Kshana Kshanam(1991)
Kshana Kshanam is a 1991 Indian Telugu-language road thriller film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film stars Sridevi, Venkatesh, Paresh Rawal, and Rami Reddy. The story follows Satya, a middle-class woman who accidentally obtains a clue to a bank robbery, forcing her to flee from both a ruthless gangster and the police. She is joined by Chandu, a small-time thief, as they navigate forests and cities to survive. The film introduced film noir and road movie elements to Indian cinema. It was featured at the Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Fribourg International Film Festival. The film won five Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Sridevi. It was released on 9 October 1991.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 9 October 1991
- Director
- Ram Gopal Varma
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 25m
- Rating
- 5.8/10
Storyline
A bank robbery in Hyderabad leaves a clue to the stolen money hidden in a photo envelope. The envelope ends up with Satya, a working woman. She is chased by the gangster Nayar and the police. A pickpocket named Chandu takes her hostage, but they must work together to survive.
“Every moment is a fight for survival.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Kshana Kshanam
Cast reunions in this film: Venkatesh & Daggubati Venkatesh (29 films together), Brahmanandam & Daggubati Venkatesh (22 films together), Venkatesh & Brahmanandam (16 films together), Brahmanandam & Hema (12 films together), Brahmanandam & Ram Gopal Varma (8 films together), and Ram Gopal Varma & Paresh Rawal (7 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally planned as a low-budget project with a different cast, but its success changed the director's career.
- The iconic 'Chandamama' song sequence was shot in a single night at a real Hyderabad railway station.
- Actress Sridevi was initially hesitant to play Satya, as the role was a departure from her typical glamorous parts.
- The film's editing style and background score were heavily influenced by Hollywood thrillers of the time.
- It was one of the earliest Telugu films to extensively use sync sound recording for more realistic dialogue.
- The movie's climax was inspired by the classic treasure hunt film 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'.
- Despite being a thriller, the film includes subtle comedy elements that became a trademark for the director.