Reunions are not always easy sweet or moving. Sometimes when two people meet after more than a decade emotions unfold most unusually. While some may feel the eternal happiness of meeting their loved ones after a long time others may return to their loved one’s lives with malicious motives disguised behind a mask of virtue. This is exactly what Chandan Arora’s series Kankhajura seeks to capture for its audience. Kankhajura which literally translates to “centipede” a sneaky little troublemaker that crawls in quietly hides in dark corners and shows up when you least expect it. It is an apt metaphor for Ashu (played by Roshan Mathew) when he enters the calm and happy life of his brother Max (played by Mohit Raina) after 14 years of imprisonment it sparks a cascade of buried secrets unresolved trauma and creepy feelings. Released on May 30 2025 on SonyLiv Kankhajura is an 8-episode crime thriller and the Indian adaptation of the 2019 Israeli show Magpie. The Indian version explores the narrative of two brothers - siblings who are stark opposites and how their individual choices shape and shatter their lives. Plot and Theme The series opens with a shot of two people lying in the same jail cell. While one is trying to sleep the other cries continuously. Irritated by his cellmate’s sobbing the first man tries to start a conversation—only to discover that the crying prisoner is none other than Ashu! With his smooth manipulative skills Ashu just like a kankhajura worms his way into the man’s mind and gets him to confess his own crime. And now you know why the series is titled Kankhajura! The plot revolves around Ashu’s return. Following his release Max pretends to share a brotherly bond and lets Ashu into his perfect and fulfilling life. Little did Max know the coming days would upend his entire existence. Over the next seven episodes murders occur one after another. Some lives are destroyed others hang in the balance. Max and his close ones treat Ashu like a punching bag even as he quietly seeks their approval. While the series delivers plenty of stomach-turning twists and suspense it also touches on a very important social issue i.e. bullying. But who bullied whom and at what cost is something you’ll need to uncover by watching the series. Performances Coming to performances Mohit Raina and Roshan Mathew deliver standout roles. With intense emotional range both actors breathe life into their characters. Roshan Mathew serves as the show’s dark throbbing core. His portrayal of Ashu is a masterclass in psychological complexity - manipulative calculating yet naive. He gives audiences every reason to feel something for him i.e. sympathy disgust and even rage. Throughout the series it feels as if what’s happening on screen is unfolding in real life. If Mathew is the show’s beating heart Mohit Raina is the steady pulse that keeps it moving. Mohit nails the performance and fits into Max’s character like a jigsaw puzzle. However the female characters played by Sarah Jane Dias Heeba Shah and Usha Nadkarni have limited screen time. While their roles were intriguing and had potential they didn’t get the attention they deserved. On the other hand Trinetra Haldar despite only a few scenes left a lasting impression with her distinct and strong presence. Verdict Kankhajura explores the twisted dynamics between two brothers who are poles apart. While the first few episodes may feel disjointed due to quick transitions between past and present the narrative gradually stabilises. Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina hold the stage with powerful performances ensuring viewers remain hooked until the end. While it may not qualify as a perfect 10/10 crime thriller Kankhajura is a thoughtful character-driven drama with enough intrigue and emotional depth to keep you invested throughout the series. Rating: 3