their children Shreya and Sunny, find solace in their harmonious existence within the middle-class milieu. A remarkable opportunity emerges for Sunny, as he secures a pivotal role in a grandiose Bollywood production alongside the renowned actor Vikram Bajaj. However, an unforeseen event alters the course of his life, as he becomes a victim of sexual assault by his co-star. Further, the intricacies of the Vashisht family's lives are explored, illuminating how the dynamics of power and privilege often overshadow the pursuit of truth and justice.

Incorporating too much

With Sunny's encounter with the 'pedophile' superstar being the core issue of the show, a lot is tried to be incorporated into the dynamics. A divorced family, sibling bond, insecurity of the elder sibling, infidelity, journalistic appeals, and much more. While these things act as catalysts and add layers to the plot, they sometimes deviate the narrative from the focus subject. Despite the brevity of the episodes, the execution can feel tediously slow, with an overwhelming abundance of internal conflicts plaguing the characters. You question a lot of things like what is even happening between Ragahv and Seema. Are they actually in love or just compromising the whole time? Is Shreya mad at her parents for real or is she delusional about the whole concept? Nevertheless, the series effectively maintains its focus on the central narrative, ensuring its coherence amidst the turmoil.

The Performances

The performances in 'Kafas' leave an indelible impression on viewers.  Sharman Joshi delivers a nuanced performance, capturing the essence of a parent struggling with powerlessness and a spouse yearning to regain control. The child actors also shine, particularly Mikail Gandhi as Sunny, who displays remarkable maturity in conveying his character's mental anguish. Sometimes his 'always in anguish and confused face' gets annoying, but that's what his character asks for. Tejasvi Singh Ahlawat skillfully portrays the complex inner world of a teenage girl yearning for equal love from her parents. Mona Singh's portrayal is a seamless fit, effortlessly embodying a role that showcases her exceptional talent. Vivan Bhathena's portrayal of a vile pedophile invokes a strong sense of repulsion, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Emotion Vs. Intrigue

While there are heavy moments that actually make you feel all emotional and at the same time leave you disheartened about what the character is going through, the suspense or edgy twists could have been inserted in a much better way, making things look more crisp and thrilling. 

The Verdict

'Kafas' is a not-so-complex ordinary narrative, but presented with some great performances, that could have been executed better. 

Rating *** (3/5 stars)