The lead actress of Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, Kani Kusruti, has a filmography that reflects her versatility and courage to experiment with roles. If you have been floored by her performance as Prabha in the Cannes 2024 Grand Prix-winning film, here’s a list of five Kanu Kusruti movies that are a must watch.
Biriyaani (2020)
Directed by: Sajin Baabu
Streaming on: Prime Video
In Biriyaani, Kani Kusruti delivers a haunting performance as Khadeeja, a woman caught in the oppressive constraints of patriarchy and religious orthodoxy. Repressed in her marriage and ostracised after her brother is linked with the ISIS, Khadeeja and her mother face social rejection and isolation. Khadeeja challenges norms, turning to prostitution for survival. The film ends with her presumed death, prompting viewers to reflect on the oppression she endured and her dream of reclaiming agency.
Vichithram (2022)
Director: Achu Vijayan
Streaming on: Prime Video
In Vichithram, Kani plays Jasmine, a widow who moves into her late brother’s eerie mansion with her five adult sons after his passing. Each son grapples with his challenges, while Jasmine strives to hold the family together amid mysterious happenings. As the family navigates strained relationships and supernatural encounters, Jasmine emerges as a steadfast matriarch. Rooted in drama and suspense, the story explores themes of art, love, and the haunting power of the unresolved past.
Nishiddho (2022)
Director: Tara Ramanujan
Streaming on: CSPACE
Tara Ramanujan’s Nishiddho features Kani as Chaavi, a Tamil migrant in Kochi who takes up the job of a house help and part-time midwife. Chaavi carries the pain of surviving a female infanticide attempt, compounded by witnessing her client's rejection of a third girl child. When she meets Rudra, a guilt-ridden Bengali construction worker, they form a bond born of shared anguish. Kani’s performance is deeply affecting, her eyes conveying Chaavi’s silent suffering and resilience.
Vazhakku (2022)
Director: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan
Streaming on: Saina Play
Kani delivers a stirring performance as Sathi, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage and coping with her own emotional scars while caring for her mute daughter. Her path crosses with Siddharthan (Tovino Thomas), a lawyer entangled in his own marital struggles. Sathi’s quiet resilience and inner turmoil touches Siddharthan deeply, forcing him to confront his own failures and discontent.
Kirkkan (2023)
Directed by: Josh
Streaming on: Manorama Max
Kirkkan is an investigative thriller that features Kani as Farsana, a diligent police officer trying to do her best in a high-stakes murder investigation. The film revolves around Rachel (Anarkali Marikkar), who is found dead, hanging in a rubber plantation. As layers of the case are peeled, Farsana’s composed demeanour and sharp intellect stand in contrast to the frustration and emotional turbulence of her colleagues, particularly Mathan (Maqbool Salman). Kani’s restrained performance adds depth to this unconventional crime thriller.
