Last updated: 24 Apr 2026


Tamil · Drama
2h 23m · 23 Feb 2018
Music: M. Jayachandran | DOP: Noushad Shereef | Writer: Anwar Abdulla, Anuar Abdullah, Aju K. Narayanan
Ratings
Our Rating
1.75
Keni is a Tamil drama that revolves around the lives of villagers grappling with the scarcity of water and the socio-political dynamics that ensue. The story unfolds through the perspective of multiple characters, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and interpersonal relationships in a drought-hit rural setting. The narrative explores themes of survival, human resilience, and the impact of environmental issues on community bonds.
Keni presents a socially relevant theme centered on water scarcity and its ramifications on rural life. The screenplay attempts to weave multiple character arcs into a cohesive narrative, though the pacing suffers from unevenness, with the first half moving at a slower, more contemplative pace while the second half picks up intensity and emotional engagement.
The story is earnest but occasionally weighed down by melodramatic elements and a predictable plot trajectory. The director's approach to storytelling is straightforward, focusing more on message delivery than on cinematic innovation. The songs composed by M. Jayachandran blend well with the film's mood, though they do not stand out as memorable highlights. The background score effectively underscores the emotional beats, enhancing the tension and poignancy in key scenes.
Cinematography by Noushad Shereef captures the rustic landscape authentically, adding to the film’s immersive rural atmosphere. However, the film's overall impact is diluted by a lack of narrative tightness and some underdeveloped subplots, which affect viewer engagement over its runtime.
Jaya Prada: Delivers a dignified and heartfelt performance, bringing depth to her character’s emotional struggles.
R. Parthiban: Provides a grounded portrayal with subtlety, effectively conveying the nuances of his role.
Revathi: Offers a restrained and convincing performance, adding gravitas to the narrative.
Archana: Adequate performance with moments of emotional intensity.
Parvathy Nambiar: Shows promise with a naturalistic portrayal, though limited by the script.
Nassar: Strong presence with a commanding performance that anchors several key scenes.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Nishad M A directs with a clear focus on the film’s social message, prioritizing thematic content over stylistic experimentation. The writing is straightforward but occasionally heavy-handed, which impacts the film’s emotional resonance and pacing.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 40% |
| Neutral | 35% |
| Negative | 25% |
The film received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated its thematic intentions and performances but criticized its slow pacing and lack of narrative cohesion. No numeric critic ratings from specified sources were found.
Final Box-Office Result
Keni released on 23 February 2018 (2018).
Keni is declared a DISASTER at the box office.
Keni OTT release date not announced yet.
Keni directed by Nishad M A. Produced by Anne Sajeev, P. K. Sajeev.
Keni stars Jaya Prada, R. Parthiban, Revathi, Archana, Parvathy Nambiar.
Tollybo rates Keni 1.75/5. Verdict: DISASTER.
Music for Keni composed by M. Jayachandran.
Keni — Genre: Drama, Runtime: 143 minutes, Language: Tamil.