Kanneda review: Parmish Verma's series is surprisingly gripping

3.5/5

Kanneda Story:

Many Indians left their country when caste-based riots ruined their lives. There are many scars that haven't healed and generational trauma continues. Kanneda is the story of a small boy carrying his scarred mind to a foreign land, only to be subject to more cruelty.

Kanneda Review:

"When an entire community takes pride in being, why ignore the shame?" Although this dialogue from Kanneda resonates, there's a lot waiting to be explored. The series takes the very concept and explains what is rotten and why.

The introduction to Kanneda is as expected. You are taken to the lanes of Canada to experience Punjabi rap. The cliches like the Canadian flag and clean streets are a big giveaway of the same.

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If Nadaaniyan was Noida meets South Delhi, this is West Delhi meets South Delhi and somehow, both our boys Nimma (Parmish Verma) and Daljiet (Aadar Malik) can fluently make the switch - they are desi pretending to be videshi. Both the actors, but Parmish in particular, leave a lasting impression.

Ranvir Shorey's appearance on the show as Bajwa turns out to be a good surprise in more ways than one. Meanwhile, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub tries hard to fit in and you take a long time to absorb the true nature of his character.

Arunoday Singh's Sarabh is quite the character. He is known for such a role and the actor nails it again. He even gets his action hero moment by taking on 10 guys at once, and in a more realistic manner.

Another surprise you didn't see coming is Nirav Mehta. Best remembered for playing Jiggy in Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, this actor plays Patel in this one and leaves you impressed with most of his scenes even in this one. The particular handshake with Gibbs ends up being memorable.

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The desi connection in this one is too strong to ignore. Not just that, the racism shown is also realistic. The show moves at the same pace till Nimma's chance to shine crops up.

We already know that the world of crime and politics is closely connected, and Kanneda is not different in that sense. It is about the most profitable business in the market. They are 'in tune' and can connect with the public way more because our desi banda is a successful rapper too.

The romance angle on the show, as abrupt as it is, the scene does appear seamless. The chemistry is there, even if briefly.

Anytime there's growth or someone flies solo, trouble is almost always just a mile away. Nimma, who entered the world of crime, wishes to back out of a consignment. That is where things start going wrong. Of course, Nimma vs Sarabh is one to watch out for.

The emotional confrontation scene between DJ and Nimma is heartwarming and can make any man cry. Just as you see a glimmer of hope, things get complicated. It is in this moment, that you know the end is near. And like a true Indian drama, this one ends with, you guessed it, drama with a hint of pain.

Kanneda Verdict:

Kanneda is a series that goes on in one tone but also manages to tap into true blue Indian emotions. Right from angst to rebellion to nostalgia and revenge, there's everything that this show offers. It is a surprisingly good watch. Go for it!