“Kaala,” directed by Pa. Ranjith, is a 2018 Tamil-language action drama film that blends social commentary with intense storytelling. Released on June 7, 2018, the movie stars the legendary Rajinikanth in the titular role of Kaala Karikaalan. With a genre that mixes action, drama, and political themes, “Kaala” became one of the most anticipated films of the year. Known for its strong political undertones, the movie delves into issues of social injustice, caste discrimination, and the power struggles in urban slums. As with most Rajinikanth films, “Kaala” promised high-octane action, but it also brought a deep narrative that resonated with the masses. In this review, we will explore the different aspects of the film, including its plot, performances, and the overall impact it had on audiences worldwide.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
“Kaala” tells the story of Kaala Karikaalan, a fearless leader from the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai. Kaala, played by Rajinikanth, is a charismatic figure who rises to power by fighting against the oppressive forces that exploit the marginalized communities. The movie presents his journey as a man who is not just fighting for his people’s rights but also for their survival in a world that constantly undermines their existence.
The plot revolves around the conflict between Kaala and the antagonist Hari Dada, a ruthless politician portrayed by Nana Patekar. The tension between these two characters forms the core of the film, as Kaala stands up to protect his community from the political corruption and land-grabbing schemes spearheaded by Hari Dada. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey of personal sacrifice, revenge, and the constant battle between good and evil. The film’s emotional depth, combined with action-packed sequences, keeps the viewers engaged throughout.
What’s Good?
Rajinikanth’s Performance
Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Kaala is nothing short of spectacular. His commanding screen presence and ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions are key to the film’s success. Kaala is a character who is both a protector and a revolutionary, and Rajinikanth brings a unique blend of dignity and fierceness to the role. His dialogues, especially those in the climax, resonate with power and emotion, elevating the movie to a level that only he can achieve.
Direction by Pa. Ranjith
Pa. Ranjith’s direction is one of the standout features of “Kaala.” Known for his socially conscious filmmaking, Ranjith brings a sense of realism and depth to the story. The film doesn’t just focus on the action but also addresses important social issues such as caste discrimination and the exploitation of the poor. Ranjith’s ability to blend commercial elements with social commentary is what makes “Kaala” a standout film in the Tamil cinema industry. His handling of the narrative, coupled with the seamless transitions between emotional and action-packed scenes, ensures that the audience remains engaged throughout the film.
Cinematography and Visual Appeal
The cinematography by Murali G. is another highlight of the film. The way the film captures the slums of Mumbai, with their vibrant colors and contrasting shades of light and dark, adds to the rawness of the story. The action sequences, particularly the ones involving Kaala’s confrontations with the antagonists, are shot with high intensity and clarity. The visual style of the film complements its gritty narrative, making it visually captivating and immersive.
Music and Background Score
Santhosh Narayanan’s music adds an extra layer of emotion to the film. The soundtrack, particularly the title track “Kaala,” is catchy and energizing, perfectly capturing the essence of the character. The background score amplifies the tension in key scenes, making the action sequences more impactful. The music also plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth of the film, particularly in the more dramatic moments.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
One of the biggest strengths of “Kaala” is its ability to blend social issues with a commercial narrative. The film doesn’t shy away from addressing real-life problems, such as land-grabbing, caste-based discrimination, and political corruption. At the same time, it doesn’t lose its entertainment value, thanks to Rajinikanth’s magnetic performance and the high-energy action scenes.
The film also excels in its portrayal of the bond between Kaala and his community. The emotional connection between the character and the people he protects is a driving force in the story. This sense of loyalty and love for one’s people adds depth to Kaala’s character, making him more than just a hero fighting against the bad guys.
Weaknesses
However, “Kaala” is not without its flaws. One of the criticisms that the film faced was its pacing. While the film is engaging, some sequences feel drawn out, particularly in the second half. The film could have benefited from a tighter editing process to maintain the momentum.
Another issue is the predictable nature of the plot. While the themes of resistance and power struggle are compelling, the story follows a somewhat conventional trajectory, with a clear-cut good versus evil narrative. This predictability might not appeal to viewers looking for more complex or unexpected twists in the storyline.
Target Audience
“Kaala” is a film that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Fans of Rajinikanth will undoubtedly enjoy his powerful performance and larger-than-life persona. The film’s action-packed sequences, combined with its emotional depth, make it suitable for viewers who enjoy both commercial cinema and socially conscious storytelling. Those interested in films that tackle real-world issues, particularly the struggles of marginalized communities, will also find “Kaala” to be thought-provoking and engaging.
However, the film’s heavy political themes and slower pacing in certain sections may not appeal to younger audiences or those seeking light-hearted entertainment. Fans of intense drama and action will find much to appreciate here, while casual moviegoers may find it a bit too serious at times.
Box Office Details
“Kaala” had an impressive budget of approximately ₹100 crores (INR). The film’s release generated significant buzz due to Rajinikanth’s involvement and its political themes. On its opening day, “Kaala” earned approximately ₹20 crores in India, with the overseas market contributing another ₹5 crores. The film saw a strong opening weekend, grossing around ₹70 crores in total worldwide.
Over the next few days, the film continued to perform well at the box office. On Day 2, it earned ₹18 crores in India and ₹4 crores overseas. By Day 3, the numbers were steady, with ₹17 crores in India and ₹3.5 crores internationally. The movie’s performance in the following days was consistent, with Day 4 bringing in ₹15 crores in India and ₹3 crores from overseas markets. On Day 5, the film earned ₹14 crores domestically and ₹2.5 crores from international territories.
Despite facing competition from other films during its release, “Kaala” proved to be a box office success, grossing over ₹200 crores worldwide by the end of its theatrical run. This success was a testament to Rajinikanth’s star power and the film’s strong connection with audiences, especially in Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
Recommendation
In conclusion, “Kaala” is a powerful film that combines Rajinikanth’s iconic star power with a socially relevant narrative. While the film has its pacing issues and predictable moments, it remains an engaging watch due to its strong performances, direction, and action sequences. For fans of Rajinikanth and those who appreciate films that tackle real-world issues, “Kaala” is a must-watch. Highly recommended for those who enjoy action-packed dramas with a message of resistance and empowerment.
Genres:
Action, Crime, Drama
Rating:
6.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Rajinikanth | Karikaalan Vengaiyan ‘Kaala’ |
| Nana Patekar | Haridev Abhayankar ‘Hari Dhadha’ |
| Samuthirakani | Vaaliyappan |
| Easwari Rao | Selvi Karikaalan |
| Huma Qureshi | Zareena |
| K. Manikandan | Lenin |
| Anjali Patil | Charumathi ‘Puyal’ |
| Aruldoss | MLA |
| Dhileban | Selvam |
| Sayaji Shinde | Minister |
| Sakshi Agarwal | Karikaalan’s Daughter-in-Law |
| Sampath Raj | Vishnu Bhai |
| Ravi Kale | Sunil |
| Pankaj Tripathi | SP Pankaj Patil |
| Aravind Akash | Shivaji Gaekwod Rao |
| Yatin Karyekar | |
| Ramesh Thilak | Journalist |
| Arundhathi Nair | Karikaalan’s Daughter-in-Law |
| Shan Sharif Khan | Shan |
| Supergood Subramani | |
| Nithish Veera | Kathiravan |
| Karuppu Nambiyar | |
| Vishalini Daniel | Devi |
| Pradeep Kabra |
How is Our Review?
Let us know if you liked our review of Kaala through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.
Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
